Sports

Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 21

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Geelong v GWS, GMHBA Stadium, 5.50pm

There are parts of Greater Western Sydney’s season which you can only admire. There are other parts which are truly head-scratchers. It is the latter which is likely to cost them a finals berth.

As for Geelong, there is nothing but praise for the way they are going about their business. The Cats’ only blemish in an eternity was the slip-up to a rampant Brisbane at the Gabba. Either side of that performance they have been ruthless and ridiculously efficient.

That this match takes place in Geelong only enhances the Cats’ chances. They know how to strangle opposition teams at the angular venue and will think they can dominate midfield against a GWS line-up minus Jacob Hopper (concussion) and Tom Green (hamstring).

VERDICT: Geelong by 26 points

SATURDAY

Carlton v Gold Coast, Marvel Stadium, 11.45am

From all sorts to in the mix within the space of six days. That is the rollercoaster the Carlton Football Club rode inside a week. The dreadful loss to North Melbourne, seen as terminal for David Teague, was soon forgotten by the emphatic response against St Kilda.

The Blues now get a wonderful opportunity to zero in on eighth spot with a match-up opposed to Gold Coast, who have kicked only five majors in their last six quarters of football, a barren run compounded by the fact they have been outscored by 174 points in the same period.

If Carlton lose this, Teague may as well clean out his office.

VERDICT: Carlton by 32 points

Richmond v North Melbourne, MCG, 2.35pm

How long do we continue to trust what Richmond keep telling us? For some time now, they have told us they are ready to launch into the back end of the home-and-away season and push into September.

Six losses in their past seven matches would suggest they are incapable of walking the walk. If that is the case, this is a game which North Melbourne are entitled to believe is well within their grasp.

The addition of Tarryn Thomas (concussion) and Cam Zurhaar (shoulder) will provide a boost, while the Tigers will need to pick themselves up after the disappointment of a narrow loss to Fremantle.

VERDICT: North Melbourne by 8 points

Adelaide v Port Adelaide, 5.40pm

A few weeks ago, it seemed Port Adelaide had a battle on their hands to force their way back into the top four. Brisbane loomed as a stumbling block.

That is no longer the case. The Lions have fallen off the cliff, enabling the Power to move closer to the double chance. They are still not assured of a top-four berth because Sydney are coming and coming fast.

If the shadow of the Swans isn’t enough to stir the juices, a clash with fierce rivals Adelaide is. The Power love beating up on their big brothers and with their team getting stronger each week, this is a suitable assignment.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 39 points

St Kilda v Sydney, Marvel Stadium, 5.40pm

It was another week where Sydney were required to display resilience on and off the field. The result? Another victory.

The Swans haven’t been home since late June and even being required to make the journey back to Melbourne from their Queensland base wasn’t enough to see them lose a testing tussle against Essendon.

It is that blend of class, grit and excellent coaching which has Sydney within touching distance of the top four. As for St Kilda, they are losing touch with the top eight because they cannot get the job done, as evidenced by what we saw against Carlton.

VERDICT: Sydney by 23 points

SUNDAY

Hawthorn v Collingwood, MCG, 12.10pm

The one week on, one week off approach of Hawthorn was never more evident than last weekend when they annihilated Brisbane for three quarters before having to dig in to prevail.

Was that a response to Alastair Clarkon’s decision to resign? Or was it a marker which gives the Hawks’ faithful hope about what is ahead? The absence of Luke Breust (knee) certainly won’t help their chances of notching a second successive win.

Nor, for that matter, will Collingwood’s current form. The Magpies are in good nick and their first 60 minutes against West Coast last weekend was high class. They are young and making the odd mistake. But they are easier on the eye than under Nathan Buckley and competent.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 11 points

Western Bulldogs v Essendon, Marvel Stadium, 1.20pm

If you were to declare Essendon the best side outside the top eight, it would be hard to argue with you. But brave losses and encouraging signs when you are not sitting eighth or better at this point of the season doesn’t cut it.

The Bombers were involved in a cracker of a contest against Sydney, but again came up short. The Swans beat the Western Bulldogs only last month, but you’d suspect Luke Beveridge’s men would be confident their best is good enough here.

Marcus Bontempelli and his midfield mates are difficult to contain and if the supply is plentiful to their forwards, the Essendon backline could be in for a busy afternoon.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 23 points

Fremantle v Brisbane, Optus Stadium, 3.10pm

If Richmond are running out of chances to prove themselves, so too are Brisbane. It is unfathomable to think they could be so tardy when the game was its hottest against Gold Coast and Hawthorn in the past fortnight.

They dodged a bullet against the Suns, not so against Hawthorn. If Fremantle extend the Lions’ first-quarter issues, there might be no coming back for Chris Fagan’s men. The Dockers are up for the fight, despite an extensive injury list.

Midfielders Andy Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Caleb Serong, working at the feet of Sean Darcy, are absolute rippers. Then there is a veteran by the name of David Mundy. Alex Pearce (concussion) returning helps, but Brisbane do have genuine class.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 10 points

MONDAY

West Coast v Melbourne, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

For what seems the umpteenth time in 2021, West Coast have found themselves in the crosshairs of critics. And all the commentary surrounding the team’s performance against Collingwood is warranted.

It was an insipid effort, one which saw the bookmakers react accordingly and install Melbourne as raging favourites for this game under the Monday night lights. The Demons have travelled well this season and would love to showcase their premiership credentials with a scalp such as West Coast’s.

Max Gawn’s tussle with Nic Naitanui will be worth the price of admission alone, as will Elliot Yeo’s response to a poor game against either Clayton Oliver or Christian Petracca.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 17 points

Market Market

The TABtouch Lounge with Peter Vlahos and Declan Kelly on SEN Track.

Every Friday 8am-10am and Saturday 9am-11am for everything racing, chasing and pacing.

Code word for Friday August 6th:

BOOMERS

SMS this word to 0499 736 736 during the show on Friday August 6th for your chance to win a $50 TABtouch voucher.

Live streaming: https://www.sen.com.au/listen-live-track-wa/




Recent Articles