Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 10

Posted on May 20, 2021May 24, 2021 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Brisbane v Richmond, Gabba, 5.50pm

It took longer than Chris Fagan would have liked, but there is no denying Brisbane are now well on their way. A five-game winning streak ahead of another Friday night showdown with Richmond should have the Lions coach and his players buoyant about what is possible.

Talking of buoyant, the Tigers are entitled to head north believing victory is within reach following their Dustin Martin-inspired come-from-behind win over GWS last Saturday night. It was further evidence that any Richmond side with the triple Norm Smith medallist in it can’t be ruled out, regardless of how many stars are missing.

Brisbane have defended stoutly over the past month, although Darcy Gardiner (shoulder) is unavailable here after a fresh setback last weekend. That said, the overall number of contributors we are seeing from Brisbane’s perspective is impressive.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 18 points

---

SATURDAY

Carlton v Hawthorn, MCG, 11.45am

David Teague and Alastair Clarkson enter this contest under increasing pressure. At the final siren, one will be able to breathe out, the other unable to avoid the inevitable spotlight directed their way.

The Blues’ win-loss record of 3-6, is only slightly better than that of Hawthorn’s, yet their competitiveness has been far greater than the Hawks. Most recently, they asked questions of the unbeaten Melbourne, only to be undone again by their haphazard defensive mechanisms.

The Hawks’ two wins have been by single-figure margins and after losing to North Melbourne seven days ago at their Tasmanian fortress, it’s hard to tip into them. Even though their midfield will be stinging after being outworked by the Kangaroos, that won’t be enough alone.

VERDICT: Carlton by 21 points

Geelong v Gold Coast, GMHBA Stadium, 12.10pm

Just like Brisbane, Geelong have quietly gone about their business over the past month to not only enter the top-four conversation, but emerge as genuine threats for this year’s premiership.

And that spells major trouble for Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew as he endeavours to extract something extremely special from his besieged troops. An uncompetitive performance at home against the Lions is hardly the form you want to display in the lead-up to a trip to Geelong.

The Cats survived a scare against St Kilda last Friday night. It would be a shock if they suffered the same fate here.

VERDICT: Geelong by 49 points

Adelaide v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval, 2.35pm

Adelaide were given very little chance of toppling either Port Adelaide or West Coast in the past fortnight. And while the pre-match predictions proved accurate, the Crows’ willingness to compete has been noteworthy.

It is an attitude they will again need to display to avoid being shredded by Melbourne, who have started 9-0 to deserve the mantle as flag favourites. The selfless and ruthless nature of the Demons, who face a selection dilemma with WA young gun Luke Jackson, is ultra-impressive.

The Crows will be bolstered by the return of former skipper Taylor Walker, however he will find goals hard to come by against the best defensive unit in the competition.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 39 points

Western Bulldogs v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium, 5.25pm

If you were to mount an argument on how St Kilda would be best equipped to spring an upset here, the narrative would focus around how the Saints talls in attack stretch the undersized and depleted Bulldogs defence.

While it makes a lot of sense, there is one major issue … St Kilda’s goal kicking. Tim Membrey butchered two excellent early looks in the loss to Geelong last Friday night, while Max King’s radar wasn’t just faulty, it actually stopped working.

Taking your chances against Luke Beveridge’s men is paramount because they just refuse to lie down. Their efforts in beating Carlton and Port Adelaide in the past fortnight is proof there is plenty of fight in these Dogs.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 29 points

Fremantle v Sydney, Optus Stadium, 5.40pm

The halfway mark of the season hasn’t arrived yet. However, if Fremantle have designs of playing in September, this clash with Sydney is non-negotiable. There is no other way to put it.

The Swans will be three games and percentage clear of the Dockers if they leave WA with the four points, a gap that will be beyond Justin Longmuir’s men. Whether it is the case or not, it seems most believe Sydney (not Richmond) are the most vulnerable team currently occupying a top-eight spot.

Sydney’s formlines are stronger than that of Fremantle, who are riding a three-match losing streak, but do return home to play before their home fans for the first time in more than a month. It might just be enough in what is another one of those venue games.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 2 points

---

SUNDAY

GWS v West Coast, Giants Stadium, 11.10am

From a genuine danger game to a genuine winnable game. That is the direction this match took on Monday morning when it was revealed interim GWS skipper Toby Greene would miss a month with a shoulder injury.

Greene’s setback is another key injury the Giants could ill afford, especially with the Eagles likely to welcome back both Shannon Hurn and Liam Ryan after their own fitness concerns.

Jack Darling has proved a handful for GWS previously and will be feeling bulletproof after a five-goal burst in the second term in the win over Adelaide. His contribution in a West Coast attack laden with talent and firepower will stretch the hosts.

VERDICT: West Coast by 19 points

Collingwood v Port Adelaide, MCG, 1.20pm

Having burnt fans and neutral observers who felt they were very much in the premiership conversation, Port Adelaide will be out to regain some trust here.

The margin between the best and worst of Port is too great. Ken Hinkley knows that. So does everyone with a keen interest in the AFL. As far as Collingwood are concerned, they would happily like to be in the same postcode as their best.

We haven’t seen it since round two when they disposed of Carlton. Their lack of dare and connectivity between the midfield and forward line leaves them on shaky ground against competent sides. The Power, despite their latest blip, are that.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 29 points

Essendon v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 2.40pm

Football coaches talk about nourishment. David Noble mentioned it in the wake of the breakthrough victory over Hawthorn last weekend, while Essendon were able to enjoy some also with a narrow victory against Fremantle.

The Bombers had been on the end of some heartbreaking defeats in 2021 and knowing they can close the deal will serve them well when the opportunity presents again. And it could come as early as this contest.

The Kangaroos will feel they are a chance here under the roof. Equally, Essendon should believe that their young midfield and exciting, evolving forward line gives them an excellent look at a fourth win for the season.

VERDICT: Essendon by 12 points

Market Market