Week one of the AFL Finals continue on Saturday night with the second qualifying final, which will see Melbourne host Brisbane in Adelaide. Catch our best betting tip and Same Game Multi for this huge clash right here!
2021 AFL Finals Melbourne vs Brisbane Tips
Adelaide Oval, Saturday 28th August 7:30pm (AEST)
The second qualifying final could’ve looked totally different if not for a few clutch scores for both these sides last weekend. Regardless, Melbourne finished on top of the ladder and are set to host Brisbane in Adelaide, where they will start as the narrow favourites.
Match Prediction
Melbourne enter the finals on an extreme high after crawling their way back from a 44-point deficit in their Round 23 clash with Geelong, which they ended up winning by four points via a Max Gawn goal after the siren. Not only did that Gawn goal help them record a remarkable comeback win, but it also saw them finish first on the ladder and claim the minor premiership.
The Demons have been arguably the most consistent team in the competition this season and are joined by just Port Adelaide and Geelong as clubs who are yet to lose back-to-back games. One of the big reasons for their consistency is the lack of injuries they’ve had all campaign. Of players who are clearly in the Demons best 22 when fit and firing, only Adam Tomlinson and Jayden Hunt are unavailable for selection.
Brisbane have Port Adelaide (for their win over the Western Bulldogs) and a poor fourth quarter effort from West Coast to thank for their jump into the top four in Round 23. Three weeks ago, it looked virtually impossible for the Lions to earn themselves a second chance, but three consecutive wins for them and three consecutive losses for the Bulldogs has seen the near impossible happen.
Like most teams in the finals, the Lions have had a fairly good run with injuries this season. The only long-term injuries they’ve suffered during the year have been to Eric Hipwood and Cam Rayner, both who are promising young players that have flashed plenty of potential. On a positive note, both Harris Andrews and Mitch Robinson are expected to return to the side this week as long as they can get through the main training session.
Last time they met: Melbourne and Brisbane have only played each other once this year and that came back in Round 12 at Giants Stadium where the Demons finished up as 22-point winners. Christian Petracca was clearly best afield on the day with 25 disposals, nine clearances, six tackles and two goals. Kosi Pickett and Tom McDonald chimed in with three goals each to lead the Demons in scoring, while for the Lions it was an unlikely source in Zac Bailey (four goals) who was the most dangerous in front of goal.
Prediction: It’s unfortunate that Melbourne can’t host this qualifying final in front of their home fans in Victoria, but they’ve very wisely opted to play it in South Australia at Adelaide Oval instead where they’ve won eight of their last 10 games. They obviously love the dimensions of the ground and should prove very hard to beat when they take on an inconsistent Lions outfit that haven’t beaten a top eight opponent as the away team this season.
Demons -6.5 (2 Units)
$1.90
Same Game Multi
We’re continuing to bring you our best Same Game Multi for each game of the AFL Finals and are more than happy with the three legs we’ve found here. For the first leg we’ll be locking in Lachie Neale for 25 or more disposals. The reigning Brownlow Medallist has had an injury-riddled season but has returned to form in recent weeks, collecting 29 and 31 disposals in his last two games and will likely avoid a tag against a Demons midfield that has a couple of superstars of their own. For the second and third legs of our SGM we’ll be banking on Christian Petracca to have at least 25 disposals and one goal. The dynamic forward turned midfielder is averaging 28.6 disposals and 1.1 goals a game and has had 25+ and 1+ in the same game on 13 occasions this season.
Lachie Neale 25+ Disposals
Christian Petracca 25+ Disposals
Christian Petracca Any Time Goal Scorer
MELB vs BRI Same Game Multi
$3.00
