Preliminary Finals Preview | Strategy 2026 with Brenton Sanderson (17.09.26)
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What makes the preliminary finals the most decisive games of the AFL season?
This time every week we do strategy and we're down to the t well, in a lot of ways, the two decisive games of the year. Brenton Sanderson, welcome.
G'day, Jared. I'm pumped. I love it. I love Freeland's. There's something special about uh or the next two weeks, but Uh this uh prelim final weekend every year produces two unbelievable games, always. Um there'll be gritty, there'll be mistakes, there'll be so much on the line as we know, because the rewards are so high. I mean, you get to play off in the grand final. But then yeah, and so many teams trip up on this one too because they're looking one week ahead. So yeah, there's there's lots to play out. There's an emotional investment and then there's an emotional. Yeah.
Which is vivid at every prelim.
Yeah, it is. I just think that like the the the mental challenge of handling this pressure um is is immense. Uh It can either or it can inspire you or it can really weigh you down. So I've I've seen players and coaches um almost uh play out this game prior to it and just arrive at the game absolutely exhausted. So the nerves, the tension, the fatigue, it can it can overwhelm even the most experienced players. And coaches. I've I've been So lucky when I look back on um on my journey, I uh I've I've coached them, I've I played in one, but I sat on the bench for three quarters, which was um the Geelong Richmond game in nineteen ninety five. But yeah, really lucky to be sitting in the coaches box for for for a lot of these games, which has just been been awesome.
Um but yeah, it's it's such a special week. These
These games are riddled with nerves. Riddled with nerves. And we see that teams that are expected to win. And sometimes they get through it and sometimes they don't. How how do you settle the nerves of the players and the staff in these games?
Yeah, I think what you gotta do, Jared, is embed statements of belief to the group, including staff, because you know, um sometimes support staff have this ability to be able to make players nervous as well. So statements during the week like we are prepared, we are ready, we've got this just helps, you know, your own belief, but also too can can settle the nerves of players. And I think if you just focus On small wins early in the game. So really measurable statistics that are achievable and pivotal to success. Things as simple as, you know, let's keep them to 20 marks or less in the first quarter. So that that dials up your deep up your defense. Tackles head to head, first quarter. All right, we're going to win tackles head to head.
That's all we want to do in the first quarter. And then we've got to win ground ball, which is a reflection. I think it really helps in prelim finals too that every player should have absolute role clarity. Because what I have seen is players spill over in I have to do everything.
How can coaches and players settle nerves and pressure before a preliminary final?
I have to be everywhere and I have to be a goal kicker and I have to be the best player on the ground. So every player must know my job, my strengths and how can I make the team better when I'm not touching the ball. Um so every spot has been earned to this point. The twenty-two players or twenty-three players that'll take the field will understand what their role should be. And then there's the non-negotiables. So I used to tell players, standards don't have feelings this time of year. So you're gonna receive some direct feedback. So own it. So um effort and role, uh discipline, it must be expected and not happening. have to be coached in this game. Um and then there's that team first um language. So uh there are some great players in this industry, but what you need to ask yourself during this game is what does the team need?
before what do I need or what do I need to do? It's what does the team need in this game? And I'll give you that. Um so yeah, game day feedback should be without emotion. Um problems are spoken about really clearly, not not panic, which I think is really important in prelim finals. Um and you need your standards and behaviours policed by the players, not the coaches. So I think the best teams in this game, you've got twenty three coaches out on the field who are giving really strong, direct, honest feedback and it's actioned.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What makes the preliminary finals the most decisive games of the AFL season?
0:00–2:53
2
How can coaches and players settle nerves and pressure before a preliminary final?
2:53–5:22
3
Why is role clarity and non‑negotiable standards crucial in high‑stakes finals?
5:22–8:13
4
What are the key strengths and concerns of the Swans vs Dockers matchup at the SCG?
8:13–10:56
5
How should Fremantle adjust their defence‑first philosophy to counter Sydney’s forwards?
10:56–14:17
6
What tactical factors will decide the Hawks vs Lions clash at the MCG?
14:17–16:58
7
Which skills (clearance, stoppage, forward pressure) are likely to win a preliminary final?
16:58–19:42
8
What are the final predictions and checklist for success for both weekend matchups?
19:42–22:38
Speakers
5 identifiedMore from Whateley
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