The hypothetical situation is set - Melbourne has progressed to the 2021 Grand Final where they will take on Port Adelaide.
The two teams are through to the Preliminary Finals after comfortably accounting for Brisbane and Geelong respectively in the Qualifying Finals on the weekend, but if taking an early look at a possible Grand Final matchup, which side would have the edge?
After watching the Demons defeat the Lions by 33 points at the Adelaide Oval, Kane Cornes identified an area where he feels Simon Goodwin’s outfit could be slightly lacking.
He referenced the bag of five goals kicked by Brisbane small forward Charlie Cameron against the Dees’ defence as a potential danger sign.
He said on SEN Breakfast: “Are they susceptible to the smaller forwards when the ball hits the deck?
“It’s hard to be critical of anything with the way they defended on the weekend, but I’m just forecasting a couple of weeks and jumping the gun here.
“If it is Port Adelaide in the Grand Final - Zak Butters, Connor Rozee, Robbie Gray, Steven Motlop, Orazio Fantasia - would that be of concern considering Charlie Cameron got a hold of them?”
Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon agrees somewhat, but could say the same thing for Port Adelaide’s defence led by Aliir Aliir and captain Tom Jonas.
“For sure,” Lyon responded.
“I think that’s the respect you hold those players in.
“Just as it’s going to be a challenge for Port Adelaide to deal with Bayley Fritsch and Kysaiah Pickett and some of those blokes that might be able to provide some headaches for Aliir and the like.”
That proposed Grand Final is a mouthwatering prospect, but Lyon was quick not to rule out the other clubs still alive in finals, particularly Geelong who will meet GWS in the Second Semi Final at Optus Stadium on Friday night.
“It’s got all the makings. The two best teams are through to the prelim, but you know what happens then,” Lyon added.
“Geelong have proven this time and time again. Just do not discard them after one bad performance.”
The winner of the Cats v Giants clash meets Melbourne in one Preliminary Final.
In the First Semi Final, the Lions meet the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on Saturday with the victorious team to take on Port Adelaide in the other prelim.
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