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Digby’s AFL Round 2 Preview

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

Collingwood v Richmond

Friday, 4.50pm MCG

Collingwood looked super impressive during the NAB Challenge, with their much-vaunted midfield, boosted by the recruitment of Adam Treloar, attracting most praise. One week into the season and the Magpies are on their knees. They were brutalised by Sydney at the SCG last Saturday night when their following division was no match for the Swans. Compounding the scoreboard was a potential season-ending injury to Dane Swan and Steele Sidebottom’s two-match suspension.

Now they must find a way to quickly reverse their fortunes against Richmond, who were less than impressive themselves on Easter Thursday, but found a way to get over the top of a gallant Carlton. That the Tigers have an extra 48 hours of rest and are likely to be boosted by experienced wingman Shaun Grigg’s return only boosts the prospects of Damien Hardwick’s side.

Collingwood are in desperate need of a major contribution from Travis Cloke, whose struggles against Sydney were an extension of his poor finish to 2015. The Tigers wouldn’t mind if Alex Rance was to find his way to Cloke, but the Magpies would be hoping that match-up doesn’t occur. They have other key attacking options in Darcy Moore and Corey Gault, but the loss of Swan and unavailability of Travis Varcoe (hamstring), impacts their ground-level firepower in attack. If Richmond hold their own in the midfield, they have enough talent at either end to swamp the Magpies.

VERDICT: Richmond by 19 points.

Adelaide v Port Adelaide

Saturday, 10.45am Adelaide Oval

Round one of a season often throws up a surprise or two. In regards to these two teams, what we witnessed last weekend was no shock. Adelaide look competent and organised as you would expect under Don Pyke, while the arsenal and individual brilliance at Port Adelaide is unquestionable. How Ken Hinkley structures up and enhances the talent at his disposal will determine how far the Power advance in 2016.

The Crows were very good for an extended period against North Melbourne, with their ball movement and forward line a threat from the outset. Defensively though they were a little shaky, as they were in 2015. It is an area that needs to be addressed, especially against Port, who have genuine weapons forward of centre in Charlie Dixon, Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard.

Adelaide’s midfield is well served by Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane and Matt Crouch, but none of them are going to win a Stawell Gift. Had they been able to call on the explosive Patrick Dangerfield last weekend, they might have taken down the Kangaroos. Port are aggressive with their game plan and have serious wheels, even taking into account the loss of speedster Matt White (pectoral). They torched St Kilda in just over a quarter last weekend and will think they are capable of booting a total beyond the Crows’ reach here.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 23 points.

Essendon v Melbourne

Saturday, 11.10am MCG

Every neutral football supporter, it seems, was delighted to see Melbourne rally admirably in the final quarter and run down Greater Western Sydney. In the doldrums for so long, the Demons indicated they had taken good strides forward throughout the pre-season and were able to rubber stamp that form, thanks in no small part to the Giants’ poor finishing in front of goal.

They now have the opportunity to build on that and beat up on Essendon, who appear a glorified WAFL side. The Bombers started well enough against Gold Coast, but the talent of the Suns then clicked into gear and the lack of class at John Worsfold’s disposal was exposed badly. Melbourne had an even spread of contributors, highlighted by the input of teenager Clayton Oliver, who justified the the club’s decision to take him with its first pick in last year’s national draft.

The possible return of Angus Brayshaw to the midfield and Lynden Dunn in defence only aids Melbourne’s chances, with Joe Daniher seemingly the only real weapon the Bombers have capable of troubling the Demons. At the other end of the ground, Jesse Hogan looms as a massive factor. Quiet for three terms against GWS, Hogan booted three goals in the final quarter to showcase his worth. It wouldn’t shock if he kicked a bag.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 39 points.

Brisbane v North Melbourne

Saturday, 1.35pm Gabba

It was obvious from North Melbourne’s pre-season training post-Christmas, that they had placed enormous importance on their round-one match with Adelaide. Sensing the opportunity to break a week-one hoodoo under Brad Scott and the need to capitalise on a generous start to the season, the Kangaroos were wound up and ultimately got the job done. They now need to back it up against Brisbane at the Gabba.

The Lions were solid enough against West Coast, kicking 15 goals themselves, but leaking 26 at the other end. The Kangaroos don’t have the firepower forward of centre that West Coast possess — few sides do — but they would back themselves to outscore most sides. Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite, Ben Brown, Lindsay Thomas, Shaun Higgins and Brent Harvey know where the goals are, as evidenced by them combining for 12 of North’s 16 majors against the Crows.

Brisbane received terrific service from Allen Christensen against the Eagles and he will benefit from the run, as will captain Tom Rockliff. The loss of Mitch Robinson with a calf strain hurts, but Dayne Zorko does return from a week’s suspension. Brisbane will be suited by the oppressive conditions expected, but they are also operating off a short week, not to mention a long haul to Perth.

VERDICT: North Melbourne by 28 points.

St Kilda v Western Bulldogs

Saturday, 4.25pm Etihad Stadium

There is not much more to be said about the influence Nick Riewoldt has had on the of AFL during his celebrated stint at St Kilda. Fittingly, he gets the opportunity to play his 300th senior match in a Saints home game at their preferred venue, Etihad Stadium. Some coaches argue milestone matches don’t result in a massive spike from players because that means they haven’t given their all previously. Make no mistake, the St Kilda players will be beside themselves when they run out on the ground for this contest.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge will be aware of how keen the Saints will be to reward Riewoldt with a performance to remember and given what we witnessed last Sunday, the Bulldogs would be disappointed if they are ambushed. They obliterated the Dockers early and then held them at bay like a seasoned line-up. The grunt and class midfield, the rebound from defence and the firepower in attack, notably Jake Stringer, had all the hallmarks of an elite team.

