AFL semi-finals: who will progress to the preliminaries?

The AFL semi-finals kick off tonight with the Melbourne Demons facing the Hawthorn Hawks, before the Collingwood Magpies take on the GWS Giants tomorrow. Both matches will be very close, with none of these four teams having a bad game last week and playing off for a preliminary final spot next week.

The Demons beat Geelong last week in an unsurprising result to set up an all Melbourne clash at the MCG tonight against Hawthorn, who were well beaten by Richmond. Melbourne look to be in better form at the moment, and their blistering start against the Cats will give them the confidence to believe they can beat anyone.

Hawthorn were well beaten by Richmond last week, who look to be virtually turning the finals into a victory lap. In the AFL semi-finals they face a less formidable opponent, although the Demons have shown the ability to turn it on at times this season. If Melbourne show their true ability they will win, otherwise the experienced campaigners at the Hawks will scrape through.

Tomorrows match up looks to be even tougher to call. Collingwood were beaten but not disgraced by the West Coast Eagles, while GWS absolutely destroyed a hapless Sydney outfit to reach the AFL semi-finals. The Giants arguably have the strongest line-up in the competition, but Collingwood have been more consistent.

GWS are enjoying being able to play close to their full strength team after a season of unfortunate injuries. With the confidence they will take out of their win in last weekā€™s Sydney derby they may well be able to overcome travelling to Melbourne and playing at the MCG. They could well win this game in an upset to set up a date with Richmond next week.

The winners of the AFL semi-finals this weekend will face Richmond and West Coast next week in preliminary finals play offs. No matter what happens tonight and tomorrow, we are in for a great few weeks left of the footy season!

Christian Woods
Christian Woods
Christian is a morning reporter and technology columnist for Best in Australia. Christian has worked in the media since 2000, in a range of locations. He joined Best in Australia in 2018, and began working in Melbourne in 2019.
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