A guide to the GWS-Brisbane semi-final

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A guide to the GWS-Brisbane semi-final

A GUIDE TO THE AFL SEMI-FINAL BETWEEN GWS AND THE BRISBANE LIONS:

* When: Saturday, 7.30pm AEST

* Where: Engie Stadium

* The form:

GWS: Overrun late in the fourth quarter as they coughed up a 28-point lead to lose by six points to cross-town rivals Sydney in a qualifying final.

Brisbane: Held Carlton scoreless for almost the entire first half before settling for a comfortable 28-point victory in their home elimination final.

* Head-to-head

Overall: Played: 17. GWS 9 wins, Brisbane 8

In finals: Played: 1. GWS 1 win, Brisbane 0

Last time: Round 22, 2024: Brisbane 8.16 (64) lost to GWS 13.4 (82) at the Gabba

Last final: Semi-final, 2019: Brisbane 11.14 (80) lost to GWS 12.11 (83) at the Gabba

* Key players:

Toby Bedford (GWS). Returning from a calf injury, the highly rated tagger was sorely missed in the Giants’ loss to Sydney. Will be handed the task of clamping down on Brisbane’s two-time Brownlow medallist and chief ball-winner Lachie Neale.

Jack Payne (Brisbane). Named despite concerns over a knee injury and is likely be given the job on Coleman Medal winner and All-*********** forward Jesse Hogan, who kicked three important goals in the sides’ most recent meeting.

Toby Greene (GWS). Giants coach Adam Kingsley has called on his skipper to lift, after renowned match-winner Greene had a quiet qualifying final. Crafty forward Greene has regularly produced moments of brilliance on the big stage but faces a tough battle with Lions defender Brandon Starcevich.

Cam Rayner (Brisbane). Rekindled his magic touch with some electrifying moments in the elimination final, kicking three goals after going without a major in the last three home-and-away matches. Has kicked a career-high 28 goals this season and is averaging personal best tallies for disposals, contested possessions and clearances.

* The stat: Brisbane have not played at Engie Stadium since 2020. The clubs have two wins each from four matches at the Sydney venue, with their recent six matches split between Brisbane’s Gabba and the Giants’ second home at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

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#guide #GWSBrisbane #semifinal

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