AFL Preliminary Finals Tips & Predictions

<p>According to Chinese Taoism, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, but we could have sworn it was the Year of the Underdog.</p> <p>Both Carlton and GWS sprung mammoth upsets last week to advance to the preliminary finals. They join both Collingwood and Brisbane as the final four teams still standing.</p> <p>Only two can go through from here, so will make the grand final and who gets filed under the category of “so close, yet so far?”</p> <p>Can the Orange Tsunami wash over the Magpies who have been the team to beat all year? And can Michael Voss come back to haunt his former side and be the man to break their perfect home record, simultaneously sending his Blues to the big dance?</p> <p>Check out our expert AFL preliminary finals tips and predictions below.</p>

<h2>Collingwood v Greater Western Sydney Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, September 22, 7:50pm AEST – MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The AFL preliminary finals kick off with <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-greater-western-sydney-7638700">flag favourites Collingwood welcoming the Orange Tsunami - GWS to the MCG</a>.</p> <p>The Magpies have been laying in wait, after securing a week off with their win over Melbourne in week one of the finals.</p> <p>Many expected them to be facing regular season heavyweight Port Adelaide this week, but alas, the Giants had other ideas.</p> <p>It took all of 11 minutes for GWS to blow the Power away on their own patch, turning a three-point deficit into a 28-point lead in a flash.</p> <p>From there, GWS didn’t look back, keeping their foot on the throat of Port Adelaide and seeing out the contest 93-70.</p> <p>Young gun Tom Green starred on the inside, while Josh Kelly, Callan Ward and the returning Stephen Coniglio all ran the Power ragged.</p> <p>It’s crazy to think after sitting 15th after 12 rounds, GWS are now one win away from the grand final. Unfortunately, standing between them and that one win are minor premiers Collingwood.</p> <p>The Pies have been the team to beat all season and to make matters worse for the Giants, young Collingwood gun Daicos looks set to return just in the Nick of time.</p> <p>Yes, we’re backing Collingwood to do what they’ve been tipped all season to do – make the grand final, but such is the swashbuckling style of football GWS are currently playing, a boil over for the ages is not out of the realm of possibility.</p>

<h2>Brisbane v Carlton Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 23, 5:15pm AEST – The Gabba</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-v-carlton-7636419">Carlton will try to snap Brisbane’s perfect home record</a> when they travel to the Gabba in the second preliminary final.</p> <p>The Lions have won 12 from 12 at home in 2023 and will be hoping to make it a lucky 13 and move on to the decider.</p> <p>They’ll be fully rested after winning in week one of the finals against Port and be raring to go against the Blues.</p> <p>If you thought GWS being 15 after 12 rounds and making it to the prelim was impressive, wait until you find out Carlton were 15th after 15 rounds!</p> <p>Few could predict what would transpire next, with the Blues going on one of the great winning runs, to completely flip the competition on its head.</p> <p>Michael Voss has gone from the brink of the sack to a full-blown messiah and how fitting that he now faces his former side for a place in the grand final.</p> <p>As impressive as their turnaround this year has been, their finest hour came last weekend, with their last-minute win over the Dees something that had to be seen to be believed.</p> <p>The once unwanted Blake Acres who‘s own turn around in form and fortune mirrors that of his side, finished off a sweeping team move with barely a minute left on the clock to send the Blues within one game of the grand final.</p> <p>So, which will finally give out? Brisbane’s unbreakable record at home? Or Carlton’s never-say-die attitude?</p> <p>It feels like Carlton played their grand final last week and will find it hard to find another gear for this one.</p> <p>The Lions weren’t troubled against Port and have had their feet up all week waiting for this clash. It will be somewhat of a shock if they aren’t in front when the full-time siren sounds.</p> <p>That being said, this is a script writer’s dream. Brisbane unbeaten at home all year, playing their final game at the Gabba for this season, against their former coach. Massive ambush anyone? Don’t write it off.</p>