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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 9

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

West Coast v Melbourne, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

It hasn’t been plain sailing over the past fortnight, but there is no denying West Coast’s two wins over Gold Coast and St Kilda have been terribly important. And should they dismiss a wounded Melbourne as expected, a 6-3 start to the season provides a solid platform.

Just like the Eagles, Melbourne haven’t been able to recapture their 2018 form at any stage, but have eked out wins over Hawthorn and Gold Coast that have given them a pulse. Ominously, they head west without injured pair Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham and lacking the attacking potency that made them a threat for so much of last season.

This match represents a quick turnaround for the Eagles after playing the Saints in Melbourne last Saturday night, but the Demons are an opponent they should be taking care of comfortably.

VERDICT: West Coast by 28 points

SATURDAY

Collingwood v St Kilda, MCG, 11.45am

Collingwood flirted with danger last weekend against Carlton before their cream rose to the top. And make no mistake, the Magpies have a lot of cream.

St Kilda not so much. They are competitive and have had a toehold in most games this year, but an inability to finish in front of goal or execute skills under pressure like the competition’s elite sides has proven their Achilles heel.

The ongoing absence of multiple best-and-fairest winner Jack Steven has been felt and that will be the case against the might of the Magpies’ midfield. Collingwood’s depth in the running division ultimately overwhelmed the Blues, with Tom Phillips’ display at the feet of a dominant Brodie Grundy a further illustration of their potency.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 32 points 

Brisbane v Adelaide, Gabba, 12.10pm

It took longer than expected, but Adelaide have finally hit their straps to enter the premiership conversation. The free-flowing Crows that stormed into the 2017 grand final have been replaced with a hard-nosed, defensive-minded outfit.

With four successive wins to their credit, there is no better time to head north and take on Brisbane, who have proven a difficult side to counter at the Gabba in 2019 and were beaten, but far from disgraced, in Ballarat by the Western Bulldogs.

The Lions have shown a propensity to take the game on this season, a ploy that is designed to give dangerous forwards Eric Hipwood, Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner an opportunity to go to work without a mass of bodies stifling their space. Expect that to occur again here.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 8 points

Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium, 2.35pm

Geelong’s streak of hot form shows no signs of abating. And it’s just as well. For some peculiar reason, the Cats are being presented with challenge after challenge. A week after absorbing North Melbourne’s best, they now host the Western Bulldogs, who have won their past two matches.

The Cats are likely to be bolstered by the return of captain Joel Selwood and his addition to the midfield comes at a good time with much being left to Tim Kelly and Patrick Dangerfield in his absence.

The Bulldogs stood up around the stoppages against Brisbane, thanks in no small part to Josh Dunkley, who gave us a reminder of his talent when injury-free. Aaron Naughton didn’t have the same impact against the Lions as he did opposed to Richmond, but still kicked three goals. How the Cats defend him is crucial.

VERDICT: Geelong by 21 points

Essendon v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 5.25pm

Essendon coach John Worsfold was in the crosshairs of critics after a horrid first fortnight, to being in charge of a possible flag contender after three straight wins to again being scrutinised following three consecutive defeats.

Though two of the defeats in the past three weeks have been by single figures, supporters won’t tolerate another loss of any description here. Fremantle interstate must be taken care of. Nothing else matters, even though the Dockers beat GWS in Canberra this season and stretched the necks of Adelaide a fortnight ago.

Ross Lyon’s men were stunned early by Richmond last Sunday and spent the rest of the afternoon trying to play catch up. They failed. Adjustments will be made, but they need to be. The return of Joe Daniher only makes Fremantle’s task harder.

VERDICT: Essendon by 19 points

North Melbourne v Sydney, Blundstone Arena, 5.25pm

North Melbourne asked many questions of Geelong last Sunday, but the Cats had all the answers. A similar performance here against Sydney should ensure Brad Scott’s men leave the Apple Isle with the four points.

The Swans ended a poor recent record at the SCG with a much-needed win over Essendon when midfielders Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy led from the front as they have done so often in the past and need to do so regularly now to ensure the youthful line-up has its best chance to win.

It has been no shock that the Kangaroos’ spike in fortunes in the past two weeks has coincided with a return to form of Ben Brown. The spearhead remains one of the most accurate kicks at goal and if he is provided with sufficient supply, can lift North over the line.

VERDICT: North Melbourne by 11 points

SUNDAY

Port Adelaide v Gold Coast, Adelaide Oval, 11.10am

Gold Coast head to Adelaide Oval well aware of the challenge confronting them. Their worst performance in an encouraging 2019 was earlier this season when Adelaide monstered them at the ground, laying bare their attacking deficiencies.

Having failed to win a game they should have against Melbourne, the Suns need to get back on the bike and be switched on from the outset against Port Adelaide, who surged at the Crows in the final quarter of last weekend’s showdown, only to come up short.

The Power still have an extensive injury list, but the smattering of class at Ken Hinkley’s disposal, coupled with the home-ground advantage, tips the scales in Port’s favour.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 20 points

Richmond v Hawthorn, MCG, 1.20pm

Richmond sounded a warning to their flag rivals with a powerhouse showing against Fremantle, a game which finished shortly after Hawthorn dismantled Greater Western Sydney courtesy of a masterful coaching display from Alastair Clarkson.

The four-time premiership coach implemented a game plan which centred around starving GWS of possession. How he prepares for the frontal pressure and ballistic style of the Tigers which caught the Dockers napping will be intriguing.

The Tigers’ speed and work without the ball opposed to the Dockers was terrific, with the contribution of goalsneak Shai Bolton and key forward Tom Lynch important. Hawthorn will look to exploit Richmond’s lack of a quality ruckman through Ben McEvoy, but the Tigers appear to have weapons regardless.

VERDICT: Richmond by 15 points

GWS v Carlton, Giants Stadium, 2.40pm

Greater Western Sydney were roundly criticised following their showing against Hawthorn — and rightly so. It was not the type of performance befitting such a talented side.

One week after being pummelled by North Melbourne, Carlton were much better against Collingwood. Though they ultimately lowered their colours, there was no denying the intent. Co-captain Patrick Cripps was magnificent and he will again be expected to lead the Blues’ midfield.

The Giants are likely to welcome back Lachie Whitfield after two weeks out with injury and if is able to pick up where he left off in a midfield that has more depth than Carlton, they should be able to redeem themselves at the first opportunity.

VERDICT: GWS by 34 points

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