Sports

Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 18

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Sydney v Western Bulldogs, SCG, 5.20pm

It would seem that Sydney’s finals chances received a fatal blow with last week’s two-goal loss to Richmond. But in a topsy-turvy season such as this one, you wouldn’t put it past the Swans to make one last push.

They will do so without Jake Lloyd (concussed) and Chad Warner (calf), denying them two key players in defence and midfield respectively. And though the Western Bulldogs are minus an ill Bailey Smith, they do have the midfield depth to cover for him.

The Bulldogs flirted with an upset against Collingwood, only to succumb to their powerful brand. The Swans in Sydney aren’t the daunting prospect we have become accustomed to and if Luke Beveridge’s men are going to play a meaningful role in September, this assignment must be taken care of.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs to win

FRIDAY

Melbourne v Brisbane, MCG, 5.50pm

What Brisbane coach Chris Fagan wouldn’t give for a third successive win over Melbourne. The Lions are entitled to still think a top-two spot is up for grabs even though Collingwood and Port Adelaide show no signs of slowing down.

Brisbane are playing their best football of the season at present, the decision by their coaching staff to sit Jack Gunston for a few weeks to build his fitness proving a masterstroke against West Coast. It’s fair to say Brisbane’s attack is the most potent in the competition.

It won’t be lost on Melbourne, who pride themselves on the defensive side of the game. That is just as well because the connection between the midfield and their forward line is mediocre. Brisbane nabbed Melbourne in a semi-final last September and have the weapons to do so again here.

VERDICT: Brisbane to win

SATURDAY

Collingwood v Fremantle, MCG, 11.45am

Even if Fremantle had access to Hayden Young, Brennan Cox and Caleb Serong, they would have been rank outsiders to topple Collingwood at the home of football. One side is airborne, the other stuck in neutral.

The Magpies seem to relish a test. They got one last Friday night from the Western Bulldogs and passed with flying colours as the usual suspects, headed by Nick Daicos, ran amok.

Unless Fremantle are able to recapture some of their very best form — it can be argued we haven’t seen it outside of the Melbourne win mid-year — Collingwood will treat their legion of fans to a football clinic.

VERDICT: Collingwood to win by 25 points or more

Gold Coast v St Kilda, Heritage Bank Stadium, 12.10pm

A lot of eyes have been on Gold Coast this week after the sacking of Stuart Dew and they will command plenty of attention in 2024 and beyond should Damien Hardwick be appointed coach as expected.

However, we shouldn’t lose sight of what is in store for the Suns for the remainder of this season. They are deserved favourites at home against an injury-depleted St Kilda and if successful and other results fall their way, will remain in the finals mix.

The Saints have occupied a spot in the top eight since the start of the year. Can they remain there though? The doubters are growing and with no Max King (shoulder) for the rest of this campaign, they are vulnerable forward of midfield.

VERDICT: St Kilda to win

Carlton v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 2.35pm

Credit where it’s due. Carlton have revived their season off the back of emphatic wins over Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Fremantle. As such, the Blues and their fans are daring to dream once more of a return to finals action.

We are about to find out how well they are travelling because Port Adelaide, home or away, provide a legitimate football audit. The Power are riding a 13-game winning streak and are different gravy to the Suns, Hawks and Dockers.

Zak Butters and Connor Rozee are powering a midfield that sits comfortably among the elite. In saying that, the Blues’ prime movers have rediscovered their mojo in recent times.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide to win

Geelong v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium, 5.25pm

It was inevitable that the “Geelong are back” line was rolled out after their powerful performance against North Melbourne on the weekend. We know what the best of the Cats looks like and their favourable run home has the premiers licking their lips.

They may well be back, but we want to see how they stack up against a quality team rather than a wooden spoon prospect. Enter Essendon. The Bombers, with captain Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish irresistible, continue to take great strides.

The first half of football produced by Brad Scott’s men against Adelaide was as good as we’ve seen from any side this year. If they can replicate that, who knows where they finish.

VERDICT: Geelong by 1-39 points

Adelaide v GWS, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm

The first step of addressing a problem comes after you’ve acknowledged you have one. Adelaide put their hand up post-match and again during the week in the wake of the meek effort against Essendon, saying their 1-6 win-loss record is not good enough.

They will get another chance to right their wrongs although all of their focus must be directed here against GWS as they look to bounce back and reclaim a position in the top eight in the run to September. The Crows score heavily at home and strike early.

It is a trend that won’t be lost on Giants coach Adam Kingsley in an impressive first season at the helm. We know GWS gunned down the Crows late on a humid afternoon in round one. Adelaide must deliver payback if they’re fair dinkum.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 1-39 points

SUNDAY

North Melbourne v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, 11.10am

Hawthorn will look to chalk up another win over North Melbourne, having been the side that sparked a 14-game losing sequence that reaffirms the Kangaroos status as one of the league’s most underwhelming clubs.

The Hawks are set to be boosted by the return from a throat injury of Luke Breust and skipper James Sicily from suspension. Conversely, North will be without key defender Griffin Logue for the rest of this season and fair chunk of next after he tore an ACL in the heavy loss to Geelong last weekend.

The Kangaroos are more competitive at Marvel Stadium than most other venues, but their list of prior convictions makes it impossible to tip into them.

VERDICT: Hawthorn to win

West Coast v Richmond, Optus Stadium, 2.40pm

Nobody outside the four walls of Mineral Resources Park gives West Coast a chance of upsetting Richmond. Then again, you could count on one hand the number of people who could have foreseen the Eagles leading St Kilda by five goals a fortnight ago.

The Tigers remain in the finals discussion and surely have taken notice of the last time West Coast were at home. The availability of Shannon Hurn and Luke Shuey helps, although the Tigers have good memories of playing in Perth — against Fremantle and West Coast.

Much like Adelaide in their tussle with GWS, if the Tigers are to be taken seriously, this match is non-negotiable.

VERDICT: Richmond to win by 25 points or more

Market Market



Recent Articles