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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 2

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Carlton v Collingwood, MCG, 4.20pm

Traditional rivals squaring off in a Thursday night blockbuster with a considerable amount at stake. It might seem a stretch given we are only in round two, but you wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of respective coaches David Teague or Nathan Buckley should they walk away empty-handed tonight.

The Blues were really good against Richmond. In simple terms, if they repeat that effort they win. But as history has shown, they don’t always back up a solid performance with another one the next week and Collingwood enjoy an excellent record against them on Buckley’s watch.

The addition of Zac Williams and Jack Martin, two beautiful ball users, gives the Blues a lift, as does Steele Sidebottom and Callum Brown’s inclusion for Collingwood. On a side note, let’s hope the increased capacity of 75,000 doesn’t go to waste and a massive crowd is on hand.

VERDICT: Carlton by 10 points

FRIDAY

Geelong v Brisbane, GMHBA Stadium, 4.50pm

Just like the game 24 hours earlier, the prospect of another defeat after dropping games they were expected to win last weekend, raises the stakes for Geelong and Brisbane.

The Cats’ shock result at the hands of Adelaide was compounded by Patrick Dangerfield’s suspension for collecting Jake Kelly. His unavailability leaves Geelong light-on in the midfield, especially with Mitch Duncan (calf) still sidelined.

Can the Lions’ running division capitalise? It is worth asking that question after they were steamrolled by Sydney’s prime movers. The lack of pressure was stark and unless there is more vigour displayed here, a 0-2 start beckons.

VERDICT: Geelong by 23 points

SATURDAY

Sydney v Adelaide, SCG, 10.45am

It might seem a little silly considering where Sydney’s list is at, but this presents as a danger game. Fresh off their stunning upset of Brisbane at the Gabba last Saturday night, bookmakers quickly installed them as favourites for this encounter.

However, Adelaide are understandably full of beans themselves after bringing down Geelong with a ferocious mindset. Their tackling pressure and efficiency in key areas at crucial stages was telling. It was terrific to see.

The tighter confines of the SCG will present a different challenge for the Swans youngsters, but the return of Lance Franklin will no doubt provide a massive boost. At the other end of the ground, fingers crossed Taylor Walker can boot another bag after skinning the Cats.

VERDICT: Sydney by 14 points

Port Adelaide v Essendon, Adelaide Oval, 1.35pm

If you tipped Port Adelaide to win the flag entering round one, you would have been impressed with what you saw against North Melbourne. If you didn’t tipped Port Adelaide to win the flag entering round one, you are entitled to be second-guessing yourself.

The reduced rotations and new man on the mark rule is tailor-made for the way Port want to go about their business. They are quick, laden with talent, score heavily, move the ball at speed and in Aliir Aliir have a key defender they have been pining for.

Essendon venture interstate to confront the Power and will run headlong into former teammate Orazio Fantasia, who was ultra impressive on his Port debut. The Bombers’ inability to stop Hawthorn getting a run-on in the third term was alarming and spells trouble.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 32 points

St Kilda v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 4.25pm

As there is every round, there were some big winners and equally big losers last weekend. St Kilda were the biggest winners of all. Heading out to western Sydney minus a swag of their best 18, they spotted GWS a two-goal lead midway through the final term and still prevailed.

It was further evidence that Brett Ratten has a group of players at his disposal laced with self-belief. It will hold them in good stead throughout 2021 and the challenges the season presents, even as early as this match which honours the memory of former club great Danny Frawley.

The task for Melbourne is to match St Kilda’s inevitable emotional high early in this encounter and be efficient when in possession. It wasn’t the case for the duration of the 22-point win over Fremantle.

VERDICT: St Kilda by 23 points

Gold Coast v North Melbourne, Metricon Stadium, 5.10pm

No Matt Rowell. No worries. Granted, Gold Coast have to get back on the bike quickly following a Sunday afternoon match against West Coast in Perth and a Monday flight home.

But if the Suns are to take the next step in their development, they are going to have to overcome different types of adversity. It would be a shock if they couldn’t do so against a Kangaroos side that will again be without gun midfielder Ben Cunnington (concussion).

The Suns lost no admirers in their four-goal defeat to the Eagles, with the display reinforcing the undeniable talent that Stuart Dew has at his disposal. This is a perfect chance for them to square away their record at 1-1.

VERDICT: Gold Coast by 40 points

SUNDAY

Hawthorn v Richmond, MCG, 10.10am

Let’s hope for Hawthorn’s sake they don’t find themselves 40 points in arrears in this match as they were against Essendon last Saturday night. There will be no coming back from that.

While there is no disputing the Hawks were good, this is another test entirely. Richmond enter this clash rested and boosted by the availability of captain Trent Cotchin, a late withdrawal against Carlton because of gastro.

His presence in a midfield diminishes any advantage the Hawks will look to establish through Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara, while the obvious potency forward of centre provided by Tom Lynch, Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin is daunting.

VERDICT: Richmond by 32 points

Western Bulldogs v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, 12.20pm

It’s fair to say that the Western Bulldogs and West Coast didn’t set the world on fire in round one. Yet they still emerged victorious and one will be in the prime position to launch a serious top-four assault after this match.

The numbers suggest it will be the Bulldogs. Their glut of midfield options, against an Eagles side minus skipper Luke Shuey (calf) and Elliot Yeo (osteitis pubis), should enable them to conjure a winning total against the disciplined defence of Adam Simpson’s side.

That said, the Bulldogs aren’t an offensive juggernaut and will be on high alert over the goal-scoring options West Coast possess in the sterile surrounds of Marvel Stadium.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 15 points

Fremantle v GWS, Optus Stadium, 3.10pm

Justin Longmuir’s lead-up to his second season at the helm had been going along smoothly. Much has transpired in the past month however … and not much of it has been any good.

Injuries can cruel a side that doesn’t bat overly deep in the depth department and Fremantle’s loss to Melbourne last weekend was compounded by leg injuries to Joel Hamling and Alex Pearce. If the Dockers are able to overcome their absence, on top of the pre-existing casualty ward, it would be a feather in the cap of Longmuir.

GWS aren’t the same potent outfit we have become accustomed to. But they still have more than a sprinkling of elite performers, notably Toby Greene, Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Tim Taranto and Nick Haynes. For a talented side like GWS, the expanses of Optus Stadium on a fine day is also encouraging.

VERDICT: GWS by 11 points

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