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Digby’s AFL Round 13 Preview

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

Digby Beachams’s Preview

North Melbourne v Hawthorn

Friday, Etihad Stadium 5.50pm

North Melbourne haven’t done a lot wrong in 2016, as their 10-2 record suggests. But the jury remains out on whether they are legitimate premiership contenders. This encounter against the benchmark of the past three seasons will reveal a great deal. The Hawks are warming to their work and will enter this match full of confidence having brutalised the Kangaroos in the corresponding fixture year.

Both sides are missing key personnel, but the return of Sam Mitchell from a week’s break is enormous for Hawthorn. The absence of Ben Jacobs is hurting North, as was highlighted last Saturday night when Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood ran amok. If Mitchell can assert himself in the centre square and around the stoppages like he so often does, the Hawks’ forward firepower will be too much for Brad Scott’s side.

VERDICT: Hawthorn by 32 points.

1st goal scorer: Jack Gunston

Brisbane v West Coast

Saturday, Gabba 11.40am

The last thing Brisbane need after a horrible performance before their home fans last weekend is a match-up with a side that smashed them in round one. But that is what awaits Justin Leppitsch and his Lions with the arrival of West Coast. In a rare piece of a good news for Brisbane however, is the Eagles make the trip without All-Australian ruckman Nic Naitanui following his Achilles surgery.

His absence places greater responsibility on Scott Lycett and the underperforming Eagles midfield. They must make a stand here after rolling over against Adelaide last Saturday night. Matt Priddis aside, the Eagles’ runners are incapable of producing consistently and aren’t that fond of working hard when not in possession. That said, their deficiencies are nothing compared to those at Brisbane, who continue to leak goals at an alarming rate.

VERDICT: West Coast by 45 points.

1st goal scorer: Josh Kennedy

Fremantle v Port Adelaide

Saturday, Domain Stadium 2.35pm

It has taken a while. Indeed it has taken what seems like an eternity, but Fremantle have finally turned the corner. The light at the end of the tunnel is no longer a runaway train. Essendon and Brisbane are anything but powerhouses, but the dismantling of those two sides in the past fortnight is something we would have expected from a premiership-challenging Dockers outfit. Confident and capable, Fremantle now face a genuine test in Port Adelaide.

The Power have mixed their form all year, but their efforts of late have been far more consistent and it is no disgrace to lose to the Western Bulldogs by less than a kick as they did last weekend. Port’s midfield will ask plenty of Fremantle, who will also ensure the depleted back line of the Power is stretched to the limit. Matt Taberner had a breakout effort against Brisbane, Hayden Ballantyne and Chris Mayne are hitting the scoreboard again and Lachie Weller is fresh off a four-goal haul. Another Dockers win here wouldn’t be a shock.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 11 points.

1st goal scorer: Chris Mayne

Western Bulldogs v Geelong

Saturday, Etihad Stadium 5.25pm

Let Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood off the chain at your peril. For those uncertain whether the Cats midfield is heavily reliant on the two superstars need only watch their contribution in last Saturday night’s victory over North Melbourne. It was a remarkable performance by both, with Dangerfield’s 48 possessions mindboggling even in the era of high disposal counts. What would be equally stunning, is if it was to occur again here.

The Western Bulldogs bat deep through the midfield, even in the absence of Luke Dahlhaus (knee), with Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, Lachie Hunter, Mitch Wallis, Jack Macrae and co., ferocious competitors in tight, and extremely dangerous when in space. Their ability to supply Jake Stringer and Jack Redpath with quality possessions is crucial and they also defend well. Geelong will be happy to have Tom Hawkins back from suspension, but his presence might not be enough, especially with this game being at the Bulldogs’ preferred venue.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 13 points.

1st goal scorer: Tom Hawkins

Sydney v Melbourne

Sunday, SCG 11.10am

Disappointed at having squandered an opportunity to replace North Melbourne at the head of the ladder with their loss to Greater Western Sydney, the Swans will look to get back on their bike before their home fans against Melbourne. Just how many turn up however is up for debate given atrocious conditions are forecast. That shouldn’t pose a problem for Sydney after they encountered a saturated Metricon Stadium a fortnight ago and emerged unscathed.

The Demons are on the quick back-up after their Queen’s Birthday win. They impressed in stages in that match, but were also guilty of overusing the football at periods. It is an area that Paul Roos will know won’t hold up against the Sydney midfield and in poor weather. The loss of Kurt Tippett is a blow because he was outstanding in the wet against Gold Coast. But if Callum Sinclair can hold his ground against Max Gawn, the Swans’ runners should power their side home.

VERDICT: Sydney by 29 points.

1st goal scorer: Lance Franklin

Essendon v GWS

Sunday, Etihad Stadium 2.40pm

Greater Western Sydney showcased their class and willingness to stand their ground against Sydney last weekend. They now have the opportunity to stomp all over a vulnerable Essendon and enhance their top-four claims. The Giants have a myriad of weapons that Bombers coach John Worsfold can only dream about.

Essendon were uncompetitive against Hawthorn, sparking fears it might lead to a dreadful second half of the season given their personnel issues. GWS have got some swagger about them, but they also have a ruthless streak. Beaten up by just about every side in the competition in their formative years, they are now exacting revenge when the opportunity presents. A high-class midfield led by Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel and Josh Kelly could provide their forward line with countless opportunities. Expect this to get nasty on the scoreboard.

VERDICT: GWS by 76 points.

1st goal scorer: Jeremy Cameron

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