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- Jul 15, 2014
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Week two of the finals have arrived, and it’s sudden death from here on out. Collingwood were brave in their trip to Perth last week, and despite dominating for extended periods of the game, couldn’t get it done in the end, losing by 16 points. For GWS, they put on a dominant display against an experienced Swans outfit, restricting the Swans to just two goals, before the Swans kicked a couple late goals.
These two sides last met way back in round two. Coming into the game, both teams were polar opposites in terms of form. Collingwood were coming off an awful loss to the Hawks, whereas the Giants had smashed the Bulldogs in their previous game. Against the odds, Collingwood put on a good performance, but ran out of legs as the Giants won by a couple of goals.
Collingwood
For many Collingwood fans, it was hard to judge how the team performed against the West Coast in Perth. Many fans were proud of how their team played against an experienced finals side, especially in a hostile environment. However, there were extended periods of the game where the Magpies dominated, but couldn’t impact scoreboard, which really hurt them in the long run. Steele Sidebottom was sensational for the Magpies, as was Taylor Adams. In his return game, Tyson Goldsack was also brilliant, holding his own against Josh Kennedy. Despite some thinking that Moore could be a handy addition to the side, Collingwood has decided to leave the team unchanged. The Magpies enjoy a solid record against the Giants. While they’ve lost their past two matches against GWS, both have been very close, and were in situations where the Giants were a far stronger side on paper.
The man to watch this week is Jeremy Howe. Arguably Collingwood’s most important defender, Howe played one of his worst games in the black and white against the Eagles. Poor decisions, miskicks, and dropped marks really hurt Collingwood, and in finals football you can’t afford those mistakes. The Giants have a dangerous forward line, and Howe will need to improve to stop their influence.
GWS
Coming into the finals, many questions were being asked of the Giants. Many questioned whether the players had the right attitude coming into finals, or whether the injuries would be too much. However, the Giants put forth perhaps their best performance for the season, dismantling the Swans in brutal fashion. Toby Greene and Lachie Whitfield were dazzling displays for the Giants. Like Collingwood, GWS are one of the best tackling sides in the competition, averaging 66.8 tackles a game. The Giants are also one of the best inside 50 teams in the league, averaging 54.2 inside 50s a game. Injuries seem to be a weekly thing for the Giants, and this week is no different, with Josh Kelly being ruled out due to injuring his knee. This is a huge blow for the Giants, with many arguing that the Giant’s midfield becomes one-dimensional when he’s not playing. Callan Ward and Coniglio will need to ensure that the loss of Kelly isn’t too great.
The man to watch is Lachie Keeffe. After failing a drug test in 2015, many doubted whether Keeffe would play in the AFL again. However, to his credit he was drafted by GWS and has been gifted a chance to make an impact on the side with a spot in the final 22. Keeffe has been somewhat underwhelming this season, not really excelling in any area. If he is to earn a contract for next season, he’ll need to produce a good performance.
Matchup to watch
Brayden Maynard vs Toby Greene
Toby Greene has copped a lot of heat over the last week, with many criticizing his kicking action when taking marks. However, there is no denying the talent this small forward possesses. Greene has the knack for rising to the occasion when his team needs him. Therefore, it’s a huge task for Maynard who will be given the Greene assignment. Maynard will be looking to nullify the Greene impact, while also trying to play on the offensive out of defense.
Head to Head odds
GWS: $2.45
Collingwood: $1.58
Changes
GWS
IN
Ryan Griffen, Lachlan Keeffe
OUT
Harry Perryman (Omitted), Josh Kelly (Injured)
Collingwood
No change.
TV
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Live on Channel 7, National.
Radio
3AW
ABC
MMM
SEN
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
Weather
9 °C / 48 °F
Chance of rain: 90%
Showers. Windy.
Tip
Collingwood has received plenty of support from the media over the week, with many predicting an easy Collingwood win. However, this will be closer than expected.
Collingwood by 15
These two sides last met way back in round two. Coming into the game, both teams were polar opposites in terms of form. Collingwood were coming off an awful loss to the Hawks, whereas the Giants had smashed the Bulldogs in their previous game. Against the odds, Collingwood put on a good performance, but ran out of legs as the Giants won by a couple of goals.
Collingwood
For many Collingwood fans, it was hard to judge how the team performed against the West Coast in Perth. Many fans were proud of how their team played against an experienced finals side, especially in a hostile environment. However, there were extended periods of the game where the Magpies dominated, but couldn’t impact scoreboard, which really hurt them in the long run. Steele Sidebottom was sensational for the Magpies, as was Taylor Adams. In his return game, Tyson Goldsack was also brilliant, holding his own against Josh Kennedy. Despite some thinking that Moore could be a handy addition to the side, Collingwood has decided to leave the team unchanged. The Magpies enjoy a solid record against the Giants. While they’ve lost their past two matches against GWS, both have been very close, and were in situations where the Giants were a far stronger side on paper.
The man to watch this week is Jeremy Howe. Arguably Collingwood’s most important defender, Howe played one of his worst games in the black and white against the Eagles. Poor decisions, miskicks, and dropped marks really hurt Collingwood, and in finals football you can’t afford those mistakes. The Giants have a dangerous forward line, and Howe will need to improve to stop their influence.
GWS
Coming into the finals, many questions were being asked of the Giants. Many questioned whether the players had the right attitude coming into finals, or whether the injuries would be too much. However, the Giants put forth perhaps their best performance for the season, dismantling the Swans in brutal fashion. Toby Greene and Lachie Whitfield were dazzling displays for the Giants. Like Collingwood, GWS are one of the best tackling sides in the competition, averaging 66.8 tackles a game. The Giants are also one of the best inside 50 teams in the league, averaging 54.2 inside 50s a game. Injuries seem to be a weekly thing for the Giants, and this week is no different, with Josh Kelly being ruled out due to injuring his knee. This is a huge blow for the Giants, with many arguing that the Giant’s midfield becomes one-dimensional when he’s not playing. Callan Ward and Coniglio will need to ensure that the loss of Kelly isn’t too great.
The man to watch is Lachie Keeffe. After failing a drug test in 2015, many doubted whether Keeffe would play in the AFL again. However, to his credit he was drafted by GWS and has been gifted a chance to make an impact on the side with a spot in the final 22. Keeffe has been somewhat underwhelming this season, not really excelling in any area. If he is to earn a contract for next season, he’ll need to produce a good performance.
Matchup to watch
Brayden Maynard vs Toby Greene
Toby Greene has copped a lot of heat over the last week, with many criticizing his kicking action when taking marks. However, there is no denying the talent this small forward possesses. Greene has the knack for rising to the occasion when his team needs him. Therefore, it’s a huge task for Maynard who will be given the Greene assignment. Maynard will be looking to nullify the Greene impact, while also trying to play on the offensive out of defense.
Head to Head odds
GWS: $2.45
Collingwood: $1.58
Changes
GWS
IN
Ryan Griffen, Lachlan Keeffe
OUT
Harry Perryman (Omitted), Josh Kelly (Injured)
Collingwood
No change.
TV
Live on Fox Footy, Commercial Free
Live on Channel 7, National.
Radio
3AW
ABC
MMM
SEN
IPTV
AFL Live Pass
Foxtel Now
WatchAFL
Weather
9 °C / 48 °F
Chance of rain: 90%
Showers. Windy.
Tip
Collingwood has received plenty of support from the media over the week, with many predicting an easy Collingwood win. However, this will be closer than expected.
Collingwood by 15
