Who wins & why? Tips & predictions for Wildcard Finals Round

INTRO

Check out our tips and predictions for each game below.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v COLLINGWOOD

Friday - 7:40pm AEST - MCG

Luke Beveridge’s Bulldogs were excellent in beating Melbourne by 21 points at the MCG last weekend to grab eighth spot. After losing to Freo (round 21) and North (round 22) they’ve turned things around. The Dogs have conceded an average of 76 points across their past seven games, taking a strong defensive profile into this knockout meeting with the Magpies. Captain Marcus Bontempelli enters this after claiming an eighth All-Australian blazer while midfield mate Ed Richards takes some hot form into the cut-throat clash.

The Pies were blown off the MCG by Brisbane in round 24, going down to the reigning champs by 63 points. Nothing went right for Craig McRae’s side, highlighted by the hamstring injury suffered by veteran Scott Pendlebury. He’ll miss this match as will the inspirational Brayden Maynard with a knee concern. Issac Quaynor and Pat Lipinski should return. The Maggies saluted just once in their past four outings but their form prior was brilliant, winning six on the run.

A do-or-die fixture in front of a packed MCG is a tantalising prospect for both sets of supporters. The Dogs have improved their defence in recent weeks which will give them a strong footing. McRae’s system will give the Magpies every chance. It sets up a potential defensive tussle which will put a premium on big moments. The Pies seem to love the big stage and when you’ve got Nick Daicos in your team there’s always the possibility of something special happening.

Prediction: Collingwood by 8 points.

Andrew Slevison

MELBOURNE v CARLTON

Saturday - 7:35pm AEST - MCG

Falling agonisingly short of avoiding the Wildcard, the Demons left too much to chance and now face the prospect of an elimination against the competition’s in-form side. Despite a huge win over Fremantle amid a three-match win streak, a 22-point loss to the Bulldogs saw them slip into seventh place despite an incredibly positive first season under Steven King. Beyond falling into the Wildcard, the Dees do so without key forward Jacob van Rooyen, facing a three-match suspension after an incidental high hit on the Power’s Aliir Aliir. Added motivation aids the Dees, with superstar Kysaiah Pickett and elite flanker Jake Bowey both celebrating milestone games.

The hottest side in the AFL, Carlton find themselves in a final against all odds. At 1-8, coach Michael Voss was sacked, making way for interim untried coach Josh Fraser. Now, after 11 wins, a draw and just two losses, Fraser’s hot Blues are charging into September, boasting the best record in the AFL since Round 10. A win over Fremantle in the final round will deal the Blues optimum confidence, and with a relatively healthy injury bill, Carlton are as ready as any side heading into the post-season.

An absolute thriller at the MCG, Melbourne and Carlton face off in September once more, with everything on the line for the competition’s freshest coaches. Steven King’s Demons have been as exciting as any since taking charge, while Josh Fraser’s controlled Baggers are by far the most threatening of the teams in the Wildcard. A huge midfield battle will ensue in this one, with the Dees desperate to shut down the Blues’ raging uncontested game. The last time these two sides faced off in the finals, the Blues walked away with a two-point win in one of the great September bouts. Expect this one to thrill no less.

Prediction: Carlton by 7 points.

Jaiden Sciberras