Hawthorn vs Melbourne

MCG, 7:50 Friday, September 14

Team news: David Mirra, Taylor Duryea and Ryan Shoenmakers all sat out of the VFL on the weekend and look like Hawthorn’s main options if they are to bring people in. Ben Stratton is likely to miss the rest of the finals with a hamstring injury.

Michael Hibberd ran laps and left the park early at the Dee’s training session on Tuesday and is a big watch this week.

Injury watch: Grant Birchall (Hawthorn) was a chance to return from a PCL injury in the finals but he has strained his adductor and is looking unlikely to come back this year.

Prediction: The Demons were mighty impressive against Geelong last week and if they can keep up their form and confidence, they will be very hard to beat. Melbourne by 14 points

Collingwood vs GWS

MCG, 7:20, September 15

Team news: Darcy Moore and Ben Reid are chances to come back into the Pies’ line-up if they pass fitness tests.

The Giants will lose gun midfielder Josh Kelly, but Ryan Griffen should be ready to come back in.

Injury watch: Aiden Corr and Sam Taylor (GWS) are fit to play but whether there is a spot for them in the side is another story.

Prediction: The Giants were impressive against Sydney last week but Collingwood has the home ground advantage and should bounce back from last week’s loss. Collingwood by 19 points

Point to prove:

Collingwood. A number of experts are still questioning whether Collingwood are the real deal, and some expected them to drop out in straight sets. They are 1-6 against the remaining sides but they have a huge home ground advantage against the Giants on Saturday and they need to capitalise on it. The Pies have had a great year and deserve to be playing in September, but they need to prove that they can mix it with the best.

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