Preview for Finals Week two

This week in the AFL there are two big games that being the Semi Finals. These are what's known as the do or die clashes as the loser goes out and the winners through to the Preliminary Finals, one to play St Kilda the other Geelong. Last week saw two teams exit, this week will also see two teams exit in the race for the 2009 AFL Premiership.

Second Semi Final: Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane (MCG) Friday Night.
People have thought about this more straight forward than me. A lot of people would have thought that the Western Bulldogs were an obvious choice for this game, but that's where I give Brisbane credit. They have got a side that could do things this year but if they don't they will go higher next year. The odds are against them to charge further into September but as I've said it's a funny game and you never can be really sure about what's going to happen. Western Bulldogs on the otherhand are a team that could do anything, play really good or not play so good. They haven't been in a grand final since 1961 and won a flag since 54, it's a long time ago but it's something that could be in it's reach with the right manpower and attitude. Whether it would be this year is another thing but it's that unknown factor that could pop up again. The Dogs were oh so close last year only losing to the Cats by 20 points can they go one better this year? They pinched that third spot at the last moment this year beating the Pies who people thought were a real chance to win the premiership this year and still could. But last week they were outplayed and they missed their opportunities that could have made the scoreboard interesting. The right mix of players for both clubs is going to come into play tonight. Brisbane have the forwards in Brown and Bradshaw and on fire can really cause trouble. Western Bulldogs on the otherhand don't have the big forwards up forward but make up for it with Johnson and Higgins. Matchups are going to be the key and if the Dogs matchup well then it could be their night otherwise Brisbane will own this game. To me after careful consideration I think that the Western Bulldogs will win by 19 points.

First Semi Final: Collingwood vs Adelaide (MCG) Saturday Night.
Now this game I have wrestled with mainly due to the unknown factor that presents itself here. You can say that the in form side is Adelaide with the way that they have put sides away in the last three weeks, they do look the goods. Bernie Vince in the midfield and with a forwardline that they haven't had for a while gives them the boost that they need. Collingwood on the otherhand have injuries and really shouldn't have played Rocca last week, it was way to risky now they are finding out the hard way. To me they have done well without him and really should go back to the team structure and formula that has kicked them into form. They do have key players out but that's when Collingwood could come out and play their best. The Pies had beaten Adelaide over at AAMI Stadium so that they know they can do it at the G. Adelaide have the momentum and know that they could win anywhere. If Adelaide don't capitalise on the fact that Collingwood are missing players then they will be overun by eager Collingwood players looking to impress if they do then they will win. Collingwood have to kick in the fact that they have the home ground advantage if there is any such thing and the fact that they play well there and find something within themselves in order to win. I personally think that this game will be a belter......oh and a good game too lol. The Magpies will win by 8 points.

Interesting to see how I go with this but to see who goes through to the Preliminary Finals next week.

Catch ya!