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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 9

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Fremantle v Collingwood, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

If the trend is your friend, Fremantle are in line to claim the four points tonight. Not only do the Dockers respond the week after a poor game (and last Friday night was POOR!), sides off a five-day break aren’t enjoying success in 2025.

If there is a side that can buck that trend however, it is Collingwood. The Magpies lost a clinker against Geelong last Saturday night. As much as they had to rally late, it shouldn’t be lost in the wash that they led by a sizeable amount during the third term.

The Magpies are minus key personnel because of the quick spin, but still bring a line-up laced with talent. We think the Dockers also have sufficient quality, it’s just a case of them absorbing the pressure and playing a brand of football that marries up with the modern-day game.

VERDICT: Collingwod to win

Same Game Multi: Game total over 161.5 points and Bobby Hill and Lachie Schultz to kick 1+ goals @ $2.70*

FRIDAY

St Kilda v Carlton, MCG, 5.40pm

St Kilda responded admirably opposed to Fremantle last Friday night. Over to you, Carlton.

The Blues were humbled in Adelaide by the Crows and need to pick up the pieces back at the home of football to ensure they remain relevant in the finals conversation. It won’t be easy. Ross Lyon disarms an opposition side’s strengths better than most and will no doubt put plenty of work into Carlton’s playmakers.

The Saints have caused Michael Voss’ Blues some trouble in recent times and will feel they can add to that list here, especially with a nimble midfield and a multi-layered forward line in the absence of Max King.

VERDICT: Carlton to win

Same Game Multi: Carlton 1-39 points and Sam Walsh to have 25+ disposals @ $2.90*

SATURDAY

Melbourne v Hawthorn, MCG, 11.20am

Melbourne have resuscitated a season that was on life support. Importantly, they are hitting the scoreboard, with Simon Goodwin’s overdue response to a lack of attacking intent proving beneficial. Who would have thought!!!

Will he still have the same mindset here? One would hope so, although Max Gawn is likely to have a far more physical day at the footy than he did against West Coast. Lloyd Meek is a massive man and happy to engage his opponent at stoppages.

Overall, Hawthorn have the weapons and depth of talent to take the Demons into deep water, even with Tom Barrass being rested ahead of a trip to Darwin in round 10 to face Gold Coast.

VERDICT: Hawthorn by 16 points or more

Same Game Multi: Jai Newcombe and Christian Petracca to have 25+ disposals @ $2.33*

Essendon v Sydney, Marvel Stadium, 2.15pm

Essendon might not have beaten a great deal in recent weeks, but the cold, hard fact is they have netted four victories from their past five outings, with the only loss in that time being to Collingwood on Anzac Day.

It is a streak that faces a stern test in the form of the Sydney Swans. The win over GWS last weekend came seven days after a bright start against Gold Coast, only to be overrun. Sydney aren’t at the level we have become accustomed to in the past few seasons. Yet they remain in the finals thoughts of many.

They will look to own the territory here like they did against the Giants and see how the Bombers’ defence holds up.

VERDICT: Sydney to win

Same Game Multi: Sam Durham, Chad Warner and Jake Lloyd to have 20+ disposals @ $2.75*

Gold Coast v Western Bulldogs, TIO Stadium, Darwin, 5.35pm

A proven commodity in Darwin against a proven commodity in 2025. That is the scenario for this encounter between Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs.

The Suns have won their past six matches in the Top End by an average of eight goals. They are clearly comfortable in Darwin and know the conditions well. The Bulldogs will be putting that record of Gold Coast’s to the test.

No Adam Treloar (calf) is a blow for the Bulldogs, but their two-way game at present is elite and their selfless approach is a thing of beauty.

VERDICT: Gold Coast to win

Same Game Multi: Gold Coast + 9.5 points into game total under 177.5 points @ $2.70*

Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, 6.10pm

Hasn’t this match got lost in the wash courtesy of Willie Rioli and his recidivist behaviour? It is a shame because this is a rivalry that runs deep and provides so much entertainment every time Adelaide and Port Adelaide lock horns.

The bitter foes each have 28 wins against each other, with the Crows favoured to get their noses in front after a solid start to the season and the fact Port are not only coming off a hiding in Ballarat, but will be without Rioli for at least this week.

The Crows have plenty of firepower and if they can hold their ground in the midfield against a Zak Butters-led division, this is a game they should be winning.

VERDICT: Adelaide to win

Same Game Multi: Adelaide -12.5 points and game total over 176.5 points @ $3.20*

SUNDAY

Richmond v West Coast, MCG, 11.10am

Off what we have witnessed thus far, West Coast won’t get many better looks at winning a game in 2025 than this. Whilst that might sound a little disrespectful given what Richmond are doing, there is no denying the Eagles are more competitive this season than they were for so long under Adam Simpson.

However, it has been so long now since West Coast have been proficient away from home. The Tigers remain very much a work in progress, but they are showing signs each week they’re on the right track.

Tom Lynch looms as a major obstacle if the supply is sufficient considering Jeremy McGovern (concussion) misses.

VERDICT: Richmond to win

Same Game Multi: Jayden Short to have 20+ disposals and Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper to have 25+ disposals @ $3*

Geelong v GWS, GMHBA Stadium, 1.20pm

A trip down the highway to face Geelong is one of the more difficult assignments in football. Not for GWS though. The Giants have enjoyed wonderful success against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium and would desperately love another win there to provide some impetus to their finals push.

It won’t be easy without Toby Bedford, who was this week ruled out after suffering blurred vision as a result of a crude Lewis Melican strike last Sunday.

Geelong have shown on more than one occasion this year that they can impact the scoreboard quickly. That presents a real problem for the Giants, whose scoring prowess has dried up of late.

VERDICT: Geelong to win

Same Game Multi: Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan to kick 2+ goals @ $3.80*

North Melbourne v Brisbane, Ninja Stadium, Hobart, 2.40pm

Irrespective of how you look at this match-up, it is impossible to reach a conclusion where Brisbane aren’t successful.

The Lions are defending like the premiership side they are, have a plethora of quality ball winners midfield and full belief in their system that makes a mockery of inferior teams like North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos used to have a decent record down in Hobart. Many moons ago they were a decent side. Not now.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 25 points or more

Same Game Multi: Harry Sheezel and Lachie Neale to have 30+ disposals @ $3.75*

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