Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 23

Posted on August 19, 2022August 19, 2022 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Brisbane v Melbourne, Gabba, 5.50pm

Could the stakes get any higher? It’s hard to imagine they could, although you suspect Collingwood and Carlton supporters might mount an argument Sunday’s battle between their clubs takes the cake.

In simple terms, the winner of this game is assured a double chance and can lay claim to being a premiership contender, while the loser can nearly have a pen put through its chances if other results go the way we expect. If recent history is any guide, Melbourne will remain in the flag hunt at the completion of this contest.

They have won their past three games against Brisbane, although none have been at the Gabba. They monstered the Lions earlier this year, especially at contested ball, and amassed 37 scoring shots en route to a 64-point rout. Brisbane need to respond.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 1-39 points

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SATURDAY

GWS v Fremantle, Manuka Oval, 11.45am

It was only a couple of weeks ago that Fremantle appeared to be operating on fumes. They enter this match knowing they will sit inside the top four with a victory. Whether they remain there depends on other results.

With so much to play for and from what we have seen against the Western Bulldogs and West Coast in the past fortnight, Fremantle should be winning. The return of Nat Fyfe is a luxury.

The Giants asked much of the Bulldogs last weekend following a bizarre opening term. Their approach was odd and it will be interesting to see what Mark McVeigh tries to implement here.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 1-39 points

North Melbourne v Gold Coast, Marvel Stadium, 12.10pm

Gold Coast are desperate to finish their season on a bright note and prove once and for all they have made strides in 2022.

They will not get a better opportunity to do so against a North Melbourne side that has looked like collecting a second successive wooden spoon for the bulk of the year. It is imperative though that the Suns are engaged in the contest.

They were really poor last weekend against Geelong at home and some of their most recent trips away from Queensland have resulted in sub-standard displays. The Kangaroos have been willing of late, yet lack the class and experience to finish.

VERDICT: Gold Coast by 1-24 points

Geelong v West Coast, GMHBA Stadium, 2.35pm

The curtain on a dreadful West Coast season will come down here. And it can’t come down quick enough. The Eagles had their issues from the start of the year, but a 2-20 return is grossly insufficient for a club with their list profile.

Adam Simpson would love to finish with a competitive effort, but even that will be difficult. Geelong might be missing Jeremy Cameron, but they are minor premiers for a reason and look head and shoulders above their opposition.

Factor in the Eagles’ horrible record of late down the highway and this has pounding written all over it.

VERDICT: Geelong by 40+ points

Essendon v Richmond, MCG, 5.25pm

For the second time this season, Essendon prepare to do battle with Richmond seeking redemption. Earlier this year, questions were asked of their mettle after losing to Sydney at the SCG. Now they are running headlong into the Tigers off an embarrassing performance opposed to Port Adelaide.

The Ben Rutten saga ensures the spotlight has only intensified on all and sundry at the club. The Tigers will be expecting a response and need to stand toe-to-toe early before flexing their muscles as the game progresses.

Richmond are assured of an elimination final berth regardless of the result. If Tom Lynch has a night out like he did last Sunday against Hawthorn, the Bombers’ year from hell will be rubberstamped.

VERDICT: Essendon 1-39 points

Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, 5.30pm

Port Adelaide players, coaches and supporters were in a state of shock when Jordan Dawson’s kick after the siren sealed Adelaide a dramatic victory in the first Showdown of 2022.

The Alberton faithful will be hoping history doesn’t repeat here, with Robbie Gray making his 271st and final appearance as a Port player. It is a fitting stage for arguably the club’s greatest AFL player to say farewell.

And while Gray has lost a step and doesn’t possess the goal-kicking prowess that made him a feared opponent, you wouldn’t put it past him to drive one last dagger into the heart of the Crows.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 1-39 points

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SUNDAY

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, UTAS, 11.10am

Much like Fremantle 24 hours earlier, the Western Bulldogs know exactly what is on offer if they take care of business against Hawthorn. It will mean they occupy eighth spot before Carlton’s battle with Collingwood later in the day at the MCG.

At times last weekend against GWS, the Bulldogs looked more like a bottom-six side than a top-eight prospect. But they did get the result that kept them in the finals race and now have the opportunity to heap pressure on the Blues.

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell moved the magnets against Richmond and while it didn’t help their chances in the short-term, the benefits down the track could be apparent. His approach to this clash will be interesting.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 1-24 points

Carlton v Collingwood, MCG, 1.20pm

Not since the 2019 grand final between Richmond and GWS has the MCG catered for a crowd like the one expected to attend this vital match between Collingwood and Carlton.

The traditional rivals were involved in an epic clash earlier in the season, where the Blues won so many key areas of the game, yet came up short courtesy of the Magpies being more clinical in front of goal from less entries.

The availability of both Jacob Weitering and Mitch McGovern should assist Carlton in turning the tables, while Marc Pittonet’s physical presence is important. Collingwood were beaten by Sydney last weekend, but not disgraced. Their entitled to think they can well and truly get back on the horse here.

VERDICT: Carlton by 1-24 points

St Kilda v Sydney, Marvel Stadium, 2.40pm

St Kilda’s frailties have been shown up regularly in the second half of the season. From 8-3 to missing the finals, it has been one pronounced fall from grace.

One of their “free” football lessons came in late June at the SCG when Sydney obliterated Brett Ratten’s charges. While a similar margin here would be a shock, the Swans appear well placed to dine out on the vulnerable Saints.

Sydney are likely to know exactly what they have to do to grab second spot back and if what we have witnessed over the past 6-8 weeks is any indication, they are not expected to waste home-ground advantage throughout September.

VERDICT: Sydney by 1-39 points

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