DUAL OF TALENTED RUCKMAN A HIGHLIGHT OF AFL CLASH
Lanky, laconic ruckman Max Gawn is going to be a pivotal player for Melbourne in the first AFL semi-final against Hawthorn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday night.
An exceptional talent Gawn will be pitted against “Big boy” Ben McEvoy in the ruck clashes.
Despite the calibre of his opponents Gawn can be relied upon to be a reliable trigger for attacking moves by the Demons.
He can also be expected to make his presence felt in defence when Melbourne is under pressure.
Another important role will be played by Melbourne tagger James Harmes, who will be given the task of controlling Hawthorn’s prolific kick-winner Tom Mitchell.
An absorbing second semi-final, at the “G” on Saturday, is looming between Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney.
The Magpies are on a seven-day back-up – from Perth which does not help – while the Giants bounced into form with a surprisingly impressive win over the Sydney Swans last week.
Even though veterans Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom will play their part for the Magpies the sure-marking Giants are favoured to score another upset win.
Friday
Melbourne def Hawthorn by 26pts @ MCG
Saturday
GWS Giants def Collingwood by 12pts @ MCG