West Coast Eagles vs Melbourne Demons Tips and Odds – AFL Preliminary Finals 2018

Saturday afternoons AFL Preliminary Finals match is between the West Coast Eagles and Melbourne Demons. The opening bounce is set to commence at 15:20 AEST time with the game to be played at Optus Stadium in Perth. The home team West Coast Eagles are the favourites for the match.

When: 15:20 | Saturday 22/9/2018

Where: Optus Stadium, Perth WA

Preview:

The Eagles host another home final and it’s the biggest advantage in football at the most hostile ground for any team to go and play at.

Josh Kennedy and Josh Darling are the Eagles’ big weapons up front and the Eagles are 11 wins and 0 losses when these two have played together this year.

That’s how important they are.

Melbourne are the best stoppage and contested ball team in the competition.

If they can maintain their intensity around the ball they’ll always feel like they are in the game.

They must start well to take the sting out of the crowd.

Demons ruckman Max Gawn is up against two lesser ruckmen in Scott Lycett and Nathan Vardy.

Gawn should dominate these two and give the Demons first use of the ball.

KEY BATTLE: James Harmes v Elliot Yeo

Harmes has been a revelation as a shutdown player this year.

I’d expect him to go to the Eagles’ best on-baller in Yeo.

Yeo has a size advantage and may look to position himself forward to exploit that.

The Verdict

West Coast rarely lose at home and have enjoyed a perfect preparation.