WEEK THREE OF THE AFL FINALS SERIES (all times AEST)

Friday, September 21

First Preliminary Final – Richmond v Collingwood at the MCG, 7.50pm

Last clash: Round 19, 2018 – Tigers 16.9 (105) bt Magpies 12.5 (77) at the MCG

Last final: 1980 grand final – Tigers 23.21 (159) bt Magpies 9.24 (78) at the MCG

Melbourne will come to a standstill on Friday night when these powerhouse traditional rivals meet in a final for the first time since the Tigers’ grand final triumph 38 years ago. Richmond have quietly tailored their preparation having earned a week off with a qualifying final win over Hawthorn, while the Pies have just six days to get ready after defeating GWS. Dustin Martin departed a training session at Punt Road early this week but the Tigers quickly quashed injury fears. Collingwood weren’t super impressive in defeating the Giants but Nathan Buckley is confident they can take it right up to the reigning premiers.

Saturday, September 22

Second Preliminary Final – West Coast v Melbourne at Optus Stadium, 3.20pm

Last clash: Round 22, 2018 – Demons 16.12 (108) bt Eagles 14.7 (91) at Optus Stadium

Last final: 1994 preliminary final – Eagles 16.21 (117) bt Demons 8.452 at the WACA

West Coast have been priming themselves for a home preliminary final since earning a week off with a come-from-behind qualifying final win over Collingwood. Adam Simpson will need to make at least one change to his line-up after reliable defender Brad Sheppard suffered a significant hamstring injury against the Pies. Melbourne are riding a wave of momentum going into the clash having defeated four top-eight teams – including the Eagles in Perth – in a row. The Demons escaped their semi-final win over Hawthorn unscathed, with veteran Bernie Vince pressing his claims for a return from a shoulder injury in the VFL.