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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 20

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

North Melbourne v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, 5.50pm

Hawthorn shot themselves in the foot last weekend when they lost to Brisbane in Launceston, a result that cast doubt on their finals participation. As for North Melbourne, their September aspirations were done and dusted well before the smacking from West Coast on the weekend.

The Kangaroos now find themselves back at their preferred venue, but Rhyce Shaw will have his work cut out matching the capabilities in the box of four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson, who has started to mould his injury-hit Hawks into a difficult opponent.

The Hawks look to have the defensive structure, most notably James Frawley, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne and Grant Birchall, that is capable of stifling the Kangaroos’ potency forward of centre, although the battle between Ben McEvoy and Todd Goldstein shapes as a beauty.

VERDICT: Hawthorn by 12 points

SATURDAY

Essendon v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 11.45am

Essendon flirted with disaster against Gold Coast, but their second half was proof they have turned the corner. The Bombers dug deep and did what other sides faced with a similar predicament couldn’t do.

One of those was Port Adelaide, who were willing against Greater Western Sydney, but clearly lacked a focal point or  game plan to counter the intercept marking talent of Phil Davis and Nick Haynes. Robbie Gray was dangerous and Travis Boak brilliant, but the support cast was lacking.

The Bombers generated clearances when they needed to in the centre square and the contribution of Shaun McKernan, Jake Stringer and Mitch Brown in attack proved decisive. They loom as a real issue for the Power.

VERDICT: Essendon by 24 points

GWS v Sydney, Giants Stadium, 12.10pm

Greater Western Sydney have had their critics at stages this year — and for good reason — but they continue to soldier on in the face of adversity and could yet finish inside the top four at the end of the home-and-away campaign.

Having struggled early doors against their big brother Sydney, the Giants are well placed to hand out a punishing result here against a John Longmire-coached team that is missing a swag of proven performers, the latest being quality defender Dane Rampe (eye).

With so much at stake and GWS being back at home, it’s hard to think how the Giants couldn’t hit this contest at anything but full speed.

VERDICT: GWS by 43 points

Fremantle v Geelong, Optus Stadium, 2.35pm

Ross Lyon will coach out the rest of the season. Though he is contracted to continue in 2020, how the Dockers fare in the last month will determine whether he is afforded the opportunity to see out his existing deal.

After having their clocks cleaned by the Western Bulldogs, the Dockers can ill afford to be insipid before their home fans. A Geelong side that knows full well it needs to keep winning to remain in its current position, will ask many questions of Lyon’s men.

The lack of run and willingness to compete against the Bulldogs was alarming from a Fremantle perspective and unless that is rectified this week, the running division of the Cats, headed up by Patrick Dangerfield and Tim Kelly, will wreak havoc.

VERDICT: Geelong by 27 points

Melbourne v Richmond, MCG, 5.25pm

These two sides featured in preliminary finals last year. One is seemingly headed back to that tribal weekend of football for the right to advance to the grand final, whereas the other is a dead-set basket case that is bereft of confidence, ideas and spirit.

Melbourne’s bid to cause an almighty upset was made even harder this week when it was revealed Sam Weideman (broken jaw) was ruled out for the rest of the season. He may have presented coach Simon Goodwin with an option in attack, given it is hard to see how Bailey Fritsch can kick a bag against the organised Richmond back line.

VERDICT: Richmond by 39 points 

Adelaide v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval, 5.25pm

In the space of a fortnight, St Kilda have been transformed from a beleaguered club to one with designs on a finals berth. It is a stunning turnaround and their fortunes could become even brighter here with a win over Adelaide, the side they are trying to unseat in eighth.

The Saints have been freed up under interim coach Brett Ratten and will hit this match full of confidence after wins over the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne. Conversely, Crows coach Don Pyke is digging deep into his bag of tricks in an attempt to spark his players.

Adelaide’s inability to apply pressure in their front half and cover the ground in general is a huge concern, but they do have a great record against the Saints. If Pyke thought the spotlight was intense this week, he better not lose this game.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 4 points

SUNDAY

Collingwood v Gold Coast, MCG, 11.10am

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley won’t say it publicly, but he wouldn’t be human if his match committee meeting this week contained a conversation or five about the club’s injury list and how it is seriously impacting the Magpies’ ability to function anywhere near their optimum.

The loss of Jordan De Goey (hamstring) on top of talented teenager Isaac Quaynor (foot) from the loss to Richmond further restricts Buckley, but even though Gold Coast were considerably better last weekend to stretch the necks of Essendon, this is a match the Magpies simply must win. And they will.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 30 points

Carlton v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, 1.20pm

A match that looked relatively stress free two months ago has now become a serious examination for West Coast. There can be no other way to describe it.

Carlton have taken great strides under David Teague, but also meet their stiffest test in the reigning premiers, who ominously are warming to their work. The manner in which they demolished North Melbourne last Saturday was brutal, with Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling cashing in and Willie Rioli looking far sharper than he has for the most part of 2019.

The Blues are being led in grand fashion by co-captain Patrick Cripps and Liam Jones in defence, but the second and third-tier players have stood up, while the ability to hit the scoreboard has made a massive difference.

VERDICT: West Coast by 20 points

Brisbane v Western Bulldogs, Gabba, 2.40pm

The biggest surprise packets of the season, Brisbane are now presented with a wonderful opportunity to secure a top-four berth, perhaps even a spot in the top two, courtesy of a three-game stretch at the Gabba.

The Western Bulldogs have been a bogy side however for the Lions and like Chris Fagan’s side, know what the reward is should they keep winning. The midfield dominance and leg speed of the Bulldogs obliterated Fremantle and will demand a lot of the Lions.

Brisbane have dropped just one match at home all year and on what we have seen from them on the road, they have the confidence and game plan to end a five-match losing streak against the Bulldogs, especially with Harris Andrews available after serving a suspension.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 15 points

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