Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 2

Posted on March 23, 2023March 28, 2023 | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Carlton v Geelong, MCG, 4.20pm

If Carlton are to inflict Geelong’s second loss of the season, it’s fair to assume Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow need to dominate. And they might not get a better chance to do so.

The Cats will be minus important defensive trio Tom Stewart, Jack Henry and Jake Kolodjashnij through injury, fueling hope  among the Blues faithful that meagre returns of five and eight goals in their past two meetings against Geelong can be surpassed.

Geelong were wounded entering last week’s match against Collingwood and picked up fresh niggles in the course of the encounter. Yet we saw how efficient they can be at various stages opposed to the Magpies. They’re deserving of a mulligan.

VERDICT: Geelong by 1-39 points

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FRIDAY

Brisbane v Melbourne, Gabba, 4.55pm

One round of football is a small sample size. We all know that. But if we are to dissect areas of importance to Melbourne and Brisbane’s fortunes in 2023, the Demons are well in front.

Ball movement and attacking firepower needed tweaking from a Demons perspective. A total of 30 scoring shots led to a 50-point mauling of the Western Bulldogs. Brisbane had to show they had overcome their defensive frailties. Conceding 36 scoring shots in a spanking from Port Adelaide suggests there is much to do.

And while this encounter takes place at the Gabba, Melbourne are poised to call on a swag of reinforcements, including Jack Viney, Steven May and Bailey Fritsch.

VERDICT: Melbourne to win 

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SATURDAY

Collingwood v Port Adelaide, MCG, 10.45am

Grab a cold drink, plonk yourself on the couch and switch the phone to silent. Now sit back, relax and enjoy what promises to be a high-octane and immensely enjoyable clash between two offensively minded outfits.

Collingwood want the corridor, want to score and regardless of the scoreboard, believe they can win. Port Adelaide are not as good, but have a similar outlook, which is not surprising given Ken Hinkley remains at the helm.

The pair were the big winners of the weekend just gone and one of them is going to sit back on Saturday night feeling really good about themselves. And deservedly so. Even in the absence of Jeremy Howe (broken arm), the Magpies look like they pack too many punches.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 1-39 points

Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval, 1.35pm

It’s hard not to feel a little sorry for Adelaide. Their excellent pre-season form had carried over for the first half in the round one clash with GWS, with all signs pointing to an important road victory.

The Giants then picked themselves up, dusted themselves got and surged back in a manner only the pluckiest of teams can do. It resulted in a victory which leaves the Crows 0-1 and staring at a daunting assignment against a rested Richmond unit also seeking a win.

It’s no surprise Richmond have been installed as favourites here after their first-up draw. But it pays to remember the Tigers lost the corresponding match last season when Taylor Walker put on a show early on.

VERDICT: Richmond by 1-24 points

Western Bulldogs v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium, 4.25pm

Coming up against a confident Ross Lyon in the opposition coaches’ box can be a daunting prospect. Even more so when you are under pressure following a below-par performance the week prior.

Welcome to the world of Luke Beveridge. The Western Bulldogs mentor oversaw a shocking round-one display from his charges against Melbourne and he, along with the entire football industry, will be seeking an immediate response against the injury-hit Saints.

St Kilda’s win over Fremantle wasn’t pretty. Lyon couldn’t care less. He is again undermanned this week, but will relish the backs-against-the wall mindset. It’s early in 2023, but this is non-negotiable for the Bulldogs and Beveridge.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs -13.5 points at the line

Fremantle v North Melbourne, Optus Stadium, 4.30pm

Fremantle let themselves and their supporters down last Sunday when failing to capitalise on a vulnerable St Kilda. They need to make amends and they will make amends.

The Dockers are a legitimate top-four side. Being far more polished in and around the contest and adopting a more north-south approach with their ball movement, as opposed to east-west, will serve them well. Expect them to take the game on against the Kangaroos, who are chasing back-to-back WA scalps.

Alastair Clarkson’s imprint on Arden Street is obvious, but this assignment interstate is far more stringent than the week-one test against West Coast.

VERDICT: Fremantle -32.5 points at the line

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SUNDAY

Sydney v Hawthorn, SCG, 10.10am

Lance Franklin will miss this match-up with his former club after copping a one-week suspension for his bump on Sam Collins. It won’t matter.

Sydney were slick opposed to Gold Coast last Saturday, winning the key contests early and then impacting the scoreboard like a good side should. Hawthorn were anything but and duly lost to Essendon.

Something would have to go seriously amiss for the Swans not to improve to 2-0.

VERDICT: Sydney -40.5 points at the line

Essendon v Gold Coast, Marvel Stadium, 12.20pm

Internal expectations at Gold Coast entering the season centered around finals. The return of Ben King and another pre-season of development had the Suns optimistic about what was in store.

A horror first-up showing against Sydney is now followed by a difficult clash with Essendon, fresh from their annihilation of Hawthorn in Brad Scott’s first match at the helm.

The willingness of the Bombers players to work hard without the ball stood out in week one and with a level of vindication fresh in the memory, expect more of the same here.

VERDICT: Essendon by 1-39 points

West Coast v GWS, Optus Stadium, 3.20pm

It’s entirely understandable why West Coast supporters are slightly restless about the task awaiting their side against GWS.

The Eagles couldn’t take care of North Melbourne and if they fail to measure up against a depleted Giants, questions will be asked about where their wins are coming from.

The Giants are gettable. No Josh Kelly, Lachie Whitfield and Harry Perryman, coupled with a flight west after playing in stifling conditions last Sunday, leaves West Coast with no excuses. They must step up.

VERDICT: West Coast to win

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