Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 11 Posted on May 27, 2022May 28, 2022 | Posted by Digby Beacham FRIDAY Sydney v Richmond, SCG, 5.50pm The time is fast approaching where Sydney need to make a stand. The same applied to Richmond a month ago and they have since peeled off four straight wins, albeit against opponents unlikely to feature in finals. The Swans have had their issues over the past month and unless they unearth an identity that serves them well in regards to a game plan, their slim premiership hopes will become non-existent. A highlight of Richmond’s resurgence has been the form in attack of spearhead Tom Lynch. Sadly, a hamstring injury rules him out of this clash, placing greater responsibility on the shoulders of veteran Jack Riewoldt. VERDICT: Sydney by 1-39 points SATURDAY Brisbane v GWS, Gabba, 11.45am There was a far more offensive slant to GWS last weekend than we have seen for much of 2022, with interim coach Mark McVeigh moving the magnets in a bid to stimulate his players. It worked, although a wounded West Coast in western Sydney is a different kettle of fish to a Brisbane outfit on home soil at the Gabba. And the fact the Lions are coming off a shock loss to Hawthorn makes this an even more daunting assignment for GWS. Even in the absence of the hamstrung Hugh McCluggage, the Lions boast enough midfield firepower to feed a forward line that is extremely difficult to negate. VERDICT: Brisbane by 24+ points Geelong v Adelaide, GMHBA Stadium, 11.45am If Adelaide were to have any hope of causing an upset to get their season back on track, you suspect Taylor Walker would have had a large say in proceedings. Unfortunately for Matthew Nicks, the ageing key forward has entered the league’s health and safety protocols, leaving the Crows missing an ace in their pack which is devoid of game-changers. Equally, the Cats are unable to call on Patrick Dangerfield (calf), but they have more talent, depth and are a side with considerably more talent. Add those all up and everything points to the home side prevailing. VERDICT: Geelong by 1-39 points Melbourne v Fremantle, MCG, 2.35pm It wasn’t a shock to hear Simon Goodwin say that this contest with Fremantle had been on the radar of the Demons for some time. The great sides love a challenge and even though the Dockers have come off a peg in the past fortnight, they remain in the top-four conversation. We saw what Melbourne did to St Kilda earlier this month, producing a paralysing burst of football in the second quarter that effectively iced the game. Fremantle will be mindful of that, knowing full well that their best is going to be needed to inflict an upset result. A feature of Fremantle’s rise up the ladder was their defence and desire to take the game on through the corridor. Both will be tested here. VERDICT: Melbourne by 1-39 points West Coast v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium, 5.30pm The last time the Western Bulldogs were in Perth, they trudged from Optus Stadium with their tail between their legs. Barring a miracle, they will depart the arena this weekend with a spring in their step. The Bulldogs welcome back Tim English, Cody Weightman and Taylor Duryea for this assignment against West Coast, who remain anchored at the foot of the table after a year from hell. They have been boosted by Josh Kennedy’s recall, but the Eagles just so happen to be vulnerable in the one area of the ground where the Bulldogs are stacked — the midfield. That spells trouble. VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 40+ points Gold Coast v Hawthorn, TIO Stadium, 5.40pm It’s hard to be critical of what Gold Coast have achieved this season. In saying that, they are 4-6 and still sit two games outside the top eight. But a win here will leave them within touching distance of the upper echelon when you factor in two 6-4 sides — Sydney (7th) and Richmond (8th) — lock horns at the SCG tonight. Aiding the Suns in their pursuit of a vital victory is Jarrod Witts should be the dominant big man on the ground with Hawthorn ruckman Max Lynch missing through concussion. We have seen the Suns, who love winning contested ball, adjust to slippery conditions well this year, while Hawthorn are a side that enjoys good weather and fast ball movement. VERDICT: Gold Coast by 1-24 points SUNDAY St Kilda v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 11.10am It feels like North Melbourne have spent more time this week explaining life inside the four walls at Arden Street than