The Saints, like the Bulldogs, are building a style of play that is identifiable and their ability to dispossess Port Adelaide and move the ball swiftly had them in front deep in the third term. However, their dare was lacking when the game was in the balance late. Alan Richardson will demand that is constant for four quarters. It will need to be if they are to upset the Bulldogs.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 19 points.

Fremantle v Gold Coast

Saturday, 4.40pm Domain Stadium

The blowtorch has been turned on and while it has not been applied to Fremantle coach Ross Lyon and his players, it is heading in that direction. How the Dockers respond against Gold Coast at home in this match will determine whether the heat is really turned up or the flame is minimised somewhat. Fremantle’s attacking intent, ball movement and efficiency were at a standard befitting a bottom-four side, not one that claimed the minor premiership last season.

Gold Coast know what it is like to be a straggler and they relished the opportunity to beat up on Essendon last weekend. So much so, that they flirted with their form in the final term, much to the chagrin of coach Rodney Eade. Skipper Gary Ablett was awesome and Matt Rosa slotted in like the experienced pro that he is. Both, along with Eade, will stress to the youthful Suns of the need to hold their ground early against Fremantle, who are renowned for dominating an opponent early and then taking the air out of the match.

Lyon often talks about the need to find extra goals a game, yet he hasn’t been able to discover them on a consistent basis and that is a chief reason why the Dockers keep coming up short when it matters most. The Suns aren’t likely to participate in finals this season, but the Dockers must allay growing concerns and show they have the capability to kick a sizeable total.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 38 points.

GWS v Geelong

Sunday, 11.10am Manuka Oval

If there were any doubts about Geelong climbing the ladder in 2016, surely they were dispelled last Monday with their stirring effort against Hawthorn. Slick early, challenged strongly in the third term and powerful when it mattered most, the Cats showcased their class and mettle to start the year brilliantly. The performances of three key recruits — Patrick Dangerfield, Zac Smith and Lachie Henderson — were instrumental in the victory.

They now have the follow that effort with another quality showing here against a GWS line-up desperate not to see its advancement in the past two seasons go to waste. The Giants had Melbourne on the ropes last weekend, but were unable to deliver the knockout blow. Steve Johnson was busy in his first game as a Giant, but also displayed the same selfish traits which infuriate many. His composure and contribution against his former teammates will be intriguing to watch.

The Giants are likely to be boosted by Jon Patton, who will work in close proximity with Rory Lobb. However, if the Cats are able to win as much contested ball as they did against Hawthorn and GWS offer as little resistance as they did in the final term against Melbourne, Chris Scott’s men should leave the nation’s capital with four points.

VERDICT: Geelong by 16 points.

Hawthorn v West Coast

Sunday, 1.20pm MCG

Not a great deal went right for West Coast in last year’s grand final. In fact, nothing did. Six months on, they get the chance to ease the pain and gain a semblance of revenge with a showdown against a banged-up Hawthorn, who are coming off a six-day break and will be without their inspirational skipper Luke Hodge.

The Eagles did everything everyone expected they would against Brisbane, piling on 26 goals and moving the ball around Domain Stadium at a rapid rate with minimal resistance. The contest was as contrasting as you could get to the Hawks-Geelong blockbuster the following day. The expected addition of Lewis Jetta to West Coast’s midfield is a major boost, especially with Nic Naitanui in terrific form at present. The Hawks’ on-ball brigade is light on for soldiers, with the absence of Bradley Hill and Liam Shiels compounded by the unavailability of Hodge, who can float through there.

West Coast’s forwards did as they pleased against Brisbane, but will find this a much tougher assignment. That said, Josh Kennedy couldn’t have started the year any better and will ask plenty of James Frawley. At the other end of the ground, the Hawks would love to exploit the Eagles defence like they did in the grand final. No Jarryd Roughead makes it harder to do so, while the return of Eric Mackenzie is significant.

VERDICT: West Coast by 20 points.

Carlton v Sydney

Sunday, Etihad Stadium 2.40pm

In recent years, the lesser lights of the competition have had an opportunity to ease into the season with matches against like-minded opponents. Unfortunately for Carlton, their traditional season opener against Richmond has been followed by this daunting assignment against Sydney, fresh off their thumping of finals hopefuls Collingwood in which Lance Franklin made a trademark headline-grabbing return.

The Blues were brave against Richmond, but lacked the necessary polish to pull off an upset. It was through no fault of Patrick Cripps, Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy and No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering, who could all hold their heads high. How the Blues midfield stands up against their opposite number here is crucial given the Swans’ following division decimated Collingwood last Saturday night.

And then there is Franklin. We know what he is capable of at his peak and looking at him, he appears as fit and engaged as he has been for a long time. If the ball supply is plentiful, he could have an evening out against the Blues, despite their better defensive structures under new coach Brendon Bolton. And if round one told us anything, it was that Carlton will again struggle to boot winning totals.

VERDICT: Sydney by 43 points.

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Digby Beacham is Deputy Sports Editor of The West Australian




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