Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 7

Posted on April 28, 2023April 28, 2023 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

St Kilda v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 5.50pm

Those who doubted Ross Lyon’s ability to transform St Kilda into finalists have been extremely subdued of late. And it would be a surprise if they pop their heads up at the completion of this contest.

The Saints look very much the economical defensive-minded outfits we have seen from Lyon in his first stint at Moorabbin and Fremantle, but also possessing a more attacking slant. That is telling here against Port, who have been sound the past few weeks but are still a little shaky behind the ball.

No Tom Jonas (suspension) hurts the Power as they prepare to tackle the ladder leaders, whose only blemish was by less than a kick to Collingwood a fortnight ago.

VERDICT: St Kilda by 1-39 points

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SATURDAY

Brisbane v Fremantle, Gabba, 11.45am

Fremantle know exactly what is wrong with their game at present. Fixing it in order to have them primed to upset Brisbane at their Gabba fortress … well, that’s another matter entirely.

The Lions are not yet at the level we saw late last year when they stormed into the preliminary final, but there have been flashes of their best in the course of games. It invariably revolves around midfield dominance and then a potent forward line flexing like few others in the competition can.

If that is the case again, it’s hard to see how Fremantle contain them. The Dockers aren’t as proficient defensively as last season and aren’t winning enough contested possessions. All in all, that spells trouble.

VERDICT: Brisbane to win by 25 points or more

Sydney v GWS, SCG, 12.10pm

Even taking into account the rivalry that exists between Sydney and GWS, this looked a match well and truly within reach of the Swan when the fixtures first surfaced late last year.

Bookmakers would suggest that is still the case and they are right more often than not. However, an extensive injury list is curtailing Sydney coach John Longmire’s options, as evidenced by what we witnessed against Geelong in round six.

The Giants dug deep in the face of adversity against Brisbane and need to do so again here considering brilliant young key defender Sam Taylor is going to be sidelined for three months with a hamstring injury.

VERDICT: Sydney by 1-39 points

Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, 2.35pm

From a perilous 0-2 start to a solid 3-3 win-loss record, the Western Bulldogs are moving in the right direction. And their pursuit of a top-eight berth should intensify even further with a victory over Hawthorn.

The Hawks, had they taken their opportunities, could also be 3-3. Instead, they are 1-5 and facing up to a Bulldogs outfit understandably buoyed by their big win over Fremantle in WA and desperate to honour Marcus Bontempelli’s 200th appearance.

The midfield depth of the Bulldogs has been a feature for several seasons and what we are witnessing now is a better balance between contested ball and all-out attack.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 1-39 points

Melbourne v North Melbourne, MCG, 5.25pm

Melbourne remain firm in premiership betting after six rounds. Can they perform better than they are currently? Absolutely. Have they got gears so many of their opponents, including North Melbourne, don’t possess. You bet they do.

And less than a week after rallying admirably on Anzac Eve against Richmond, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Demons dine out on the Kangaroos, who are continuing to struggle in most areas of the game.

Melbourne might still be working out what the best fit is in regards to Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy being in the same line-up, but there was a lot to like about their contribution opposed to the Tigers.

VERDICT: Melbourne -44.5 points at the line

West Coast v Carlton, Optus Stadium, 5.30pm

The heat has come on Carlton really quickly. Beaten by Adelaide in round five, the Blues were exposed by St Kilda just over a week later, with their stilted ball movement fodder for critics.

This is simply a must-win encounter. West Coast are crippled by injuries and devoid of belief. They are there for the taking and the Blues cannot afford to roll into town without a ruthless mindset.

It would also help if Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay are given every opportunity to showcase their quality in attack at a ground and in conditions which will suit.

VERDICT: Carlton -26.5 points at the line

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SUNDAY

Essendon v Geelong, MCG, 11.10am

Brad Scott is not one to shirk a challenge. It’s just as well because Essendon are about to receive a second genuine football audit inside a week.

Completely overwhelmed by Collingwood in the final 30 minutes on Anzac Day, the Bombers meet a re-energised Geelong side fresh from an annihilation of Sydney in the grand final rematch. It was a ruthless display by the premiers which put the rest of the competition on notice.

Geelong’s overall health is improving and the form of Jeremy Cameron in attack (he has booted 27 goals in the first six rounds) has been irresistible. They are also the beneficiary of an extra three days’ rest.

VERDICT: Geelong by 1-39 points

Richmond v Gold Coast, Marvel Stadium, 1.20pm

Neither of these two teams are playing finals. While that might sound a tad premature given we aren’t even a third of the way through the season, it looks like Damien Hardwick and Stuart Dew’s respective side will be having September off.

The Tigers are battling injuries to key personnel, notably Tom Lynch and Toby Nankervis, but do welcome back Nathan Broad from suspension. The Suns have their own concerns, with tireless midfielder Touk Miller (knee) sidelined for several weeks.

Richmond got themselves up for their clash with Melbourne. Can they do it again after leaving the MCG empty-handed? The Suns will sense an upset is possible considering they have beaten Richmond in their past two meetings.

VERDICT: Richmond by 1-24 points

Adelaide v Collingwood, Adelaide Oval, 2.40pm

Collingwood coach Craig McRae was adamant in the aftermath of Anzac Day that his troops would be ready to front up and perform at their peak in the final match of round seven.

Who are we to argue with the impressive second-year Magpies coach? He and his conditioning team have an excellent handle on their players, which was clear for all to see on Tuesday. The Magpies are relentless and alarmingly for their rivals, never believe a game is out of reach.

Nick Daicos has tallied more than 80 disposals in the past fortnight. It has led to spirited debate about whether he is taggable. Crows coach Matthew Nicks has conceded Daicos will be closely monitored by the Crows this weekend.

VERDICT: Collingwood to win

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