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
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview September 15, 2025 Race 1 YOUR KIDDING (5) is a solid performer in short course standing start events as he seems to be much better suited to the… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Monday Greyhound Best Bets September 15, 2025 NORTHAM Race 5 No. 4 Charos Noble Was very good last week winning from this same draw in a a slick 17.27, this race looks… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets September 13, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 4 No. 5 West On Ace He’s stepping up to the half mile trip for the first time, and he gives every indication… Read More
TIPS – Greyhound Jet Set Podcast September 12, 2025 Mandurah Friday David Shortte 6-6 Catch The Feels 7-8 Aston Nero 8-3 Miss Ronnie Mac e/w (Box 356 Novelties) ROVING BANKERS : 3-8 Turk’s Dream… Read More
Weekend Tipsters September 12, 2025 Flemington Saturday Warren Huntly Quaddie 4 7 12 3 6 – 5 1 6 – 3 6 11 7 10 – 4 6 1 Best… Read More
Matt Young’s Saturday Northam Preview September 12, 2025 Race 1 MAJOR TYPHOON (9) returns and is now with Aiden De Campo, his form last prep was solid for a race of this grade… Read More
Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Semi Finals September 12, 2025 FRIDAY Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm Adelaide simply must respond. They cannot afford, even factoring in the unavailability of Izak Rankine, to drop two… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Northam Preview September 12, 2025 RACE 1 OPAL TANGO has been going well without luck and this 46+ 2200 is a great opportunity for her to break through. She sat… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Friday Greyhound Best Bets September 12, 2025 MANDURAH Race 3 No. 1 Fearless Russ You might be thinking I’ve lost the plot tipping this dog with its form reading 87777. But no… Read More
Wodeton set to bloom at Rosehill September 12, 2025 After a narrow and controversial defeat in the San Domenico Stakes, rising colt Wodeton is set to line up in the Group 2 Run To… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Saturday Flemington Preview September 11, 2025 Race 1 SHE’S AN ARTIST looks destined for much better races. She’s been impressive down the straight and has worked well to resume. STOLI BOLLI… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Belmont Preview September 11, 2025 RACE 1 GOD’S RAPTURE had a solid 2-year-old season with a Saturday win before being competitive in the Gimcrack, Karrakatta and WA Sires behind the… Read More