Friday‘s AFL Finals 2017 match is between Geelong Cats and Richmond Tigers. The opening bounce is set to commence at 19:50 local time with the game to be played at MCG. The home team Geelong Cats are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Geelong Cats and Richmond Tigers.
When: 19:50 | Friday 8/9/2017
Where: MCG
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Preview:
With Selwood almost certain to line-up against the Tigers that takes cares of one of two of the biggest variables in this match. If you watch the footage of the Cats training session it is clear he is moving well on his ankle.
The second variable was the choice of ground and that favours the Tigers despite them finishing below the Cats on the ladder. If this game was at Simonds Stadium you would back Geelong on account of the frenzied home ground atmosphere their fans would create.
The Cats played 5 games at the MCG this year for 3 wins and 2 losses. The Tigers played 11 games at the MCG and won 9, losing against the Swans and Dockers. There is no real home ground advantage for either team.
Round 21 Geelong 80 Richmond 66 (Simonds Stadium)
In their only encounter this season, Geelong kicked away in the second quarter to lead by 24 points at half-time. The Tigers hit back in the third to trail by just 6 at the final change with the Cats failing to score a goal in that quarter.
Geelong regained composure and held on to win by 14 points with Harry Taylor kicking 4 goals and Patrick Dangerfield 30 disposals and 10 tackles. For the Tigers Dustin Martin was quiet by his standards with ‘just’ 21 disposals and 2 goals.
The big difference between the two teams was Geelong’s ability to punish the Tigers poor ball use. The Cats scored 56 points from Richmond’s turnovers, and they were without Joel Selwood. Speaking of which…
JOEL SELWOOD
Geelong skipper Joel Selwood is expected to return following ankle surgery as a result of an injury sustained against the Swans in round 20. Selwood himself has explained that ‘I’m more likely then unlikely’ to play against the Tigers after getting through modified training with the ‘rehab group’ that including 15 minutes of match practice where it is a safe bet no Geelong player dared to touch him. It is safe to say the Tigers won’t share that concern.
FINAL SAY
With Selwood back in the line-up, the Cats will be too good for the Tigers. Both teams will have the heart and whilst Richmond will be incredibly motivated to win, Geelong have shown they are building form with 3 consecutives wins which started with a win against the Tigers and included another over the Giants.
Odds:
OFFER: Deposit $50 BET with $200 via this link – Ends Soon!
Tip: Geelong Cats at $1.80
Value BET: First Goal Scorer – Harry Taylor at $10.00
More Info:
Teams:
CATS 
B: T.Stewart, T.Lonergan, J.Bews
HB: Z.Tuohy, L.Henderson, J.Kolodjashnij
C: A.Mackie, J.Selwood, M.Blicavs
HF: J.Murdoch, H.Taylor, S.Motlop
F: B.Parfitt, T.Hawkins, J.Parsons
R: Z.Smith, P.Dangerfield, C.Guthrie
I/C: M.Duncan, Z.Guthrie, S.Menegola, S.Selwood
EMG: W.Buzza, D.Menzel, J.Thurlow
IN: J.Selwood, Z.Guthrie
OUT: D.Menzel, W.Buzza
TIGERS 
B: B.Ellis, A.Rance, D.Grimes
HB: B.Houli, D.Astbury, N.Vlastuin
C: K.McIntosh, T.Cotchin, J.Townsend
HF: K.Lambert, D.Martin, S.Edwards
F: D.Butler, J.Riewoldt, D.Rioli
R: T.Nankervis, D.Prestia, S.Grigg
I/C: J.Caddy, J.Graham, N.Broad, J.Castagna
EMG: S.Lloyd, S.Hampson, O.Markov
IN: J.Caddy
OUT: O.Markov
AFL News:
Premiership wingman Lewis Jetta looms as West Coast’s X-factor during the AFL finals series and teammate Luke Shuey is tipping the former Swan to fire on the big stage.
Jetta’s AFL future looked to be on shaky ground following a disappointing first 18 months at the Eagles.
But the 28-year-old has hit good form in the second half of the season, with his heroics against Adelaide in the final round helping West Coast secure a finals berth.
Jetta’s chase-down of Adelaide speedster Charlie Cameron in the final term showed a determination for the cause.
And his dodge-and-weave goal in the dying minutes proved to be the defining moment that helped West Coast edge out Melbourne for eighth spot on percentage.
Jetta missed last year’s elimination final loss to the Bulldogs after injuring his calf in the lead-up to the game.
His absence was sorely felt as West Coast were obliterated to the tune of 47 points on their home turf.
Jetta thrives on the big stage and Shuey expects the 152-game veteran to produce an influential performance in Saturday night’s elimination final against the Power at Adelaide Oval.
“The good thing about Jetts is he embraces the big moments,” Shuey said of Jetta, who won the 2012 flag with Sydney.
“He played really well in big games for Sydney when he was over there as well.
“He’s had success before so I think he wants to get back to the top.
“He hates losing. I’m just pumped he’s hit some good form this year. When he plays well, we generally play well, too.”
Shuey also looms as a critical factor in West Coast’s hopes of producing an upset win.
West Coast’s midfield group have been criticised for being too slow and one dimensional this season.
Shuey doesn’t fall into that category.
The 27-year-old is the team’s best line-breaking midfielder and his work in the clinches is crucial.
The Power will have a major advantage in the ruck, where All-Australian Paddy Ryder will go up against Nathan Vardy and Drew Petrie.
