Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 20

Posted on July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Carlton v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 5.40pm

Now would be a great time for Port Adelaide to display considerable starch defensively. They have never been an elite team without the ball and have been troubled on multiple occasions by Carlton’s attacking firepower.

A case in point came earlier this season when the Blues rammed home eight goals in the final term to overwhelm the Power at Adelaide Oval. It was one of several instances where Carlton have showcased their undeniable potency in attack, courtesy of both Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.

That pair under the roof are a worry for any rival, but the Power also have weapons and while they can be hit and miss, the likes of Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis, coupled with the attacking slant of coach Ken Hinkley, gives them a chance here.

VERDICT: Carlton by 1-39 points

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SATURDAY

North Melbourne v Geelong, Blundstone Arena, 11.45am

Of the teams jostling for a top-two spot, Geelong have a draw that appears to be the most inviting. But North Melbourne right now is a long way removed from the North Melbourne in the first half of the year.

The Kangaroos were overrun by Carlton after half-time last Sunday, although they did lead by three goals in the second term. Their leg speed and willingness to take the game on will ensure the Cats are asked plenty of questions.

Geelong have had their way with the Kangaroos for a few seasons now and with so much at stake, it would be a shock if they again didn’t step up to the plate.

VERDICT: Geelong by 25 points or more

Gold Coast v Brisbane, People First Stadium, 2.35pm

If it isn’t yet now or never for Gold Coast, the time is fast approaching. And what better way for the Suns to remain in the finals hunt than to take down the white-hot Brisbane in the latest Q-Clash instalment at home in Noah Anderson’ 100th appearance.

Given how ineffective they are on the road, the Suns simply must continue winning at home. They’ve been able to do so all year and Damien Hardwick will be desperately hoping that trend continues.

The Lions are light-on for tall defensive options and would seem gettable here considering they have strung together seven successive victories and are coming off the “high” of last Sunday’s thrilling victory over Sydney. Can Gold Coast seize the moment?

VERDICT: Gold Coast to win

St Kilda v Essendon, Marvel Stadium, 2.35pm

The pressure continues to mount on Essendon. From a top-four contender only a matter of weeks ago, they are now in a dogfight to finish inside the top eight and deliver their long-suffering fans some overdue finals joy.

Only time will tell how impactful the dreadful loss to Adelaide last Friday night will be, with St Kilda coach Ross Lyon no doubt looking to make things as uncomfortable as possible for the Bombers from the get-go.

St Kilda obliterated West Coast last weekend and while this is a far harder assignment, they are entitled to feel good about themselves all the while knowing they matched motors with Essendon earlier in the year.

VERDICT: Essendon to win

Melbourne v GWS, MCG, 5.30pm

We are about to learn just how important Max Gawn is to Melbourne. The Demons’ skipper is one of the greatest ruckmen the game has seen and his aura is going to have to be at its peak for his side to resurrect a campaign that is teetering.

Melbourne were exposed by Fremantle without him and as such, their vaunted defence found itself under siege. With Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene stationed inside attacking 50m here for GWS, the Demons can’t afford to be shown up midfield like they were by the Dockers.

There is a sense the Giants are building. Wins over Richmond and Gold Coast in the past fortnight were solid without being spectacular, but they did defeat Carlton before that.

VERDICT: GWS to win

Fremantle v West Coast, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

Does lightning strike twice? West Coast ambushed Fremantle earlier this season in an upset that is only surpassed by Sydney coughing up four points against Richmond at the MCG to deliver Adem Yze his first win as Tigers coach.

Having been dismantled by St Kilda, the Eagles have wheeled out the big guns in Jeremy McGovern, Jack Darling, Elliot Yeo and Jake Waterman. They are significant ins. Even more so when you factor in Fremantle are without Alex Pearce (broken arm) and Michael Walters (hamstring).

But the Dockers are a quality side with an ability to absorb pressure and overwhelm their opposition with brutal effectiveness at stoppages. Their midfield group looks to have West Coast’s measure.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 1-39 points

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SUNDAY

Collingwood v Richmond, MCG, 11.10am

There have been worrying signs around Collingwood’s appetite for the battle in recent times and it was laid bare last weekend when they were annihilated by Hawthorn.

Richmond are nowhere near the level of the Hawks, but they are consistent with their effort for the most part and enjoy periods within games where they look capable of defying a crippling injury list.

As much as September looks beyond them at the moment, a Collingwood win here and another next round against old foes Carlton in what will be Scott Pendlebury’s 400th, will have the premiers back in the top-eight conversation.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 1-39 points

Sydney v Western Bulldogs, SCG, 1.20pm

Sydney at home against an opponent outside the top eight. It is a scenario that lends itself to selecting the Swans … or does it?

The Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn are positioned in the lower rung of the ladder but are playing a brand of football that many inside the top eight would kill for at present. The Swans are minus injured duo Tom Papley and Dane Rampe and confront a Bulldogs team fresh off a dismantling of Geelong down the highway.

Luke Beveridge’s men are the masters of finding plenty when they are challenged, especially externally. This has the potential to be a lot closer than most would think.

VERDICT: Sydney by 1-24 points

Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval, 2.40pm

The market for this encounter has swung wildly in favour of Hawthorn after they were initially installed as outsiders. And while the flood of money doesn’t guarantee they win again, it is indication they are very much respected.

The young, brash Hawks are making waves. Indeed, they swamped Collingwood last weekend and venture back to the City of Churches where they have endured some genuine heartbreak this season.

The Crows showed wonderful grit to beat Essendon in Melbourne last Friday night, but paid a high price for the four points, with skipper Jordan Dawson (concussed) a huge out.

VERDICT: Hawthorn to win

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