preparing for a Sunday showdown with St Kilda. And given where the Kangaroos sit on the ladder as opposed to the Saints, that doesn’t augur well for David Noble’s men. North had a dip against Melbourne, but their lack of class was ultimately exposed. St Kilda aren’t at the level of the Demons, but have been super impressive for the most part and found a way to win ugly interstate against Adelaide. If Max King gets the supply most think, an old-fashioned bag is a real possibility. VERDICT: St Kilda by 40+ points Collingwood v Carlton, MCG, 1.20pm There was a lot to like about Collingwood’s win over Fremantle last Sunday. Sadly for the Magpies, there was more to like about Carlton’s win over Sydney. And we mustn’t forget that the Blues’ victory came two days before Collingwood’s and was achieved in Melbourne, enabling them extra time to recover while also having the added benefit of sleeping in their own beds. Carlton’s effectiveness at the coalface has been the driver behind their revival, while Charlie Curnow’s return to full fitness in attack has him in the Coleman Medal conversation. The market here is closer than most thought. VERDICT: Carlton by 1-39 points Port Adelaide v Essendon, Adelaide Oval, 2.40pm Much like Gold Coast, Port Adelaide are faced with a game they can ill afford to lose. Should they come up short against Essendon, the blowback will be intense. It is why you sense Power coach Ken Hinkley was only too happy to welcome back spearhead Charlie Dixon for his first match of 2022. How will Port’s forward line function with another key marking target? As for the Bombers, they journey interstate in desperate need of another win. Ben Rutten’s future at the helm may well depend on Essendon stringing together some victories, as fanciful as that appears right now. VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 1-39 points Market Market
Scott Embry’s Friday Esperance Preview February 12, 2025 RACE 1 UNCOMPROMISED v TRUE CHANCE is one of the country clashes of the season. One a proven 70+ type with 61.5kg and the other… Read More
Scott Embry’s Thursday Bunbury Preview February 12, 2025 RACE 1 BOSISTO still has a bit to learn but like his half-brother Centre Bond he looks to have a level of natural talent. Was… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Wednesday Greyhound Best Bets February 12, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 6 No. 3 Obsessed Much Found his mojo since the step up to the 381, winner two of last 3 including the 21.55… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Ascot Preview February 11, 2025 RACE 1 ADDICTIVE DREAM made an impression at her WA debut, just like fellow Grant & Alana Williams imports Too Soon and Essentric Nature at… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview February 11, 2025 Race 1 AT THE POINTY END (6) has the draw advantage over his main rivals and is third up into the preparation, both runs back… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Wednesday Seymour Preview February 11, 2025 Race 1 CHICAGO KING has trialled well since losing his rider last start. He should get an economical run at gets blinkers off with visors… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Tuesday Greyhound Best Bets February 11, 2025 MANDURAH Race 6 No. 1 Speed Lee Lacks early speed, but has a strong finishing burst, looks a very winnable race. And she does have… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Monday Greyhound Best Bets February 10, 2025 MANDURAH Race 5 No. 2 Star Zitto Going to follow up on Star Zitto from last week where she was runner up, she’s busting to… Read More
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview February 10, 2025 Race 1 Open trotters event to kick things off. ELEGANT PEAK (7) is working back into peak fitness and looks far better suited in this… Read More
TIPS – Greyhound Jet Set Podcast February 7, 2025 Mandurah Friday David Shortte 2-1 Impress Rolls 5-1 Diva Eradicator 6-2 Curious Georgia Roving Bankers : 3-2 Infrared Gem / 7-4 Bakes On Lakes Quaddie… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Mount Barker Preview February 7, 2025 RACE 1 SOMETHING ROYAL looks to have found a very nice race at Barker. She’s a 3 year old filly taking on the older horses,… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets February 7, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 3 No. 1 Mailata Lightly raced son of Fernando Bale who’s kicked off his racing career in fine style, was brilliant last start… Read More