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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 14

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium, 5.50pm

Geelong made it clear to the AFL that they wouldn’t be transferring this home game interstate — crowds or no crowd. The Cats argued they would be disadvantaged if they ventured away from GMHBA Stadium considering next week’s match against Brisbane is set down for the Gabba.

That is probably the case, but they also know full well that they are far more comfortable on home soil than the Western Bulldogs, who have to venture down the highway and become one of those rare sides who take down the Cats in Geelong.

Having sent a message to the rest of the competition with their win over Port Adelaide, Geelong can enhance their top-two claims with another victory here before a smattering of supporters. Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron and Gary Rohan are working beautifully together and you would think Patrick Dangerfield will be better again after returning from a lengthy absence against the Power.

VERDICT: Geelong by 20 points

SATURDAY

Gold Coast v Port Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, 11.45am

It’s fair to assume there will be a response from Gold Coast and Port Adelaide in this encounter given how poorly they performed in round 13 matches that were extremely winnable.

Whether the Suns can elevate to the heights we know the Power are capable of scaling when at their best however, remains the big question. Port had periods of dominance opposed to Geelong, thanks to key clearances and good finishing from Connor Rozee and Charlie Dixon.

The return from suspension of Scott Lycett is critical against a Suns side that has its share of talent, but struggles to piece it all together, especially without No.1 big man Jarrod Witts (knee).

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 19 points

North Melbourne v Brisbane, Blundstone Arena, 2.35pm

North Melbourne would have pulled a bigger crowd had this match taken place at their Victorian base, Marvel Stadium. But they have a greater chance of upsetting Brisbane in Hobart.

The Kangaroos should really be chasing back-to-back wins. They had GWS on the hop last weekend, only to cough up the full four points. This isn’t going to be any easier, although the Lions venture south without skipper Dayne Zorko (suspended).

Brisbane had a letdown the week before their bye when overrun by Melbourne. Even in the course of that match though, they flexed their muscles and had the Demons on the ropes. They do most things right, Brisbane. The same doesn’t apply to North Melbourne.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 23 points

GWS v Carlton, Giants Stadium, 5.25pm

Carlton fans were greeted with some good news on Tuesday morning when Coleman Medal contender Harry McKay committed for a further two years. That is likely to be offset here though by another Blues loss.

Greater Western Sydney escaped with two points last Sunday against North Melbourne, but the two they left behind down in Tasmania seriously compromises their top-eight prospects. Josh Kelly is in rare nick and the opportunity to see him at his peak against another premier midfielder in Sam Walsh is exciting,

We know Carlton conducted a review of their football operation during the bye. One would hope their defensive deficiencies were very much front and centre.

VERDICT: GWS by 18 points

SUNDAY

Hawthorn v Essendon, UTAS Stadium, 1.20pm

For the first time in a long time last weekend, Hawthorn performed like, well …. a side representing a version of Hawthorn we have become accustomed to under Alastair Clarkson for many, many seasons.

Was it a flash in the pan? Or can they start carving out acceptable performances week after week? The fact they come up against traditional rivals Essendon, even in the absence of suspended midfielder James Worpel, will surely help their motivation levels.

The Bombers also need no digging in the ribs to alert them about the importance of this match. They aren’t out of finals calculations, but have very little wriggle room. The loss of Andrew McGrath (knee) hurts, but their mid-season bye and leg speed should serve them well.

VERDICT: Essendon by 16 points

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