Richmond v Collingwood
Can Dylan Grimes contain Jordan De Goey?
Desperately unlucky not to be an All Australian this season, Grimes is Richmond's most trusted defender to match up on the opposition's most dynamic forward. Fresh off a three-goal haul against the Giants, Jordan De Goey is that player for the Magpies. Grimes has underrated closing speed and the discipline to fulfil the defensive role. If Grimes can keep De Goey – who has kicked 41 goals for the season – in check, it will go a long way to a Richmond victory.
Will two weeks off in the space of a month affect Richmond's preparation?
After winning the qualifying final against Hawthorn, Richmond has had a week's rest to prepare for Friday night's game. That follows the pre-finals bye where every team had the week off. Collingwood, meanwhile, is coming off a six-day break after its win over Greater Western Sydney and a qualifying final against West Coast the week before. It's an unusual build up for Richmond, although it has had the chance to make sure Dustin Martin (corkie) and Dan Rioli (finger) are healthy. After a big rest, will the Tigers be switched on from the outset?
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Does either side make a change to a winning lineup?
Brandon Ellis was the unlucky Tiger to miss out in Richmond's qualifying final win over the Hawks and coach Damien Hardwick said there was a chance he could still play a role in September. Dan Butler is again fit after overcoming an ankle injury and is in the Tigers' best side, but the hard question is who does he come in for? Nathan Broad or Reece Conca appear to be the most in danger of losing their spot. Magpie Darcy Moore could come into selection contention, but Richmond's small forward line could count against him.
West Coast v Melbourne
Can the Demons silence the home crowd again?
Melbourne is no stranger to winning in Perth, with Simon Goodwin's side confirming its finals spot with a 17-point victory in round 22. Optus Stadium will be an even more hostile environment on Saturday night and getting a good start will be imperative for a Melbourne side looking to make its first Grand Final since 2000. On that day in round 22, Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy didn't play and fellow key forward Jack Darling was concussed early in the game.
Who replaces the injured Brad Sheppard?
The loss of Sheppard to a hamstring injury is a significant one for an Eagles defence that relies on their defenders intercepting the footy. Sheppard is West Coast's go-to shutdown defender and loomed as the likely match-up for Jake Melksham or Christian Petracca. With Sheppard sidelined, Will Schofield, Jackson Nelson, Brendon Ah Chee and Oscar Allen are in the running to earn a recall. Expect the experienced Schofield to get the nod.
Can Scott Lycett stop the force of Max Gawn?
Max Gawn is the best tap ruckman in the AFL and his ability to give Angus Brayshaw, James Harmes and Clayton Oliver first use of the ball is pivotal to the Demons' game style. Gawn has also shown an ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard as well as drifting back to protect the defence. Lycett, who is commanding interest from opposition teams as a free agent, has a pivotal role to play in nullifying Gawn's impact and giving him something to think about. It is likely to be a decisive match-up in the context of the match.
