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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 13

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, 5.30pm

Hawthorn’s recent woes were compounded this week when it was revealed skipper James Sicily and livewire goalsneak Nick Watson would miss this crucial clash through injury and illness.

It leaves the Hawks exposed against a rested Western Bulldogs side boosted undeniably by the return of Adam Treloar. His presence further boosts a midfield that is balanced, explosive and boasting far more depth than the Hawks’ running division.

The Bulldogs’ numbers for the most part this season have been excellent. That said, they are still only 6-5 and need to start stringing together victories to give themselves the best chance of not only qualifying for September, but snaring a prized top-four berth.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: Western Bulldogs to win and over 173.5 points @ $2.35*

FRIDAY

Adelaide v Brisbane, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm

Adelaide have been crying out for an opportunity to claim a scalp on the big stage. Enter the reigning premiers Brisbane under the Friday night lights at Adelaide Oval.

Importantly, the Crows hit this contest in peak form following a dismantling of Sydney at the SCG. It was a complete performance which bore all the hallmarks of a top-four side. As exciting as they are, they are still to do it. Brisbane have been there and done it and look like a team that needs a challenge to get them aroused at present.

They travelled interstate a fortnight ago and made a mess of Hawthorn. This is equally as daunting, especially at a venue which hasn’t been overly kind to them.

VERDICT: Adelaide to win

Same Game Multi: Izak Rankine to have 20+ disposals and Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage to have 25+ disposals @ $2.85*

SATURDAY

Richmond v Sydney, MCG, 11.20am

Sydney didn’t get the response they desperately sought against Adelaide. In fact they were so dire that the spotlight on the woes at the football club only intensified. One can only wonder what the fallout will be should they lose to a developing Richmond.

The Tigers have beaten the Swans in their past two meetings and will feel they are every chance of notching a hat-trick of victories after a gallant performance opposed to GWS. Richmond’s rebuild is ahead of schedule, the next step is securing the four points when they are within reach.

Sydney welcome back some key personnel, including veteran Harry Cunningham and captain Callum Mills. This is a match of significance for Dean Cox.

VERDICT: Sydney to win

Same Game Multi: Isaac Heeney and Tim Taranto to have 25+ disposals @ $3.45*

Geelong v Gold Coast, GMHBA Stadium, 2.15pm

Gold Coast’s Bingo card certainly didn’t forecast them losing to Fremantle at home last weekend. It’s hardly a disaster considering the start the Suns have made to 2025, but what it does do is raise the stakes for this encounter down in Geelong.

The Cats at home can be a daunting assignment for an interstate side, although GWS tasted success down there last month and the Western Bulldogs asked many questions in their recent match-up. Geelong were boosted at selection by the recall of skipper Patrick Dangerfield, while Jack Martin is in line to make his Cats debut.

Damien Hardwick doesn’t like to tag. He is keen on backing in his system, his players. It served him well at Richmond and it has worked for the most part in his second year at Gold Coast. But someone has to put work into either Bailey Smith or Max Holmes.

VERDICT: Geelong by 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: Gryan Miers to kick 1+ goal and Tyson Stengle to kick 2+ goals @ $6.10*

GWS v Port Adelaide, Manuka Oval, 5.35pm

Ken Hinkley is defiant. He insists that he is going nowhere and the succession plan involving himself and Josh Carr won’t be taking effect until it’s meant to … 2026. Unfortunately for Hinkley, he might not have a say in the matter.

Not unless the Power can rediscover their best form and start winning games soon. The ongoing absence of Jason Horne-Francis (hamstring) doesn’t help his cause, especially against a GWS team that should be invigorated by its stirring come-from-behind win against Richmond.

The Giants’ main spearhead, reigning All-Australian full-forward Jesse Hogan, went goalless in that match. It would take a brave person to suggest he would again fail to boot a goal here.

VERDICT: GWS by 16 points or more

Same Game Multi: Toby Greene to kick 2+ goals and Jesse Hogan to kick 3+ goals @ $3.50*

SUNDAY

North Melbourne v West Coast, Hands Oval, 1.20pm

These two clubs had the Battle of Britain. Fast forward nearly 40 years and they are now involved in the Battle of Bunbury, a contest that will no doubt be far more sedate than the bloodbath that took place in London even with four points up for grabs.

The AFL landscape has without doubt been a “battle” for both of these clubs over the past few years. And as much as they would like to think the worst is behind them, winning games is proving difficult. West Coast’s display against Geelong is a case in point.

It followed the Kangaroos’ most recent performance against Collingwood. The similarities, ie the last-term fadeouts bore eerie similarities. If North are to win here, it will be on the back of their midfield depth.

VERDICT: North Melbourne to win

Same Game Multi: Luke Davies-Uniacke to have 25+ disposals and Nick Larkey and Paul Curtis to kick 1+ goals @ $3.95*

Carlton v Essendon, MCG, 5.20pm

Traditional rivals. Big stage. Public holiday eve. What’s not to love? Carlton enjoyed a break last weekend, allowing them to reset and pursue a string of victories that will enable Michael Voss to sleep comfortably at night as the year goes on.

Essendon would love nothing more than to ensure Voss’ sleep patterns remain interrupted. And if they’re able to bottle what they produced against Brisbane last Thursday night, then they are a massive chance of achieving that.

The Blues would have watched this week’s Thursday night game and saw how tardy the Western Bulldogs were initially coming off a bye. They need to be engaged from the opening bounce.

VERDICT: Carlton to win

Same Game Multi: Zach Merrett, Nic Martin, Patrick Cripps and George Hewett to have 25+ disposals @ $3.50*

MONDAY

Melbourne v Collingwood, MCG, 1.20pm

Melbourne undid much of their good work with a horrible display in front of goals against St Kilda in front of the footy-loving public in Alice Springs last weekend. They now return home. That’s the good. The bad is they are running headlong into a Collingwood juggernaut.

The Magpies sit atop the ladder for a variety of reasons. They can get you in so many ways. Offensively potent. Defensively sound. Slick midfield. Name it and they have it.

Ruckmen cop a bad rap these days but the battle between Max Gawn and Darcy Cameron, two of the very best big men in the competition, promises to be a clinker.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: Jamie Elliott and Kysiah Pickett to kick 2+ goals @ $3.40*

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

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