Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 12 Posted on June 3, 2022June 4, 2022 | Posted by Digby Beacham FRIDAY Western Bulldogs v Geelong, Marvel Stadium, 5.50pm How much speed can the Western Bulldogs put on the ball for this encounter? And how much system are they likely to need going forward in order not to play into the hands of Geelong? Those are pertinent questions as you try to dissect the wave of money which is set to see the Bulldogs start pronounced favourites against the Cats, who sit above them on the ladder. We know Geelong defend extremely well and are masters of folding back to have a defender perform a “goalkeeper-type role”. Luke Beveridge has been in enough battles with Chris Scott to know what to expect and his bid to engineer a season-changing result has been aided by the return of influential midfielder Bailey Smith. VERDICT: Western Bulldogs to win SATURDAY Adelaide v West Coast, Adelaide Oval, 11.45am Over the years, Adelaide has been kind to the West Coast Eagles. But 2022 is not like any other year from an Eagles perspective. Even their home away from home proved inhospitable earlier this season when they were thumped by Port Adelaide. They now return for this assignment against an under-pressure Crows outfit that needs to respond. The same can be said of Adam Simpson’s side, but on what we have witnessed this year, the Eagles are incapable of doing so. Adelaide welcome back Taylor Walker and while he is not likely to kick a bag in conditions expected to be inclement, he gives the Crows’ forward line a focal point. VERDICT: Adelaide by 1-39 points Gold Coast v North Melbourne, TIO Stadium, 2.35pm Big scores and Darwin haven’t always gone hand in hand. But Gold Coast showed that it was possible last weekend, running up a total of 18.13 (121) in a 67-point obliteration of Hawthorn. Comfortable in the Top End and believing an historic finals appearance is within reach, the Suns will be desperate to again flex their muscles against a North Melbourne team that is yet to piece together four quarters of football in any match this year. The Suns can get you at the coalface, boast genuine leg speed and have the ability to spread efficiently from congestion. Their progress is impressive. VERDICT: Gold Coast by 40+ points Melbourne v Sydney, MCG, 5.25pm It was only one week and came against a Melbourne side missing some key personnel, but the football world sat up and took notice of Fremantle’s round-11 victory. Now we sit and wait and wonder what Sydney coach John Longmire will pull from the performance and try to insert elements of it into this clash with the Demons. His task hasn’t been made any easier by Melbourne being able to recall Ed Langdon, Christian Salem, Tom McDonald, James Harmes and Adam Tomlinson. No Steven May from Melbourne’s view is probably cancelled out by Lance Franklin’s suspension. It is potentially closer than what many think. VERDICT: Melbourne to win SUNDAY Hawthorn v Collingwood, MCG, 12.10pm Liam Shiels and Luke Breust are two of the most popular players at Hawthorn and if there is not a response for their twin 250-game milestones, Sam Mitchell would be astonished. Not to mention furious. Mitchell has shown in his first year at the helm that he is able to engineer an upset. He will need to work his magic again here because Craig McRae’s men are building nicely. Are the Magpies able to go again like the very good sides do and win week after week after week despite the calibre of opponent? If they can knock over Fremantle, Carlton and Hawthorn in successive rounds, finals are most definitely on the agenda. VERDICT: Hawthorn by 1-39 points Fremantle v Brisbane, Optus Stadium, 3.20pm If Fremantle are to finish top two, you would think they need to win this home match against Brisbane. An eight-point deficit in the back half of the home-and-away season would appear a bridge too far. Their task of taming the Lions became a bit harder last night when Matt Taberner, Michael Walters and Heath Chapman all succumbed to injury and the visitors recalled Hugh McCluggage from a hamstring tweak. What we do know is the system that Justin Longmuir and his coaches have employed throughout the year has been extremely effective. VERDICT: Fremantle by 1-39 points Market Market
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Ascot Preview October 14, 2025 RACE 1 FRIAR’S LEGACY ran third to Country God first-up last preparation in a 2 year old mid-weeker before winning a 3 year old maiden… Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Wednesday Caulfield Preview October 14, 2025 RACE 1 MR MONACO looks ready to deliver third-up after a forgive effort last start when never warm in an on-pace dominated race, back to… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview October 14, 2025 Race 1 Open event. DROP THE ACE (1) has the speed to lead and is coming in fresh but seems to hold the key to… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Tuesday Greyhound Best Bets October 14, 2025 MANDURAH Race 5 No. 8 Geordie Lad He was brilliant last week winning from this very draw. Used box 8 to perfection last week, defeated… Read More
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview October 13, 2025 Race 1 ARISTOTLE (6) was sound in his return run, just wanted to hang out on the run to the line and should be benefitted… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Monday Greyhound Best Bets October 13, 2025 NORTHAM Race 6 No. 2 Dashing Serpent She’s one of our favourite chasers, mainly due to the fact she has that real good early burn… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Geraldton Preview October 11, 2025 RACE 1 BELVEDERE BOY was crunched in betting on debut at York off the back of two Geraldton trial wins and was never in the… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets October 11, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 8 No. 3 Chefs Dream No reason to jump off her, she’s airborne at present, seems to be like a fine wine and… Read More
TIPS – Greyhound Jet Set Podcast October 10, 2025 Mandurah Friday David Shortte 3-2 Lochinvar Lord 8-2 Classic Story 10-2 Spooky Hook ROVING BANKERS : 7-4 Bula / 9-3 Cabin Crew Quaddie : 1478… Read More
Weekend Tipsters October 10, 2025 Caulfield Saturday Glenn Ingram Quaddie 9 3 5 7 – 9 2 8 3 – 2 6 8 9 – 12 1 3 9 Best… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Ascot Preview October 10, 2025 RACE 1 TEXAN DREAM looks jump and run and when you consider that Luke Fernie won this race last year with Capitola off the same… Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Saturday Caulfield Preview October 10, 2025 RACE 1 MR VERSE failed to handle the step up to 2000m after a scintillating win at Sandown over the mile, back in trip suits… Read More