Both major codes in Australian sport have finals this weekend. The first round of finals begin this weekend for the NRL and the AFL will see its second round of finals. Catch all the details below!
AFL
Adelaide Crows vs Hawthorn Hawks – Friday, 12th September – 7:40pm AEST
After being defeated by the Collingwood Magpies, the Crows will now play off in an elimination final against the Hawks in Adelaide. Hawthorn defeated the Giants on Saturday with a dominant display of footy they’ll hope to emulate again this Friday night to knock off the minor premiers. But do the Hawks have what it takes to eliminate the expected champions?
Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns – Saturday, 13th September – 7:35pm AEST
The Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions will face off in an epic and first ever QLD derby finals match. Whilst the Lions are placed 3rd on the ladder at the end of the season, with the loss of Lachie Neale and Eric Hipwood to injuries, with the Lions have what it takes to fend off the challengers of the Suns.
NRL
Storm vs Bulldogs – Friday, 12th September – 7:50pm AEST
For the first game of the finals season we will see the Storm host the Bulldogs at AAMI Park. With the victor moving forward to the Preliminary final, with the loser facing off against the winner of the Panthers/Warriors clash.
Warriors vs Panthers – Saturday, 13th September – 4:05pm AEST
In the first elimination final of the series, the Warriors will face off against the reigning champions Panthers. The last time these teams met was back in round 16 on the 21st of June where the Panthers defeated the Warriors 18-28. Do the Warriors have what it takes to knock out the 4-in-a-row previous champions?
Sharks vs Roosters – Saturday, 13th September – 7:50pm AEST
The second elimination final has the Sharks hosting the Roosters at Sharks Stadium. Despite the Sharks placing fifth on the ladder it’s the Roosters who are currently tipped as favourites for the victory. The Roosters and Sharks have clashed twice this year, in May where the Roosters won with a 42-16 point game, and in July where the Sharks won in 31-18 victory. Well round three is here, who do you think is going to secure another finals game?
Raiders vs Broncos – Sunday, 14th September – 4:05pm AEST
For the last game of the first week of finals, we will see the minor premiership Raiders take on the fourth place Brisbane Broncos in Canberra. Similar to the Sharks and Rooster this will be the third game against these teams this year with both sides scoring a victory already. However, the last game was way back in April and things have certainly changed since then. The winner will move straight to the preliminary finals with the loser clashing off next week against the victor of the sharks and roosters clash.
