Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 14 Posted on June 17, 2022June 17, 2022 | Posted by Digby Beacham THURSDAY Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 5.20pm Carlton’s ascent in 2022 started very early. In fact, round one against Richmond at the MCG was when it became apparent their years of frustration would be no more following the arrival of Michael Voss. As Carlton rejoiced, Richmond were forced to pick up the pieces and at 2-4, it seemed their reign was over. But the Tigers have got healthy, are defending with greater surety and in Tom Lynch, who returns from a hamstring injury, boast one of the most potent key forwards in the game. The Blues also possess the twin towers of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, but with a little bit of weather around, their influence could be diminished slightly. VERDICT: Richmond by 1-24 points FRIDAY St Kilda v Essendon, Marvel Stadium, 5.50pm From top-four contender to scrapping for a spot in the finals. That is the plight that confronts St Kilda, who are starting to have personnel issues at a time when Brett Ratten would dearly love to be building momentum. On a positive note, the Saints return to their home ground for this clash against Essendon, whose struggles are real. Andrew McGrath will play, but Darcy Parish could not be considered because of a corked calf. If the Saints bring the heat we know they are capable of and Max King is provided with sufficient supply, he could rip this match apart. VERDICT: St Kilda by 24+ points SATURDAY Port Adelaide v Sydney, Adelaide Oval, 11.45am Sydney have mixed their form after a bright start to the season, but they hit their mid-season break on a high, having conquered Melbourne at the MCG without Lance Franklin. The veteran spearhead returns from suspension and will ensure the Port defence, which stuck to its guns in last Thursday night’s narrow loss to Richmond, is asked question upon question. At the other end of the ground, Charlie Dixon will continue to improve as he plays more football, but experienced goalsneak Robbie Gray, one of the best players to have pulled on a Port jumper at AFL level, is injured, while Travis Boak is in the league’s health and safety protocols VERDICT: Sydney by 1-39 points West Coast v Geelong, Optus Stadium, 2.35pm The reinforcements are coming. It’s just whether they are in good enough form and/or have sufficient conditioning to be able to stand toe-to-toe with Geelong. The Cats have started to purr in recent weeks, with a feature of their ladder climb being their renowned ability to stifle the opposition side’s forward line production. That is a major problem for West Coast, who have averaged just over 57 points a game this year. At the other end of the ground, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins and Tyson Stengle have proved immensely damaging. VERDICT: Geelong by 1-39 points GWS v Western Bulldogs, 5.25pm, Giants Stadium We often highlight the importance of taking your opportunities when they present in the AFL. It is harsh but fair to say GWS have not done that throughout their existence and now find themselves languishing in the bottom part of the ladder with an interim coach. Yet under Mark McVeigh they are a dangerous team, running in waves and impacting the scoreboard more frequently. The Western Bulldogs will need to slow down the men in orange and that starts by winning the football at the source. No Bailey Smith denies the Bulldogs outside run in a match they simply must win to have any designs on playing finals. VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 1-24 points SUNDAY Gold Coast v Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, 1.20pm The form of sides above them on the ladder could ensure Gold Coast miss the finals again in 2022, however there is no denying this is the most accomplished and balanced Suns side we have seen. It is a cohesive and disciplined group boasting a game plan and personnel that is exciting. Adelaide would love to be at that level. They might get there, but aren’t there yet. Taylor Walker remains a trump card for the Crows, but Matthew Nicks needs the next wave of talent to step up and take the club forward. VERDICT: Gold Coast by 1-39 points Market Market
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets October 18, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 2 No. 4 Clifton Jasper Nice young pup going through the grades, was a winner two back in 29.91. Has won 3 from… Read More
TIPS – Greyhound Jet Set Podcast October 17, 2025 Mandurah Friday David Shortte 3-2 Sky Reign 5-5 Surf The Sun 6-9 Elite Deluxe 8-3 Sunset Oyster ROVING BANKERS : 2-2 Jayde McCool / 4-4… Read More
Weekend Tipsters October 17, 2025 Caulfield Saturday Glenn Ingram Quaddie 1 3 11 – 2 3 8 10 – 15 – 1 2 5 10 Best Bets 3-3 Just A… Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Saturday Caulfield Preview October 17, 2025 RACE 1 SULEK lands in a good spot midfield or forward of, a progressive type on the improve and will be strong late. BACASH got… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview October 17, 2025 Race 1 Everest day at Randwick on Saturday plus the Group 1 King Charles, there’s also a cracking support card. Keep an eye on the… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Ascot Preview October 17, 2025 RACE 1 SATURDAY SESH took full advantage of the on-speed nature of the Kalgoorlie track over the traditional annual race round and recorded his third… Read More
Apocalyptic poised to conquer Caulfield October 17, 2025 The Melbourne Spring Carnival kicks up a notch this Saturday as Caulfield hosts a selection of the Carnival’s most anticipated races, including the Thousand Guineas…. Read More
Ka Ying Rising ready to shake up Australia October 17, 2025 When the gates crash back at Randwick for The Everest, all eyes will be on Ka Ying Rising – Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Kalgoorlie Preview October 17, 2025 RACE 1 LAVISH CHARM looks a $1.12/$1.14 pop? Two runs this prep for Peter Fernie: maiden win over 1200m by 4.4L at $1.24 and a… Read More
Matt Young’s Sunday Kellerberrin Preview October 17, 2025 Race 1 GINNIVAN (5) was solid in his return run, doing the work outside the eventual winner but he never shirked the task, expecting him… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Friday Greyhound Best Bets October 17, 2025 MANDURAH Race 1 No. 7 Cracker Dust Willing to have something on this dog, now he’s first up for 5 months but he did show… Read More
Matt Young’s Friday Bunbury Preview October 17, 2025 Race 1 Open race, TRITTRITTBANGBANG (4) has the speed to burn across and lead and the distance suits, but his form is not flash and… Read More