Optus Stadium will play host to Friday's AFL game between Melbourne Demons and Geelong Cats. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Melbourne Demons heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Melbourne Demons vs. Geelong Cats game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday September 10, 2021 at 7:50 pm
Where: Optus Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Melbourne Demons vs Geelong Cats Odds
Melbourne Demons vs Geelong Cats Preview
The Dees have opened short-priced favourites ahead of their return to the Preliminary Finals on Friday night.
A convincing 33-point win over the Lions earned the Dees a week off, but more importantly, a chance to avenge their disappointment on this stage three years ago when they lost in a blowout to eventual premiers West Coast.
With fresh legs, the Dees will be hoping to punch their ticket to their first Grand Final since 2000, but nothing is a guarantee against an experienced Geelong outfit that was the underdog on this same day last year.
The Cats famously beat the Lions at the Gabba to book their spot against Richmond, and although their form leading into the finals was questionable, last week’s thorough beatdown over GWS reminded everyone that Chris Scott’s side can never be taken lightly.
It’s fair to say nobody knows that better than the Dees, though.
Melbourne erased a seven-goal half-time deficit against Geelong three weeks ago to win on the siren, a game both sides will likely spend much of the week reflecting back on.
That game, plus the Round 4 clash between the Dees and Cats, can help paint a picture when it comes to finding a play this week.
On both occasions, the Dees had their way inside 50, while they also took much better care of the footy and won the battle for contested marks.
A battle-hardened team like Geelong is capable of learning from those mistakes though, especially after spending an extra week in Perth.
Last week we saw the Cats’ forward line operate like it’s supposed to, while you also have to be wary of not only Melbourne’s history in big games, but also how detrimental the bye week has proven in recent years.
After an embarrassing second-half collapse against this same Demons side three weeks ago, the Cats look a good bet to get some revenge and return to where they belong.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Melbourne Demons to win at $1.48 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Ben Brown at $10.
Melbourne Demons vs Geelong Cats Teams
DEMONS
B: C.Salem, S.May, J.Lever
HB: J.Bowey, H.Petty, T.Rivers
C: T.Sparrow, C.Petracca, E.Langdon
HF: B.Fritsch, T.McDonald, J.Viney
F: A.Neal-Bullen, B.Brown, C.Spargo
FOLL: M.Gawn, C.Oliver, A.Brayshaw
I/C: J.Harmes, L.Jackson, M.Hibberd, K.Pickett
EMG: N.Jones, J.Melksham, J.Jordon, K.Chandler
IN: M.Hibberd
OUT: J.Smith (injured), J.Jordon (sub)
CATS
B: J.Henry, L.Henderson, Z.Tuohy
HB: J.Kolodjashnij, M.Blicavs, J.Bews
C: M.Duncan, C.Guthrie, I.Smith
HF: E.Ratugolea, J.Cameron, G.Rohan
F: S.Menegola, T.Hawkins, G.Miers
FOLL: R.Stanley, J.Selwood, P.Dangerfield
I/C: T.Atkins, Z.Guthrie, M.Holmes, B.Close
EMG: L.Dahlhaus, S.Simpson, D.Fort, S.Higgins
IN: Nil
OUT: B.Parfitt (injured)