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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 2

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Carlton v Hawthorn, MCG, 4.30pm

Carlton fans were hoping and praying Charlie Curnow returned for this clash with Hawthorn. Their prayers were answered. However, the Blues are going to need more than the dual Coleman medallist if they are to avoid starting 0-2.

Carlton melted under pressure last week and respectfully, Hawthorn are different gravy completely to Richmond. The Hawks are considered a genuine premiership threat for a reason and while Jack Scrimshaw (suspension) misses this match and the next two, there is sufficient depth at Sam Mitchell’s disposal.

The same cannot be said for Michael Voss, who does not have access to key personnel. Even factoring in that though, he will be demanding better leadership and composure against a slick Hawks outfit.

VERDICT: Hawthorn to win

Same Game Multi: Hawthorn by 1-39 and game total under 172.5 points @ $2.75*

FRIDAY

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood, MCG, 4.40pm

Collingwood provided the ultimate flex against Port Adelaide in a not so subtle reminder of what they are capable of. It was a powerful performance six days after a dreadful opening-round display against GWS.

The Western Bulldogs weren’t as impressive against North Melbourne, but in the face of an extensive injury list, they shouldn’t be sold short. Nor the importance of this clash with the Magpies as they celebrate 100 years of admission into the Victorian Football League.

The Bulldogs’ faithful will be out in force and the emotion at the MCG at fever pitch. If there is one team capable of holding its ground on such an occasion, it is Collingwood.

VERDICT: Collingwood to win

Same Game Multi: Dan McStay to kick 2+ goals and over 161.5 points @ $2.80*

SATURDAY

Essendon v Adelaide, MCG, 10.20am

All the rhetoric coming out of South Australia over summer was that Adelaide were perfectly poised to climb the ladder.

Granted, it’s a small sample size and St Kilda aren’t exactly a powerhouse or likely to threaten the top eight at any point in 2025, but the signs were indeed encouraging. There was zip through the midfield, pop off half-back and potency in the forward line that would have caught the attention of every other club.

They now need to transfer that form to the MCG, a ground where they have struggled to win in recent times, against Essendon, who were plucky after a dozey first term against Hawthorn. The loss of Kyle Langford (hamstring) and Jordan Ridley (concussion) is a worry.

VERDICT: Adelaide to win

Same Game Multi: Game total over 176.5 points and Zach Merrett and Rory Laird to have 25+ disposals @ $3*

Port Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval, 1.15pm

Port Adelaide at home against a youthful Richmond team missing Tom Lynch (suspension). Surely that equates to a victory for the Power. Or does it?

The Tigers were magnificent against Carlton. Rarely do such developmental and inexperienced line-ups rally from a deficit anywhere near the 41 points they did to get over the top of the Blues. They now have a free swing at Port, fresh off a mauling at the hands of Collingwood and with the coaching succession plan involving Ken Hinkley and Josh Carr in the spotlight.

Port are on the wane and while Richmond will inevitably rise, they are not close yet in the class department.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 25 points or more

Same Game Multi: Jayden Short to have 20+ disposals, Tim Taranto to have 25+ disposals and Willie Rioli to kick 2+ goals @ $3.30*

St Kilda v Geelong, Marvel Stadium, 4.35pm

New year, same old Geelong. It is difficult to draw any other conclusion after the Cats pummeled Fremantle before their home fans at a sun-drenched GMHBA Stadium. They were not only typically efficient, but also ruthless.

And it is that ruthless streak which Chris Scott will be seeking again in order to maintain a slick start to the season. St Kilda are wounded, both physically and emotionally, and despite being in their preferred Marvel Stadium surrounds, seemingly vulnerable to quality opposition.

The Cats were beaten by St Kilda late last year and have had their share of trouble overcoming them in recent times. This appears a different scenario though.

VERDICT: Geelong by 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: Patrick Dangerfield to kick 1+ goals and Tyson Stengle to kick 2+ goals @ $2.60*

SUNDAY

Brisbane v West Coast, Gabba, 10.10am

You can feel the pain of West Coast supporters. A week after playing host (and getting annihilated) to Gold Coast, they now front up to the reigning premiers at their Gabba fortress.

And the evidence suggests Brisbane are anything but satisfied. They spotted Sydney a start at the SCG last Saturday and even without Charlie Cameron (calf) and the in-game injuries to Kai Lohmann (ankle) and Brandon Starcevich (concussion), rallied to record a stirring victory.

The Lions at the Gabba is as daunting assignment as you can get in football at present and the Eagles venture there minus Jake Waterman (calf). Good luck!

VERDICT: Brisbane by 60 points or more

Same Game Multi: Josh Dunkley to have 25+ disposals, Lachie Neale to have 30+ disposals and Cam Rayner to kick 2+ goals @ $5.20*

North Melbourne v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 12.20pm

Melbourne were so good for so long against GWS. The bad news was they fell agonisingly short of the Giants at the final siren, thanks in no small part to a brilliant passage of play in the dying moments that led to Lachie Keeffe’s calm finish.

A similar type of performance will be enough to overcome North Melbourne, who once again showed a lack of ability or desire to defend in their loss to a depleted Western Bulldogs. And two of their better defenders, Griffin Logue and Jackson Archer, won’t line up here.

Jack Darling, now based at Arden Street, will play his 300th match having played 298 games with West Coast. He has a role to play alongside Nick Larkey to ensure the Kangaroos forward line is multi dimensional.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: Clayton Oliver and Luke Davies Uniacke to have 25+ disposals and Harry Sheezel to have 30+ disposals @ $3.45*

Fremantle v Sydney, Optus Stadium, 3.10pm

Don’t go losing this if you’re Sydney. The same applies to Fremantle. We are only early into the season, but the stakes couldn’t be higher for both the hosts and Swans.

Fremantle were atrocious in all facets opposed to Geelong and desperately need to atone. Being back at home is a help. Standing up in the face of pressure would be nice also from a Dockers’ supporters perspective.

How the Dockers handle a week of intense scrutiny and the inevitable squeeze Sydney will endeavour to apply, especially at the source, makes this must watch.

VERDICT: Fremantle to win

Same Game Multi: Shai Bolton to kick 1+ goals, Josh Treacy to kick 2+ goals and Andrew Brayshaw to have 25+ goals @ $2.55*

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

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