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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 14

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

West Coast v Essendon, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

West Coast went to their mid-season break with their tail between their legs courtesy of a touch-up from Sydney, but get the opportunity to bounce back here with the return of in-form captain Shannon Hurn and dual club champion Elliot Yeo.

Essendon did what they had to do against Hawthorn to keep alive their finals hopes and head west knowing they blitzed the Eagles in the corresponding match last year. But kicking a winning score against an Eagles line-up solidified by Hurn’s presence in defence is a tough task.

The Bombers’ bid to do that has been made considerably harder without Jake Stringer, who injured a leg against the Hawks. Mark Hutchings has struggled when not employed as a tagger, but it would be a shock if he didn’t have a shutdown job on either Dylan Shiel or Zach Merrett.

VERDICT: West Coast by 23 points

FRIDAY

Sydney v Hawthorn, SCG, 5.50pm

I wonder how the critics who suggested trading Lance Franklin at the end of the season are feeling now. The Swans were quick to dismiss the notion earlier in the year, well aware that at his best, he remains the most destructive force in the game.

Back in the groove after overcoming a hamstring issue, Franklin was brilliant against West Coast entering the mid-season bye, his influence matched by Tom Papley and seriously aiding the performance of Sam Reid, who is enjoying an excellent patch of form.

Their influence shapes as a major issue for Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, who will be forced to make do without suspended captain Ben Stratton. The Hawks lacked a focal point against Essendon and with that in mind, don’t be surprised if Clarkson endeavours to make this a defensive arm-wrestle.

VERDICT: Sydney by 14 points

SATURDAY

Melbourne v Fremantle, MCG, 11.45am

Fremantle have positioned themselves ideally to make a return to finals. Three successive wins in the mid-part of the season will do that. It is now up to them to grasp that opportunity, against Melbourne here and opposed to Carlton at home next weekend.

The Dockers will have no fears of the MCG following their most recent trip to the home of football and have the forward firepower that will stretch the Demons. Jesse Hogan’s best game since his effort against Greater Western Sydney earlier this year in the win over Port Adelaide complemented Michael Walters’ heroics.

That Hogan is feeling good about himself is a boost for Fremantle, as much as a warning for Melbourne, who traded him out and have struggled to piece together big scores in his absence. Unless Melbourne find a way to be more efficient in front of goal, Fremantle look well placed.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 19 points

St Kilda v Brisbane, Marvel Stadium, 2.35pm

Brisbane need to make a stand … and quickly. Losses to Fremantle and Carlton in the lead-up to their bye, split by a solid win over Hawthorn, have seen a seemingly firm grip on a finals berth loosened somewhat.

St Kilda have also found wins hard to come by of late, although they hit this contest fresh off a stirring come-from-behind win over Gold Coast in Townsville last weekend. The Saints are more workmanlike than brilliant, but can be a cohesive, effective unit at their best.

Halting Lachie Neale’s influence around the ball is critical for St Kilda, who will also be conscious of trying to slow down the Lions’ ball movement. Equally, having been ripped apart by Patrick Cripps a fortnight ago, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan will know the importance of curbing Jack Billings.

VERDICT: St Kilda by 10 points

Port Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm

Port Adelaide made the start they wanted against Fremantle last weekend, but their finish left a lot to be desired. It was the type of performance that smacked of a middle-of-the-road side.

Port would argue that’s not the case and know full well that a victory here would propel them back into the top-eight conversation. Taking down Geelong has proven beyond all but Greater Western Sydney in 2019, however Chris Scott’s side has a habit of being tardy the week after its bye.

The Cats purred into their break and it’s difficult to see why the likes of Tim Kelly, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett and co. won’t be primed to continue their devastating form to consolidate the hold on top spot.

VERDICT: Geelong by 21 points

SUNDAY

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood, Marvel Stadium, 1.20pm

Collingwood’s excellent 2019 campaign encountered its first major off-field hurdle this week when Jaidyn Stephenson was dealt with for betting on multiple games. His absence will be felt in the forward line, but the Magpies are a big-business club which has been exposed to many big headlines in recent years and come through the turmoil just fine.

The loss of Stephenson, on top of serious injuries to Taylor Adams, Dayne Beams and Daniel Wells, erodes the depth of the Magpies’ elite performers, but their midfield class is such that they remain live chances in every game they play, thanks in no small part to Brodie Grundy.

The Bulldogs have leaked goals in recent weeks and coach Luke Beveridge desperately needs to plug the gaps soon to avoid this season becoming another major disappointment. Josh Dunkley’s form of late has been stellar, but the knee injury to Tom Liberatore will be felt.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 21 points

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