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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 24

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Essendon v Carlton, MCG, 5.30pm

In a match that matters little, how Carlton fans react to Tom De Koning in game 100 is going to attract considerable interest … and so it should. De Koning seems certain to head to St Kilda on a multi-year deal worth around $1.7 million a season.

He will leave a significant hole in the Blues’ following division, although the raw numbers suggest Carlton aren’t that much inferior inside the centre square when Marc Pittonet is their No.1 ruck option. Talking of the centre square, surely it is where Zach Merrett is stationed for most of the night in his 250th appearance.

Merrett is a prolific ball winner and an excellent user, key attributes in a side that has been riddled by injuries and is currently on a losing streak that has reached double figures. If Harry McKay replicates what he did against Port Adelaide last Saturday, the sequence will be extended.

VERDICT: Carlton by 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: Zach Merrett, George Hewett and Archie Roberts to have 25+ disposals @ $2.50*

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

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