Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 10

Posted on May 21, 2023May 21, 2023 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Port Adelaide v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval, 5.50pm

A tussle between two bona fide top-four prospects to kick off the weekend. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Melbourne journey interstate seeking another win against Port Adelaide, a side they have had the wood on in recent times. The Demons played a complete game for the first half against Hawthorn before cruising for the second. Their midfield, led by Christian Petracca, Jack Viney and Clayton Oliver, was again instrumental.

Port have surged to fourth on the ladder after a sloppy start to the season and seem anything but content. Zac Butters is in the form of his life and has plenty of in-form allies.

VERDICT: Melbourne to win

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SATURDAY

North Melbourne v Sydney, Marvel Stadium, 11.45am

Sydney’s top-eight aspirations are on life support. Ditto North Melbourne’s season full stop. This is not a match that is going to attract a great deal of interest, even taking into account Alastair Clarkson’s decision to step away for an indefinite period.

But the Swans, beset by injuries and a lack of hunger they have become revered for, would take any victory at the moment. You suspect coach John Longmire would be demanding one here … and for good reason.

The Swans were obliterated at the source by Fremantle at the SCG and if they dish up anything similar here, alarm bells would be ringing at the club. In saying that, how can you make a case for North minus hamstrung midfield gun Luke Davies-Uniacke?

VERDICT: Sydney to win by 25 points or more

Western Bulldogs v Adelaide, Mars Stadium, 12.10pm

A little bit of gloss was removed from Adelaide this week when it was revealed Tom Doedee (concussion) and Riley Thilthorpe (knee) would be unavailable here, denying Matthew Nicks key planks at either end of the ground.

It would have been music to the ears of Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who has reinvigorated his group over the past six weeks. The Bulldogs, courtesy of Tom Liberatore’s undeniable grunt midfield, stared down Carlton late last Saturday night to climb into sixth position.

It would appear little separate these two and Adelaide did find a way to defy the odds to win this corresponding match in 2022. Can they do likewise here?

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs to win

Fremantle v Geelong, Optus Stadium, 2.35pm

For the second Saturday night in a row, those with purple coursing through their veins have gone to bed with a giant smile on their face. And there is every likelihood of it occurring for a third week running.

The Dockers have turned a corner with their wins over Hawthorn and Sydney. Granted, neither are flying and this is a different scenario altogether. However, it is impossible to deny the version of Fremantle the past two rounds is superior to what we witnessed early on.

Geelong have ridden the injury and personnel rollercoaster, with their last-start defeat at the hands of Richmond a case of a tipping point being reached. Fremantle are entitled to think they can win again.

VERDICT: Geelong to win

Brisbane v Gold Coast, Gabba, 5.30pm

Lost in the wash over the past month as many of the competition big boys have surged into premiership reckoning, has been the revival of Gold Coast. The Suns have gone 3-1 in that time, the only defeat being a narrow one at home against Melbourne.

It is a body of work which is encouraging, albeit one that was required after a sluggish beginning to the year. And there can be no sluggishness whatsoever here against Brisbane, who are rolling and back at home after chewing up Essendon at the Gabba last round.

The Lions have won their past eight encounters against Gold Coast and are chasing a seventh successive win. The midfield battle should be a cracker.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 1-39 points 

Essendon v Richmond, MCG, 5.40pm

Are Richmond back? It was the inevitable question which followed their impressive victory over Geelong last Friday night. There is no arguing the Tigers are running in waves and feeling like they can overpower their opposition with a hard-running style.

But there are going to be far stiffer assignments than West Coast and an injury-hit Cats which they have passed in the previous fortnight. Though Essendon have their own injury concerns, they are a genuine side which is responding to Brad Scott’s coaching.

Unfortunately for the Bombers, their efforts have been in vain in recent weeks. The biggest issue confronting Essendon is trying to harness the all-or-nothing approach that the Tigers have started to implement once again.

VERDICT: Richmond to win

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SUNDAY

Hawthorn v West Coast, UTAS Stadium, 11.10am

If you need a reminder at how bad West Coast are, consider the following. Hawthorn, despite occupying 18th spot on the ladder, are raging $1.28 favourites for this clash with the Eagles.

And Adam Simpson’s charges venture to the Apple Isle without polarising key forward Jack Darling (broken arm), ensuring a chunk of the goal-kicking responsibility rests with Oscar Allen.

Hawthorn, like the Eagles, are battling to produce consistent four-quarter efforts, yet there appears more upside currently with their young talent, notably with the likes of Will Day and Jai Newcombe midfield.

VERDICT: Hawthorn to win by 16 points or more

Carlton v Collingwood, MCG, 1.20pm

Expect a full-frontal midfield assault from Carlton from the opening bounce. Anything less would be unacceptable from Michael Voss’ men considering that is their 1-wood.

But what happens from there is perhaps the bigger story. The Blues can’t turn possession into scores often enough and that leaves them at the mercy of quality sides. And there is no team in the competition at present oozing more quality than Collingwood.

The Magpies sit atop the ladder for a reason. Their recent blitzing of GWS bore all the hallmarks of a Magpies masterclass. Nick Daicos was left unattended and did what he pleased, while the offensive power was again back. Fingers crossed we get to witness something similar to the two games played between these bitter rivals last year.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 1-39 points

GWS v St Kilda, Giants Stadium, 2.40pm

St Kilda fans were entitled to be up and about this week after confirmation from Ross Lyon that spearhead Max King would return from injury and play his first game of 2023.

It was a timely selection call after fellow key forward Tim Membrey was ruled out through concussion. The Saints’ lack of bite in attack has been an area of concern for a few weeks and was highlighted in the defeat to Adelaide.

The Crows were particularly aggressive in their ball movement against St Kilda. It wouldn’t be a shock if GWS attempted to adopt a similar approach. There is class in the Giants’ line-up, although not as much right now as Adam Kinglsey would like, even with skipper Toby Greene set to be available.

VERDICT: St Kilda to win

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