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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 15

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Brisbane v Geelong, Gabba, 5.30pm

Brisbane weren’t anywhere near their best last weekend and as a result, had to work overtime to get past North Melbourne. Likewise, Geelong needed to dig deep (and cash in on some Gary Rohan magic post-final siren) to dismiss the Western Bulldogs.

The Cats’ formline is undeniably stronger. However, the Lions do return home to the Gabba and will be bolstered by the return of skipper Dayne Zorko from suspension, while Geelong are missing gun midfielder Mitch Duncan (knee).

Brisbane are proving an almighty tough nut to crack before their home fans and the prospect of the Gabba being a nice, slick deck could also prove problematic for the Cats, who endeavour to offset their lack of leg speed by retaining possession. Very little separated them earlier in the year and that may well be the case again.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 10 points

FRIDAY

Richmond v St Kilda, MCG, 5.50pm

The last time St Kilda played a match, they coughed up a massive lead to lose to Adelaide. The last time they played Richmond, which just so happened to be this earlier year, they were massacred. Good luck Brett Ratten.

Whereas Ratten is hoping and praying for a spark in the second half of the campaign, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick knows his troops will be preparing to hit September full of running. They split their WA road trip at 1-1, but lost no admirers in losing a thriller to West Coast.

The Tigers have the midfield grunt to overpower the Saints and while they are still some way off their preferred line-up, the system-based game plan and proven ability to find a way will carry them to victory.

VERDICT: Richmond by 34 points

SATURDAY

North Melbourne v Gold Coast, Blundstone Arena, 11.45am

It’s difficult to confidently tip a team sitting on the foot of the ladder with one win to its name after 14 rounds. That is the conundrum in regards to identifying the winner of this clash.

North Melbourne are improving. It’s hard to argue with that. However, the week after they upset Hawthorn down in Tasmania for their solitary victory earlier this year, they didn’t give a yelp against Essendon. You’d like to think they didn’t get ahead of themselves.

David Noble will be preaching the importance of making a statement early here considering Gold Coast are under siege for back-to-back poor efforts and the unavailability of David Swallow (concussion), Lachie Weller (hamstring) and Sam Collins (ankle).

VERDICT: North Melbourne by 17 points

Collingwood v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 11.45am

Fremantle supporters have consumed every piece of correspondence coming out of their club’s Cockburn headquarters regarding Nat Fyfe for what seems an eternity. And how you can blame them?

The Dockers’ prospects of making a mid-season finals push relies heavily on Fyfe’s banged-up shoulder. If the dual Brownlow medallist is able to return, there is no reason the visitors cannot head interstate and take down the Magpies, even if they have access to both Brodie Grundy and Taylor Adams.

The absence of Darcy Moore (knee) and Jordan De Goey (suspended) will help Fremantle, but they cannot afford to be wasteful in front of goal against a side that does defend well.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 12 points

Essendon v Melbourne, MCG, 5.25pm

For much of this week, the news surrounding Essendon has been whether Jake Stringer should be afforded the four-year deal he and his management are seeking. Performances like the one turned in by the enigmatic utility player last Sunday certainly enhances his cause.

As would a repeat display against a premiership contender in Melbourne. The Demons looked like a team in need of the bye against Collingwood and now that they have had it, you’d be disappointed if they didn’t hit the Bombers at full tilt.

Melbourne’s organisation in all areas on the ground, not to mention their ability to win football at the coalface, will stretch the capabilities of a Bombers side that is extremely watchable.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 20 points

Port Adelaide v Sydney, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm

It might not be as sexy as the Brisbane-Geelong blockbuster to open the round, but the level of interest surrounding this contest could well rival it.

Port Adelaide have to start making a stand against the top-eight sides, even though they are now going to be without superstar Robbie Gray for an extended period. Likewise, Sydney have to negotiate a tricky patch of games against some of the elite sides if they are to secure a spot in September.

The fact the Swans have had their preparation turned upside down because of increasing COVID-19 cases in their home city doesn’t help. If they adopt the attitude Collingwood and Geelong did when venturing to Adelaide Oval though, they will be up to their eyeballs in this match.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 8 points

SUNDAY

GWS v Hawthorn, MCG, 11.10am

When you start the season 0-3 like GWS did, there is very little wriggle room attached to your finals aspirations. There is no disputing the Giants right now are light years ahead of they were in March. And for Leon Cameron, that is a good thing.

The current run of form, for the most part, the Giants have pieced together led to them being installed favourites here against Hawthorn. They will need to continue their progression as the Hawks, despite their lowly ladder position, are improving.

The effort against Essendon was good, the return of James Worpel from suspension is another plus, as is the fact this game is now at the MCG as opposed to Giants Stadium. Expect an arm-wrestle.

VERDICT: GWS by 11 points

West Coast v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium, 1.20pm

West Coast have adopted the next-man-up attitude for the first half of the season. They didn’t have any other choice.

Now the reinforcements have arrived, it’s not inconceivable to think they can make a late-season surge at the bottom end of the top four. Luke Shuey was solid enough in the WAFL and his expected inclusion is key against a Bulldogs on-ball department that is laden with class and speed.

The Bulldogs were terrific for the most part against Geelong, but will have their hands full quelling the Eagles’ forward-line options, notably Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling, Oscar Allen and Liam Ryan.

VERDICT: West Coast by 20 points

Carlton v Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 2.40pm

In an ideal world, Carlton coach David Teague would be preparing for this match against Adelaide with an eye to the future … chiefly a much-anticipated finals appearance.

Teague’s world right now is so far removed from ideal, it’s not funny. He is under immense pressure, indeed the entire club, is feeling the heat for a dreadful campaign in 2021. As a result, the spotlight is being directed at him leading into a game at home that is simply non-negotiable.

Like Carlton, Adelaide aren’t playing finals. They are limited and pumping games into the kids. But they are honest and give their best for extended periods in games. They will ask many questions. Will Teague and his players have the answers?

VERDICT: Carlton by 9 points

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