AFL reveals draw for week two and three of finals series

After an enthralling first weekend of finals, the race for the 2021 premiership has been whittled down to six contenders.

The Bulldogs will face the Lions next weekend after defeating Essendon in Sunday’s elimination final. Pic: Michael Klein

The AFL has revealed the fixture for the second and third weeks of this year’s finals series.

On Sunday, the league confirmed that Optus Stadium would host Geelong and GWS this Friday in the first game of the semi-finals.

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The Lions are set to welcome the Bulldogs to the Gabba on Saturday, having earned the right to host a home semi-final.

The AFL also confirmed that Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval would each host a preliminary final in the third week of the play-offs.

“It has been an incredible start to the finals series with great contests combined with the energy and atmosphere from crowds at Adelaide Oval and UTAS Stadium this weekend,” said AFL general manager of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld.

“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to thank all Clubs, players, coaches, staff and their families, umpires, AFLPA, fans, broadcast and commercial partners, venues and all State Governments for their ongoing support of the 2021 Toyota AFL Finals Series.”

The Giants may have to contend without Toby Greene next weekend, pending the small forward’s tribunal hearing this week. (Photo by Grant Viney/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

In the first weekend of the finals, the Giants held on to defeat local rivals Sydney by one point and book their spot in the semi-finals.

Leon Cameron’s side may be without All-Australian forward Toby Greene for next week’s game against Geelong, after he was referred directly to the tribunal for intentional umpire contact.

The Cats suffered an upset defeat in their last clash with the Giants, so Chris Scott’s men will hope they can flip the script come Friday and advance to week three.

The Lions enjoy the home advantage for Saturday’s game but they’ll have to contend without key forward Daniel McStay, who has already been ruled out through concussion.

With Eric Hipwood already sidelined, Chris Fagan has the unenviable task of re-jigging his forward line this week.

Ryan Lester and Grant Birchall are set to line up but Rhys Mathieson, the man who replaced McStay on Saturday, is also in doubt for Brisbane.

It remains to be seen whether the Bulldogs will roll the dice and include Stefan Martin in their line-up for the clash with his former club.

Luke Beveridge’s side has been wanting for a specialist ruckman in recent weeks, and though Martin is now available for selection, he hasn’t played since round 12.

Earlier this week, the AFL named Optus Stadium as its preferred grand final venue should hosting the decider at the MCG prove unfeasible.

It would be just the second time in history that the AFL/VFL Grand Final has been played outside Victoria, following last year’s clash at the Gabba.

The fixture for weeks two and three of the AFL finals series is:

Friday, September 3

Second Semi Final – Geelong Cats vs. GWS Giants at Optus Stadium, 7:50pm AEST / 5:50pm AWST.

Saturday, September 4

First Semi Final – Brisbane Lions vs. Western Bulldogs, The Gabba, start time to be confirmed.

Friday, September 10

First Preliminary Final – Melbourne vs. Winner of Second Semi Final (Geelong Cats vs. GWS GIANTS) at Optus Stadium, 7:50pm AEST / 5:50pm AWST.

Saturday, September 11

Second Preliminary Final – Port Adelaide vs. Winner of First Semi Final (Brisbane Lions vs. Western Bulldogs), at Adelaide Oval, 7:40pm AEST / 7:10pm ACST.

Originally published as AFL reveals draw for week two and three of finals series