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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 18

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

North Melbourne v West Coast, Metricon Stadium, 5.10pm

West Coast are about to put the finishing touches to their home-and-away campaign with a view to the short-term future. Conversely, North Melbourne cannot wait to have the curtain drawn on their season after a torrid time.

The Kangaroos have fallen off the cliff in the second half of the year and unless Rhyce Shaw can extract something that has been missing for a couple of months — effort — the Eagles will have their way with them and climb to third on the ladder by game’s end.

West Coast’s will to win was evident against St Kilda and irrespective of who runs out for Adam Simpson and his match committee this evening, the gulf in class and efficiency is undeniable

VERDICT: West Coast by 44 points

FRIDAY

St Kilda v GWS, Gabba, 5.50pm

Talk about fluffing your lines. Not once. Not twice. It has been so prevalent this season from a Greater Western Sydney perspective that you actually wonder whether they want to play finals.

The same accusation could well be directed at St Kilda following their heartbreaking loss to West Coast last round. What the Saints have achieved this season in contrast to the Giants however, is a level of competitiveness more often than not.

It is that trait which Brett Ratten will lean on here in order to secure a finals spot. The Saints will be without a hamstrung Zak Jones, but the slack is capable of being picked up by others, notably Jack Steele, a former GWS product having a breakout campaign.

VERDICT: St Kilda by 10 points

SATURDAY

Essendon v Melbourne, Metricon Stadium, 12.10pm

The equation for Melbourne is very simple. Win this rescheduled clash against Essendon and move into the top eight. Whether they remain there after the weekend’s action comes to a close is uncertain. It is out of their control.

Demons fans will be hoping that their players capitalise on the opportunity that confronts them. Given what has transpired over the journey, they could be excused for being more than slightly apprehensive.

As for the bulk of the Essendon faithful, apprehension has been replaced by anger over the mixed messages delivered by outgoing coach John Worsfold. This is a club that needs an overhaul. The performances illustrate that fact.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 23 points

Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval, 3.10pm

Just one month ago, this match-up would have presented minimal issues for Richmond. However, the Crows’ recent form means they will have the full attention of the Tigers in their pursuit of a top-four finish.

The Crows are not only defending stoutly at the moment, they are showing more flair forward of centre. It is their ability to absorb the pressure that Richmond apply better than any other team in the competition that is the main focus.

The Tigers swamped Geelong last Friday night and even though Ivan Soldo and Tom Lynch are missing through injury, the overall class and system of Damien Hardwick’s men is impressive.

VERDICT: Richmond by 21 points

Brisbane v Carlton, Gabba, 5.40pm

Brisbane have dispelled any doubts over their capacity to perform at a good standard without Harris Andrews, thrashing Gold Coast and easing past a plucky Sydney last weekend.

Again, this assignment against Carlton is not going to rival what they will be exposed to in the finals, but taking care of business remains paramount. Jarryd Lyons continued his solid year against the Swans, stepping up to cover a rare quiet match turned in by raging Brownlow Medal favourite Lachie Neale.

The Blues were atrocious when it mattered most last Sunday opposed to Adelaide, continuing an alarming trend of goals conceded in succession under David Teague.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 19 points

SUNDAY

Hawthorn v Gold Coast, Adelaide Oval, 11.05am

Hawthorn’s season has been flat out disappointing. Depending on what happens in this clash, an assessment of Gold Coast is fluid.

The Suns started brightly, but have really struggled as the year has progressed, even though they have remained in Queensland for the most part. There is no denying they have improved, but coach Stuart Dew would dearly love to finish off 2020 in style.

On what we have seen, that is achievable. The effort against Collingwood on Monday night was acceptable, the finishing in front of goal not. Hawthorn never threatened the Western Bulldogs and unless the retirements of Ben Stratton and Paul Puopolo provides a dramatic lift, they will come up short once more.

VERDICT: Gold Coast by 11 points

Sydney v Geelong, Metricon Stadium, 1.35pm

The return of Gary Ablett can’t come soon enough for Geelong and the player himself. Having completed his quarantine at the official AFL hub on the Gold Coast, Ablett rejoined his teammates earlier in the week and is set to have a much-needed hit-out before the finals.

The Cats had been superb before last round’s demolition at the hands of Richmond and Chris Scott will be keen to see his players get back on the horse quickly and complete their home-and-away commitments with a victory that assures them a double chance and the opportunity to atone.

Sydney are the second-lowest scoring side in the competition and it is difficult to see how they can all of a sudden load up against the Cats, the second-best defensive outfit in the league.

VERDICT: Geelong by 30 points

Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Cazaly’s Stadium, 4.10pm

Regardless of what occurs in Cairns between Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs, the decision to sack Ross Lyon and appoint Justin Longmuir has been vindicated.

There has been clear growth at the Dockers in 2020, despite the challenges of the season in regards to hub life and an extensive injury list, and once the forward line structure finds its feet, a finals berth will be forthcoming.

More immediately though, the Bulldogs are poised to play in the post-season for the second year in succession. Their midfield is stacked with talent and while there are question marks over how their high handball game will flourish in the finals, it should propel them to the last eight.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 18 points

MONDAY

Collingwood v Port Adelaide, Gabba, 5.15pm

It has taken until the last game of the season, but we are about to find out who plays who in the finals, with these two clubs looming as opposition that need to be taken seriously.

Port Adelaide have been terrific throughout the home-and-away campaign and while they are guaranteed a double bite of the cherry regardless of tonight’s result, it would be fitting if they claimed the minor premiership. Integral in their success has been a healthy list and the input of senior players Travis Boak, Ollie Wines, Robbie Gray and Charlie Dixon.

The Magpies are getting key personnel back, with the availability of Jordan De Goey against Gold Coast last Monday night helping transform their forward line. Scott Pendlebury’s achievement in breaking the club’s games record will surely serve as motivation for Collingwood, who will avoid a trip west with a victory.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 9 points

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