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A look at week three of the AFL finals as Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs dominated their preliminary finals, winning by a record combined margin.
AFL FINALS SNAPSHOT - WEEK THREE
THEY SAID IT: "I'm really proud of him and just bloody disappointed in a few people who were just really nasty." - Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge responds to heavy criticism of star recruit Adam Treloar, who bounced back from a quiet semi-final with 23 disposals and a goal in the big win over Port Adelaide.
STATS THAT MATTER: Geelong's September record is again under an intense spotlight after a fifth preliminary final defeat in six appearances in the penultimate week of the season since their 2011 premiership. Having averaged 83.9 points a game during the home-and-away season, the Cats produced their two lowest scores of the season - 6.6 (42) against Melbourne and 5.13 (43) against Port Adelaide - during the finals.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Bailey Smith. The 20-year-old Bulldogs cult hero was already a star but has taken his game to another new level during the finals series. Smith was instrumental against the Power at Adelaide Oval, kicking four goals from 23 disposals.
KEY MOMENT: Max Gawn took Friday night's preliminary final by the throat as he kicked four goals in the space of 10 minutes during the third quarter. There was no shortage of highlights from the Melbourne captain but his running goal from 50 metres after accepting a handpass from Christian Petracca was arguably the best of the lot.
TALKING POINT: Are Geelong on the edge of a cliff? The Cats have been here before, facing questions over their ability to keep the premiership window open after falling short in the finals. They face changes over summer, having fielded 11 players aged 30 or over in their loss to Melbourne. There is also continued speculation surrounding the future of contracted coach Chris Scott, who has attracted attention from rival clubs, including Carlton.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: A quiet weekend for match review officer Michael Christian ensures Melbourne and the Bulldogs will avoid any nervous waits over tribunal hearings during the two-week build-up to the grand final.
INJURIES: Steven May (Melb, hamstring), Laitham Vandermeer (WB, hamstring), Todd Marshall (PA, hamstring).
WHAT'S NEXT: Melbourne's quest to end a 57-year premiership drought reaches its climax against the Bulldogs, who have rebuilt half their team since their fairytale 2016 flag. The Dogs beat the Demons to claim their famous 1954 VFL premiership in a grand final that was played 67 years to the day before this season's decider on September 25. For the second straight season, the grand final will be contested by two Victorian clubs outside of Melbourne. Perth's 60,000-seat Optus Stadium will host the showpiece event for the first time.
