Sports

Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 22

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Hawthorn v Collingwood, MCG, 5.30pm

Is this the feedback Collingwood needed to have entering September or are three losses in their past four outings an indication of a decline that should have coach Craig McRae and his players on red alert?

We will know much more at the completion of this match, a contest many expect the Magpies to hit back hard in. Their intent at selection was profound, recalling important defensive duo Jeremy Howe and Billy Frampton, alongside Tom Mitchell.

Hawthorn have caused Collingwood problems in recent meetings, albeit they were obliterated by the Magpies earlier this season. Sam Mitchell, a lateral thinker in the box, will have gone to work on that performance. Expect something different this evening.

VERDICT: Collingwood to win

Same Game Multi: Karl Amon, Jarman Impey and Scott Pendlebury to have 20+ disposals and Jamie Elliott and Jack Ginnivan to kick 1+ goals @ $3.45*

FRIDAY

Geelong v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium, 5.40pm

Geelong win this match by as much as they want. And what we have seen from the Cats in recent weeks is that they are well and truly capable of making a mess of inferior opposition.

And Essendon are most certainly inferior. They have been cruelled by injuries, limiting Brad Scott’s options at selection and also game day. The Bombers haven’t shown a great desire to defend in recent years and now they can’t because of personnel problems.

That will be music to the ears of Geelong’s dynamic forward line, in particular Jeremy Cameron as he hunts 100 goals for the year.

VERDICT: Geelong by 60 points or more

Same Game Multi: Jeremy Cameron to kick 6+ goals, Shannon Neale to kick 2+ goals and Zach Merrett to have 25+ disposals @ $4.50*

SATURDAY

Richmond v St Kilda, MCG, 11.20am

Richmond will be looking to avenge what was a second-half avalanche from their initial 2025 meeting when they host St Kilda at the home of football.

It was a performance which had many thinking the Tigers’ campaign was going to be arduous. It hasn’t exactly been plain sailing, but they have exceeded external expectations and it feels as if they have set themselves for this clash with the recall of Tom Lynch, Tim Taranto and Nathan Broad.

The Saints will be well aware this represents another opportunity to impress upon Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera that they are a club worth investing in.

VERDICT: St Kilda 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: St Kilda 1-39 points and game total under 160.5 points @ $3.35*

Brisbane v Sydney, Gabba, 2.15pm

The hammer blow that was confirmation Lachie Neale had torn a quad against Collingwood had Brisbane fans wincing. Not just because he is one of the most decorated players in the game, rather the Lions are now battling an extensive injury list.

It opens the door slightly for Sydney, who are showing no signs of fatigue in the back end of the home-and-away campaign. Errol Gulden’s influence since his mid-season return has been profound and will no doubt be a player Brisbane monitor closely.

But the Lions still possess an array of attacking options that should be beyond Sydney’s capabilities.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 1-24 points

Same Game Multi: Will Ashcroft, Hugh McCluggage and Errol Gulden to all have 25+ disposals @ $3.40*

Carlton v Gold Coast, Marvel Stadium, 5.35pm

Carlton coach Michael Voss got the news he was desperately hoping for this week — he is returning to Ikon Park in 2026 to fulfil the final year of his existing contract.

It would have been a weight off his shoulders and might just spark a late-season revival from his injury-hit team. The first half by the Blues against Fremantle last Sunday was full of merit, suggesting there is still fight in this squad.

But Carlton will have a devil of a time trying to quell Gold Coast, who are roaring towards September. Noah Anderson’s season has him in the All-Australian captaincy and Brownlow Medal discussion, with his right-hand man Matt Rowell proving a clearance beast week after week.

VERDICT: Gold Coast by 19 points or more

Same Game Multi: John Noble and George Hewett to have 25+ disposals and Noah Anderson to have 30+ disposals @ $3.45*

Port Adelaide v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval, 6.10pm

Fremantle and maturity haven’t always been joined at the hip. However, their ability to (not for the first time) find a way to rally from a deficit and get over the top of Carlton was one of a side that should be playing finals.

The Dockers’ recent form suggests they wouldn’t be out of place in September and they can go a long way towards achieving a second finals berth under Justin Longmuir with another victory opposed to Port,

The Power are only just going and while they look decidedly stronger than they were against Geelong last round, Fremantle do much right and are better behind the ball with skipper Alex Pearce in the line-up.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: Shai Bolton, Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy and Pat Voss to all kick 1+ goals @ $2.28*

SUNDAY

GWS v North Melbourne, Manuka Oval, 11.40am

For a side that has been as poor for as long as North Melbourne, they avoid much of the glare that surrounds bad teams. Maybe the football industry simply doesn’t care.

If that is the case, it would be fitting because it looks like the players don’t care a great deal either. GWS had a shocker against the Western Bulldogs, throwing a serious sized spanner in their top-four aspirations.

Back in the nation’s capital and against a woeful opponent, look for the Orange Tsunami to swamp the Kangaroos.

VERDICT: GWS by 60 points or more

Same Game Multi: GWS -50.5 points, game total over 165.5 points and Tom Green to have 30+ disposals @ $5*

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 1.15pm

There is enough historical evidence to suggest Melbourne aren’t completely hopeless in this clash. But recent history would suggest they are none. The Western Bulldogs make a mess of sides below them on the ladder (and GWS).

The Bulldogs possess midfield depth that is the envy of so many others in the competition and their ability to go from inside to out as swiftly and efficiently as they do gives them a chance in just about every game. As does the presence of Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton.

Troy Chaplin gets an opportunity to sit in the main chair, although one wonders what levers he can pull in such a short amount of time following the sacking of Simon Goodwin.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: Ed Richards and Christian Petracca to have 25+ disposals @ $2.85*

West Coast v Adelaide, Optus Stadium, 3.10pm

First v last. A side in premiership contention opposed to a side that is preparing to collect a second wooden spoon in three seasons and third in the past 15 years. The Eagles appear to be in freefall and powerless to do anything about it.

Conversely, the Crows are humming. They are a formidable outfit, the only side in 2025 to have avoided a shellacking even when losing. They are a joy to watch also, boasting quality all over the field and some young talent that is compulsive viewing.

The only thing that could stop this being a slaughter is the weather.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 40 points or more

Same Game Multi: Izak Rankine, Ben Keays, Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty to kick 2+ goals @ $3.90*

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

Market Market




Recent Articles