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The 2020 AFL Finals Series is upon us
The time has come.
A little later than we’re used to, the 2020 AFL Finals Series is underway.
Richmond and St Kilda will kick things off tomorrow night (Friday 9 October) at Metricon Stadium in the first Semi Final, before Geelong and Collingwood do battle at The Gabba on Saturday 10 October.
The winner of each match will see themselves advance to next week’s Preliminary Finals, with Port Adelaide awaiting the winner of Richmond v St Kilda, and Brisbane ready to face either Geelong or Collingwood.
For the losers, their 2020 AFL Finals campaign will come to an end.
Limited tickets are still available to see Geelong and Collingwood go head-to-head at The Gabba, starting at 6.40pm EST, available at Ticketmaster.com.au.
Geelong Cats v Collingwood
Geelong will head into the clash as favourites, boasting three 2020 All Australians in their side, including Coleman Medalist Tom Hawkins.
Hawkins will be pivotal to the Cats’ chances, keen to atone for his poor kicking against Port Adelaide in their Qualifying Final in Week 1.
Collingwood were written off by most against West Coast last week, rising against the odds to topple the Eagles in Perth.
Back in the comfort of their Queensland hub, the Pies will certainly rate their chances once again.
The Collingwood forward line has been where question marks lie in 2020, and they will be counting on players like Jaidyn Stephenson and Jordan De Goey to step up against the elite Geelong backline if they are to be any chance.
Patrick Dangerfield is built for Finals, with the dual threat able to be damaging both in the midfield and forward line. He will be hungrier than ever –desperately seeking his first Premiership – and is just one man that the Pies need to stop.
To see the Cats and Pies in action this weekend, grab your tickets now from Ticketmaster.com.au.
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Port Adelaide and Geelong will kick it all off tonight (Thursday 1 October) in Adelaide, before Brisbane Lions and Richmond do battle at The Gabba in a Friday night (2 October) blockbuster.
The winner of each match will book themselves a ticket in a Preliminary Final in two weeks’ time.
West Coast Eagles and Collingwood will close out the weekend on Saturday evening (3 October), with the winner progressing, and the loser’s 2020 campaign coming to an end.
If you’re still looking for tickets to Week 1 of the Finals Series, then St Kilda v Western Bulldogs is the game for you.
With limited tickets still remaining, you won’t want to miss the two Victorian sides go head-to-head in their Elimination Final at The Gabba this Saturday afternoon, starting at 4.40pm.
[interaction id=”5f699f8ead4cfc1325c2a610″]St Kilda will be making their first Finals appearance in nine years, off the back of a stellar 2020 campaign in Brett Ratten’s first full season in charge.
Led by midfield bull Jack Steele – who enjoyed a breakout season, earning an All Australian blazer – the Saints will have their work cut out for them against one of the competition’s best midfields.
The Western Bulldogs will be keen to atone for a poor showing at this point last year, and will be relying on their star-studded midfield to get the job done.
Players to watch:
St Kilda recruited Brad Hill for this very reason. The wingman’s pace and disposal by foot was identified off-season as a major avenue for the Saints to improve, and they will be relying on him come Saturday.
A three-time Premiership player himself with Hawthorn, Hill’s experience and poise on the big stage will be critical to the Saints chances.
Mitch Wallis has been a revelation in 2020 for the Western Bulldogs – a permanent switch forward proving a masterstroke.
Playing every game this year, Wallis has booted 24 goals, 10 more than the next Bulldog.
Wallis will be instrumental to the Dogs this weekend, and if the Saints backline can curb his influence, they will go a long way to finding victory.
To purchase tickets to see St Kilda take on the Western Bulldogs at The Gabba this Saturday, head to Ticketmaster.com.au.
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