Collingwood beat Demons, shorten in AFL Premiership betting

Collingwood has shortened into $2.40 to win the AFL Premiership following their seven-point victory over Melbourne in the first qualifying final at the MCG on Thursday night.

The Magpies jumped their opponent early and despite Melbourne dominating the forward 50 entries in the second-half, were never headed in a riveting first AFL final for the year.

Their attention will now turn to the preliminary final after a week off, however they will be sweating over the services of tough defender Brayden Maynard, who knocked out Demons’ Angus Brayshaw when attempting to smother a kick.

Magpies fans and Fox Footy commentators will say the incident was in play, while many opposition fans are already calling for a three-week suspension. Whatever happens over the weekend, the Maynard incident will be a huge story next week.

The Demons, who have drifted to $7 to win the premiership, now face a cut-throat final against either Carlton or Sydney, with Simon Goodwin’s team staring down the barrel of successive straight sets final exits if they can’t regroup.

They are unlikely to have young forward Jacob Van Rooyen available after he cleaned up Collingwood tall Dan McStay with a stray elbow, with Brodie Grundy likely to come into calculations for a recall.

Melbourne will be disappointed with their opening half, with several aces, including Christian Petracca below their best before clicking into gear in the second-half.

Several Magpies received knocks during the Melbourne game, with Jordan De Goey’s knee the most notable, although he finished the match on the field. They are also almost certain to get young star Nick Daicos back from injury for the preliminary final, after securing the extra week of rest.

AFL finals matches this weekend

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

First elimination final

Carlton v Sydney at the MCG, 7.50pm AEST

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Second elimination final

St Kilda v Greater Western Sydney at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST

Second qualifying final

Brisbane v Port Adelaide at the Gabba, 7.25pm AEST

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