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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 13

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval, 5.50pm

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick proclaimed earlier in the week that the Tigers’ intent around the contest would be much improved as they looked to get back on track at Adelaide Oval after successive losses to North Melbourne and Geelong.
To say they need to is an understatement. Richmond were humiliated by the Cats last Friday night and run headlong into a Crows side that was tougher for longer against Greater Western Sydney on the weekend. Brad Crouch led a midfield unit that simply put its nose over the footy for the duration.
The ability of both Taylor Walker and Josh Jenkins to also impact the scoreboard as key forwards helped enormously, a factor that comes into play here with David Astbury again missing because of a hamstring strain, not to mention the absence further afield of Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards.
VERDICT: Adelaide by 18 points

FRIDAY

Essendon v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, 5.50pm

The future of Essendon coach John Worsfold is about to go on the line. The second half of 2019 will dictate whether the premiership-winning captain and coach of West Coast remains at the helm next season.
A victory over arch rivals Hawthorn would be a positive step. The Bombers are likely to be boosted by the availability of hamstrung pair Dylan Shiel and Jake Stringer, and Orazio Fantasia (quad), giving them potency midfield and in attack.
The Hawks will again lean on Jaeger O’Meara to kickstart them through the midfield and it would be a surprise if Essendon don’t put considerable work into him to nullify his influence. Jack Gunston and Luke Breust remain dangerous forward of centre, but they need more supply than they received in the loss to Brisbane a fortnight ago.

VERDICT: Essendon by 8 points 

SATURDAY

Gold Coast v St Kilda, Riverway Stadium, Townsville, 11.45am

Gold Coast have done a lot right in 2019. But the bottom line is the last of their three wins came two months ago and, with Carlton perhaps on the cusp of stirring in the second half of the year following a change of coach, the wooden spoon remains in play.
St Kilda front up here knowing full well that a finals berth is on the line. The Saints didn’t handle their maiden foray to China very well, their heavy defeat compounded by the loss of inspirational skipper Jarryn Geary (broken leg).
Both the Suns and Saints have shown an ability to defend strongly for the bulk of the season, but are aware they have slipped a little in that area of late. The fact the Saints have had a chance to reset with their mid-season bye could be important.
VERDICT: St Kilda by 21 points 

Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Optus Stadium, 2.35pm

Some coaches dismiss the notion of an “eight-point game”. Others admit that games such as this one comfortably sit in that category. Regardless of what label you attach to this clash, there is no denying its importance.
Fremantle have done a terrific job to be 6-5 (the same win-loss record as Port), but will need to make do in the second half of the year without key talls Rory Lobb, Matt Taberner and Alex Pearce. That is going to be a serious ask, especially with the Power boasting an excellent ruck duo in Scott Lycett and Paddy Ryder.
The Dockers still possess key components midfield in Nat Fyfe, Bradley Hill and David Mundy, while the ability of Michael Walters to influence games is well known. As for Port, they also have more than their share of class, the efforts of former skipper Travis Boak this year nothing short of sensational.
VERDICT: Fremantle by 8 points  

Carlton v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium, 5.25pm

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge would have had much to ponder over his side’s mid-season bye. Not only does he need to find a way to extract maximum effort for four quarters from his players, he now encounters a resurgent Carlton.
And that is going to be tricky as before last weekend’s upset of Brisbane, the Blues’ only win this season was against the Bulldogs when then coach Brendon Bolton’s side registered 100 points for the first time in nearly three years.
If the Bulldogs are to avenge that defeat, Patrick Cripps must be stopped … or at least have a direct opponent on him at all times. Brisbane didn’t do that and the superstar skipper produced a game, in particular a second half, for the ages. He dragged his side across the line and is capable of doing it again if allowed.
VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 11 points

SUNDAY

North Melbourne v GWS, Blundstone Arena, 1.20pm

North Melbourne haven’t put a foot wrong in the two weeks since Rhyce Shaw has been at the helm, but they are about to encounter their toughest test — a Greater Western Sydney side on the rebound.
The Giants hit the front in the last quarter against Adelaide last Saturday night, but weren’t able to sustain their effort and came up short. It was through no fault of midfield pair Josh Kelly and Tim Taranto, who were gallant but lacked the support cast.
The Kangaroos love playing down at Hobart and understand the dimensions of the ground particularly well, exposing the Giants in the Tasmanian capital in the corresponding match last season. However, the absence of their best player, Shaun Higgins (AC joint) is a major blow.
VERDICT: GWS by 17 points



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