Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 19

Posted on July 19, 2024July 19, 2024 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Essendon v Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 5.40pm

Essendon undid much of their good work with last Saturday night’s loss to Melbourne at the MCG. There are a couple of differences here though … this match will be played under the roof and Adelaide don’t possess the appetite for the contest like the Demons do when they are dialed in.

On a positive note, the Crows head across the border with a win under their belt and understandably buoyant about the returning Riley Thilthorpe, who cut an imposing figure in the victory over St Kilda.

The Crows were unable to get the job done earlier in the season at Adelaide Oval against Essendon and Brad Scott’s men are not only at home this time around, but in slightly better form.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 1-39 points

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SATURDAY

GWS v Gold Coast, ENGIE Stadium, 11.45am

Gold Coast did what Gold Coast do in round 18 — win at home. If the trend is indeed you friend, Gold Coast will do what they have done all season in round 19 … lose away from home.

The absence of Touk Miller and suspensions to Alex Davies and Malcolm Rosas were compounded this week with news talented small forward Ben Ainsworth would miss the remainder of 2024 because of a shoulder injury. It leaves Suns coach Damien Hardwick sifting through his squad at a time when consistency at selection is key.

As for the Giants, their win over Richmond was extremely heartening, especially Toby Greene recapturing his game-breaking best.

VERDICT: GWS to win 

St Kilda v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, 11.45am

Ready yourself for a flurry of these inconsequential games in the run to the finals. St Kilda have been disappointing and boring for the most part in 2024 and West Coast are preparing for the second match of Jarrad Schofield’s reign following the sacking of Adam Simpson.

The Eagles will also be without co-skipper Liam Duggan, Jake Waterman and Tyler Brockman due to injury, making it harder to achieve an upset over the defensive-minded Saints.

St Kilda also have their share of injury problems and may be viewed by some at West Coast as “gettable”. Just how will Schofield and the Eagles adjust to the grind that awaits them?

VERDICT: St Kilda by 1-39 points

Hawthorn v Collingwood, MCG, 2.35pm

How many shots do Collingwood have left to fire? It is the great unknown. Reeling after three successive losses, the premiers need a response.

And what better stage than a heaving MCG against an opponent with designs on denying you a place in the top eight? The return of Dan McStay in attack gives Collingwood a more potent set-up, especially alongside Jamie Elliott, who should be better again after his enforced lay-off mid-season.

There is no disputing Hawthorn are humming. They could well be the most in-form 13th-placed side in AFL history. In a genuine flip-of-the-coin contest, I’ll give the Magpies one more chance to make a stand.

VERDICT: Collingwood to win

Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium, 5.30pm

Every time we are ready to rule a line through the Western Bulldogs’ finals hopes, they produce a performance that not only causes us as fans of the game to do a double-take, but also prompts flag aspirants to raise an eyebrow and nod in appreciation.

The challenge for Luke Beveridge’s troops though is producing those displays on a consistent basis. It has, for the most part, proved elusive. And that is not ideal when you are heading down the highway to tackle Geelong, who have rediscovered their mojo and have eyes on second spot.

The Cats have been extremely impressive in the past three weeks and cannot only stifle the opposition’s scoring, but hit the scoreboard freely and quickly. This is a great set-up for them.

VERDICT: Geelong to win

Port Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval, 5.30pm

For a side with designs on a top-eight finish, this assignment is a must for Port Adelaide. And it would take something out of this world for the Power not to take care of business.

They have their shortcomings, yet are competitive at home and weren’t disgraced against Gold Coast last round. That said, the Tigers offered a bit opposed to GWS, only to be exposed when the prime Giants players flexed their muscles.

Port have plenty capable of doing exactly that, including Connor Rozee, Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis etc. The return from suspension of Mitch Georgiades only boosts the scoring power of the hosts.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 25 points or more

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SUNDAY

Brisbane v Sydney, Gabba, 11.10am

It took a little longer than Brisbane had hoped, but their persistence was rewarded at the appeals board on Thursday night when Charlie Cameron had his three-game suspension overturned.

It was a significant decision. One that could even alter the outcome of this heavyweight showdown with Sydney. The Lions boast a formidable forward line and the presence of Cameron alongside Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood, Cam Rayner, Zac Bailey and Kai Lohmann strikes fears into most coaches.

But Sydney are a different beast. Are they faring as well as they were earlier in the season? Probably not. However, their best remains the benchmark, the side’s fortunes powered by a brilliant midfield and arguably the recruit of 2024, Brodie Grundy.

VERDICT: Sydney to win

Fremantle v Melbourne, Optus Stadium, 1.20pm

Having monstered Melbourne in Alice Springs seven weeks ago, it is fair to assume Fremantle are comfortable with this match-up back at Optus Stadium eight days after letting one slip against Hawthorn.

That loss to the Hawks though has placed added pressure on Fremantle to again emerge triumphant. No Max Gawn and Christian Petracca should work in the hosts’ favour, but the Demons did overcome their absence to torpedo Essendon last weekend.

Fremantle’s midfield can generate a lot of football around stoppages. It is an area of strength of Melbourne also when they’re at their best.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 1-39 points 

Carlton v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 2.40pm

Carlton fans will be hoping the showing against the Western Bulldogs was their mulligan. It came after poor second and third terms against GWS the previous week and consigned them to back-to-back losses.

There can be no more serious missteps if the Blues are to be a part of the pointy end of September. Fortunately, this shapes as a good opportunity to fix a few areas and send a message that they are worthy of living inside the top four.

North Melbourne received a reality check at the hands of Sydney. Their previous month had been excellent. But halting the firepower in attack of Carlton will be a test for the Kangaroos, even taking into account their improved defence of late.

VERDICT: Carlton by 25 points or more

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