The AFL Grand Finalists will be decided this weekend as four teams battle it out for a place in the Grand Final at the MCG. Here we take a look at the two teams most likely to reach the Grand Final and how they could get there.

Richmond

Richmond have a great chance of reaching this year’s AFL Grand Final. With just four defeats this season there’s a reason the team finished top of the pile before the finals series and Richmond had an impressive eight players in the All Australian squad of 40. But there were many players not even in the All Australian squad who had a substantial impact; these players include David Astbury and Toby Nankervis as well as the underrated Dion Prestia.

This Richmond side has quality in every department. In defence there’s Alex Rance, then there’s captain and inspirational leader Trent Cotchin in the middle, alongside Coleman Medal winner Jack Riewoldt and Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin.

The fact that players such as Brandon Ellis and Anthony Miles couldn’t get on the pitch in the first final illustrates the strength in depth of this talented team; Richmond benching players who would almost certainly start for any other side in the competition. It’s very difficult to see Richmond losing the Preliminary Final unless they’re unlucky with injuries or get seriously complacent.

First year player Jack Higgins is one who often goes under the radar, even if his freakish goal against Collingwood in Round 19 has every chance of winning goal of the year. Higgins had an impressive 20 disposals in the first game of the Finals Series and form like that will soon see him getting more of the recognition he deserves.

Richmond are best priced at odds of $1.95 to win this year’s Premiership according to Odds.com.au and what makes the case for Richmond winning even stronger is the fact that they have made the MCG an absolute fortress.

Richmond could well become one of AFL’s truly great teams, but they are still new to being one of the more fancied sides in the league and the pressure that brings will surely have an impact. Last year Richmond were largely unheralded whereas this time out few pundits are underestimating their quality. It will be a formidable challenge for the Tigers this Friday night at the MCG as Collingwood provided tough tussles in both of their games against Richmond this season, in Round Six and Round Nineteen of the regular season. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to see Richmond losing this contest; particularly given that they are virtually unbeatable at the MCG.

Melbourne

Melbourne could well emulate the Bulldogs side of 2016 and win the Premiership from outside of the top four. They have been in fine form of late and should have enough to make it through to the Grand Final. Boasting the likes of Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and Angus Brayshaw the Demons are more than capable of overturning the Eagles on Saturday to cement their place in the showpiece MCG final.

The three cornerstones of this powerful Melbourne team are game changers Jack Viney, Max Gawn and the tireless Tom McDonald.

Forward McDonald managed to kick four goals in the Semi Final against Hawthorn, giving Melbourne the belief that they can go all the way this year. And the fact that they emerged victorious in the Round 22 clash at Optus Stadium earlier this season the Demons know this Preliminary Final against the Eagles is one they can win.

The likes of Michael Hibberd and Sam Frost are players that have solidified the Melbourne defence this year, whilst Neville Jetta has continued to stake his claim to being the best small defender in the competition. The fact that Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver are two of the favourites for this year’s Brownlow Medal highlight why this Melbourne squad pushed so hard to finish fifth on the ladder in the regular season.

Gawn is at odds of $9 and Oliver is priced at $34 to win the Brownlow. Having two players in the running for the Brownlow Medal suggests a team who have racked up plenty of wins during the regular season, and Melbourne have claimed the four points on offer on an impressive 14 occasions.

There’s no doubt that Melbourne have a great opportunity to make it through to the Grand Final, especially after the season ending hamstring injury suffered by pivotal defender Brad Sheppard, as this is a team that just won’t give up. They have the pedigree and experience to take on the formidable Eagles on home turf, and hurt them once more.