The preliminary finals are here, with two enthralling matchups ahead of us to decide who will be in the 2024 AFL Grand Final.
Friday night action sees the Swans host Port Adelaide, looking to overturn a poor record against their South Australian opponents.
On Saturday Geelong will be looking to stop Brisbane making a second grand final in a row when the sides battle it out at the MCG.
MORE: Updated AFL injury lists | Dates, venues and match-ups for 2024 AFL Finals
Below are The Sporting News’ betting predictions and best bets for the preliminary finals (all odds courtesy of Sportsbet):
Sydney vs. Port Adelaide prediction, tip, best bet
The Swans will be looking to continue their wonderful season when they host Port Adelaide at a packed out SCG.
Whilst the Swans finished first in the regular season and pulled off a miraculous comeback over the Giants in week one, their record over the Power is a poor one.
Not only have they lost their last eight head-to-head battles, but they lost by a staggering 122 points back in round 21.
Port's road to the preliminary final hasn't been the smoothest, losing badly to Geelong in week one before recovering to end Hawthorn's season last week.
The Swans are a different beast at home, pulling off many stirring comebacks this year, and it could be a bridge too far for the Power to reach a first grand final since 2007.
Prediction: Swans by 24
Best bet: Sydney (-18.5) $1.90
Geelong vs. Brisbane prediction, tip, best bet
The second preliminary finals pits Geelong against Brisbane, with both sides in good form heading into the match.
The Cats were hugely impressive in a big qualifying final win on the road against Adelaide, whilst Brisbane pulled off one of the comebacks of the season in the semi-final against the Giants last Saturday.
The Lions will have to defy a big slice of history, as they haven't won on the road against Geelong in 15 matches; they also only scored 37 points in their loss at home to Geelong in the regular season.
Both sides have players with big game experience, as both have been in the last two Grand Finals, but the Cats at home (even if it is the MCG) will probably help power them over the line and end the Lions good run in September.
Prediction: Geelong by 30
Best bet: Jeremy Cameron most goals $3.40
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