Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 22

Posted on August 15, 2019August 16, 2019 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Melbourne v Sydney, MCG, 5.50pm

Melbourne get one last chance to salvage something from the wreckage before their home fans when they host a flagging, injury-hit Sydney at the MCG. The Demons already have one win over the Swans this year, one of just five in 2019.

Melbourne’s midfield, led by Clayton Oliver, wins its share of contested ball and though the Demons are riding a five-match losing streak, their last loss by more than 40 points was against Collingwood back in round 12. The Swans are young and vulnerable and the kids are showing signs of fatigue.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 19 points

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SATURDAY

Carlton v St Kilda, MCG, 11.45am

Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps hasn’t enjoyed a great deal of team success in his 99-game career, but he was beaming during the week, declaring it would be “scary” when the Blues start their climb up the ladder.

It’s hard to argue. The Blues might have lost their past two games to West Coast and Richmond, but they haven’t been disgraced and will ask serious questions of the Saints, who are 3-1 under interim coach Brett Ratten, especially at the MCG. The Saints need to find better connectivity between their midfield and forwards.

VERDICT: Carlton by 12 points

Brisbane v Geelong, Gabba, 12.10pm

Who would have predicted the stakes would have been as high as they are for this match when the fixtures were released late last year? If you have put your hand up, take it down as nobody believes you.

Brisbane are seriously rolling. Their second-half demolition of Gold Coast last weekend was a glorified training run which only served to illustrate their potency. Later in the day, down at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong won a physical stoush with North Melbourne that proved they could be hard-nosed when required.

The Cats are currently top of the ladder, but enter this match underdogs. There is no denying Chris Scott’s side is capable, but if Harris Andrews nuts Tom Hawkins and the temperature reaches 28C as predicted, the Lions will be in their element.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 23 points

Adelaide v Collingwood, Adelaide Oval, 2.35pm

Don Pyke has been in the crosshairs of critics for the most part this year, but he coached very well against West Coast last weekend, implementing a game plan that did its best to deny the Eagles the possession game they like.

The result was a 10-point loss and renewed belief the Crows could well secure a finals berth this year. A repeat performance against a Collingwood side that will again be missing key pair Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore could be sufficient.

The Magpies kept their top-four hopes alive with a win over a Melbourne, thanks mainly to the midfield contributions of Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury, and four goals from Brody Mihoceck, who could attract Daniel Talia if stationed close to goal.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 12 points

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 5.25pm

Rhyce Shaw has ridden the rollercoaster since stepping into the North Melbourne coaching hot seat. A dream start was followed by some testing losses. Then came his full-time appointment before a horror show in Geelong last Saturday night.

How he and his team responds here against a Port Adelaide side that has surged into September calculations with wins against Essendon and Sydney will be interesting. The Power’s willingness to play a ballistic brand of football will be problematic for the Kangaroos if they are able to get the ball on the outside.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 19 points

Fremantle v Essendon, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

If Fremantle needed any extra motivation to farewell their WA supporters, it came in the form of Aaron Sandilands announcing his retirement. The gentle giant has battled injuries in the latter stages of his career, but when he plays, he still remains a potent force.

Essendon coach John Worsfold is contracted for next season, but is no guarantee to be at the helm if the Bombers’ struggles continue. Their display against the Western Bulldogs last weekend only served to raise the stakes here.

With so many quality players absent from the Bombers’ line-up, it is hard to see how they can overcome a Dockers side at home that took down Geelong a fortnight ago.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 29 points

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SUNDAY

Richmond v West Coast, MCG, 11.10am

West Coast and Richmond might sit third and fourth respectively, but they are the teams many believe will be squaring off at the MCG in the final Saturday of September. Given their premiership pedigrees and recent form, it is hard to argue against that occurring.

The Eagles will finish top two with victory in this match followed by a round-23 win over Hawthorn, while Richmond are still to secure a top-four berth. Damien Hardwick’s side has built nicely over the past month and will be boosted here by the return of Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin.

West Coast’s forward firepower and the ability to apply terrific defensive pressure inside their attacking half will place a level of stress on the Tigers’ defenders they haven’t experienced for some time. That said, Richmond’s surge football can be hard to suppress, especially at the MCG.

VERDICT: Richmond by 10 points

GWS v Western Bulldogs, Giants Stadium, 1.20pm

Greater Western Sydney have a wonderful opportunity to redeem themselves after their pathetic display against Hawthorn. To say they need to is an understatement of some significance.

The Western Bulldogs are healthy and full of confidence after their demolition of Essendon and know that wins in their final two games against the Giants and Adelaide should be enough to lift them into the finals.

Josh Dunkley, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Lachie Hunter were awesome against the Bombers and will fancy their chances of wreaking havoc against an undermanned GWS running division, while the fitness doubts over GWS spearhead Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) are less than ideal.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 15 points

Hawthorn v Gold Coast, Marvel Stadium, 2.40pm

A September appearance appears highly unlikely for Hawthorn, but there is a pulse, albeit a faint one. It will remain a possibility after this match when the Hawks beat Gold Coast, who have dropped their past 16 and continually resemble witches hats.

The Hawks did the right thing by offering Jarryd Roughead a farewell game and the former skipper and four-time premiership hero did the right thing by accepting the offer. Given how bad the Suns are, he could well kick a bag. Let’s hope he does.

VERDICT: Hawthorn by 45 points

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