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Grand Final: Match defining contests

Published by
Nicholas Jarrett

There is nothing like a high-scoring, fast-paced final, and the upcoming Grand Final looms as a match-up like no other.

Who can be the difference maker this game? Read on to take a look at some crucial contests this Saturday.

The Perfect Duo v The Undersized Pies

It is a contest that aligns with the sizes of their respective team mascots. The towering Eagles, Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling, are 12-0 when playing together this season, and offer a combination of size and power that would threaten even the most robust defence, never mind the undersized Magpies outfit.

With no change to the 22 that defeated Richmond on Friday night, Collingwood will be looking to Tyson Goldsack and Jeremy Howe to combat the key forwards.

If the Magpies can hold the Eagle spearheads to three goals combined, it is hard to predict a West Coast victory.

If the forwards can get on top of their smaller opponents, things could get ugly for the Black and White in a hurry.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Josh Kennedy of the Eagles (L) and Jack Darling of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round five AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the West Coast Eagles at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 23, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Speed Kills

It is telling that a trademark of both teams is the speed of hard-running and dynamic players.

The West Coast small forwards, Liam Ryan, Willie Rioli, as well as midfielder, Luke Shuey and rebound defender, Lewis Jetta, all possess line breaking speed and acceleration around the contest.

Placed head to head with the rapid pace of Collingwood's ball movement, particularly with players like Adam Treloar, Travis Varcoe, Jaidyn Stephenson and Will Hoskin-Elliott, the battle of speed should result in a high-octane decider, testing the endurance and attrition of both sides.

The game may well be decided by the ease in which a team can open the ground up and release the waiting speedsters on penetrating sprints across the field.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round 22 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Melbourne Demons at Optus Stadium on August 19, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Can you tame Grundy?

The first finals match up between these two teams saw Grundy's effect limited by Scott Lycett and Nathan Vardy.

Despite an impressive stat line, Grundy was held quiet at important moments, even being pushed aside by Vardy for a goal pulled directly out of a ruck contest.

However, after a dominant performance over Toby Nankervis, Grundy looks like he will not allow himself to be taken out of the game so easily.

Around the ruck contests, Vardy and Lycett may rely on the continued form of Jack Redden and Elliot Yeo to offset Grundy's tap work, however, the ability of Grundy to act as a quasi-midfielder following contests, as well as his elite running ability, is what may set the Magpie apart from his West Coast counterparts.

If Grundy can perform close to his one goal, 21 disposal, 56 hit-out performance against Richmond, West Coast may not be able to answer back.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Nathan Vardy of the Eagles and Brodie Grundy of the Magpies contest the ruck during the AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the West Coast Eagles and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The Jordan Effect

He is, without a doubt, one of the most explosive players in the competition.

Nine goals across the finals series so far has demonstrated his love for the big stage, and with a favourable match-up against Tom Cole or Will Schofield, many will be expecting him to show up again on Grand Final Day.

A permanent full forward against both GWS and Richmond, De Goey was able to influence contests, take contested grabs and free up Mason Cox and Brody Mihocek to play higher up the ground as linking targets.

With Mihocek or Chris Mayne likely to take a defensive forward assignment on Jeremy McGovern, De Goey will be asked to impact the scoreboard with more potency, either by himself, or by creating opportunities for Collingwood's small forward brigade around him.

If De Goey shows up on Saturday, West Coast may wish they did not board the plane to Melbourne.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Jordan De Goey of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL First Preliminary Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 21, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Published by
Nicholas Jarrett