Much of the week has been focused on Brayden Maynard and his tribunal hearing for the high contact on Angus Brayshaw instead of the two match-ups for week two.

While the decision will continue to echo throughout the Finals, our focus shifts to the Friday night blockbuster between Victorian powerhouses Melbourne and Carlton and the Saturday night interstate clash between Port Adelaide and GWS.

Semi-Finals Fixtures and Predictions

Friday, September 15

Melbourne v Carlton (MCG, 5:50 pm AWST)

This will be the second straight year that the Demons will need to use their double chance ‘get out of jail free card’ with the hopes of progressing to a preliminary final.

Standing in their way are the red-hot Blues who have had the strongest second half of any team in the competition. It wasn’t long ago that Melbourne and Carlton faced off in round 22 with Carlton getting the win in a low-scoring and controversial match-up.

Melbourne might consider themselves unlucky not to get the win against Collingwood having controlled the tempo for most of the game and winning the inside 50s count — albeit in an inefficient manner.

Carlton, however, led from start to finish and had the game under control even with a fast-closing Swans outfit bringing the game within a straight kick.

For Melbourne to progress, they will need to stop the engine room of Carlton, which means trying to put the brakes on Patrick Cripps, while hoping Sam Walsh doesn’t tear the game wide open. The Melbourne midfielders will also have to do a better job of providing quality ball into the forward 50 to give their forwards better opportunities to hit the scoreboard.

Carlton on the other end will be down a key forward with McKay to miss with an injury — this might allow Melbourne defenders to slip away from their man to provide support when the ball is being kicked in Curnow’s direction. This means the Blues will not only need a big game from Curnow but also to be smart in finding other avenues to goal so the Demon’s defence can’t simply play two on one against Curnow all night.

Last time they met: RD22 Carlton 9.6 (60) v Melbourne 8.8 (56)

Player to watch: Patrick Cripps

Winner: Melbourne

Saturday, September 16

Port Adelaide v GWS (AO, 5:40 pm AWST)

In the first week of the finals, Port Adelaide had the task of versing Brisbane at home in Brisbane, and as expected they weren’t able to get the win. Luckily for Port Adelaide, they like Melbourne have a second chance.

GWS on the other hand travelled to Melbourne and easily put away St Kilda in a dominant display across the field. 

The last time Port Adelaide and GWS met was at Adelaide Oval in round 22 and it was anything but a close game with Port Adelaide beating GWS by over 50 points.

Despite the loss against the Lions last week, Port Adelaide will no doubt be wiser from the matchup and be happy to be playing at home this week. Port Adelaide’s defence was un-Port Adelaide-like against Brisbane as Joe Daniher kicked 5 goals. Hinkley will no doubt have had the backline reviewing the tapes and we expect to see a vastly different Port Adelaide defence this week against GWS.

For GWS last week Tom Green was prolific in the centre of the ground often getting GSW first use of the ball and getting the ball moving forward. He will no doubt be a target for Port Adelaide to limit his clearance works, however, this may result in Kelly or Coniglio having a greater impact around the ground.

Last time they met: RD22 Port Adelaide 21.10 (136) v GWS 13.7 (85)

Player to watch: Connor Rozee

Winner: Port Adelaide

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