Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 23

Posted on August 15, 2025August 15, 2025 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Essendon v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium, 5.20pm

Ross Lyon was front and centre this week in the media space spruiking the reasons why a host of his players wouldn’t be heading to rival clubs in 2026. But the signature the Saints crave the most, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, remains elusive.

One of the most exciting players in the competition, Wanganeen-Milera is playing at a level beyond his years. He shapes as a generational talent that the Saints can consider themselves lucky to have at present, and more than likely, a pain in the backside for Essendon here.

The Bombers’ injury-riddled campaign had an exclamation mark attached to it this week when skipper Zach Merrett was revealed to have broken a hand against Geelong in round 22.

VERDICT: St Kilda by 25 points or more

Same Game Multi: St Kilda to win, game total over 167.5 points and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to kick 1+ goals and have 30+ disposals @ $3.55*

Fremantle v Brisbane, Optus Stadium, 6.35pm

September has come early for Fremantle. Ditto Brisbane. It’s hard to believe the Lions, who have claimed some massive scalps already this year, need to win in Perth or next week at home against Hawthorn to be assured of playing finals.

Talking of finals, nobody needs to tell Fremantle the importance of taking care of business at home. The Dockers will remain inside the top four with a win, while a loss would leave them in a dogfight just to make the eight.

Standing them in good stead is an excellent run of form over the past three months, with on-field leadership and an ability to execute under pressure proving invaluable. Those traits will need to be to the fore again.

VERDICT: Fremantle to win

Same Game Multi: Andrew Brayshaw and Will Ashcroft to have 25+ disposals and Shai Bolton and Josh Treacy to kick 1+ goals @ $2.70*

---

SATURDAY

Gold Coast v GWS, People First Stadium, 10.35am

Gold Coast are on the brink of history and would love nothing more than to all but secure their first finals appearance with a win over GWS, who have achieved considerably more than the Suns despite being newer to the competition.

The Giants look ripe for the picking here, with the latest hamstring injury to Jake Stringer robbing Adam Kingsley of a genuine trump card to paper over the cracks of Jesse Hogan’s absence.

The Suns did what they had to do opposed to Carlton last weekend, with Ben King wreaking havoc in attack. If he sees sufficient supply, the Giants (minus Jack Buckley) could be in a for a torrid time.

VERDICT: Gold Coast to win

Same Game Multi: Noah Anderson to have 30+ disposals and Gold Coast to win @ $2.25*

Carlton v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 11.20am

Two of the more underwhelming sides of 2025 lock horns in what is, honestly, an underwhelming occasion at a very underwhelming timeslot in Melbourne as we approach the end of the season.

Carlton have shown signs of life in the past fortnight against Fremantle and Gold Coast, but it doesn’t mask their horror campaign, while Port are riding a four-game losing streak amid an extensive injury list.

The Blues found the line strongly in the loss to the Suns, something which they haven’t really done for the most part this season. If they are able to produce anywhere near a four-quarter effort, it should be sufficient.

VERDICT: Carlton to win

Same Game Multi: Harry McKay to kick 2+ goals and Zak Butters and George Hewett to have 25+ disposals @ $3.60*

Hawthorn v Melbourne, MCG, 2.35pm

Just over a week after reviving their finals push with a statement triumph over Collingwood, don’t be expecting Hawthorn to slip up against Melbourne. That the Demons responded to the axing of Simon Goodwin and played with flair will only help fuel Sam Mitchell’s message not to be complacent.

The Demons welcome back Steven May from suspension, a timely inclusion considering the strike weapons the Hawks possess in the front half, both tall and small.

Hawthorn leant heavily on Jai Newcombe to lead the way midfield against the Magpies and it will again be the case here. One could argue the Demons are better placed  to negate him in the contested ball space than Collingwood, but the overall talent of the Hawks is undeniable.

VERDICT: Hawthorn by 1-39 points

Same Game Multi: Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan to kick 2+ goals @ $4.80*

Adelaide v Collingwood, Adelaide Oval, 5.35pm

Adelaide left WA with the four points on Sunday night, albeit not overly happy with how they performed against West Coast. Respectfully, you couldn’t blame them if they were already thinking about this clash.

The Crows have found it hard to topple Collingwood for the best part of a decade and will also be well aware that the Magpies are more than content to play at Adelaide Oval.

However, this Adelaide team is a proper outfit. A fresh Taylor Walker ensures Matthew Nicks can go to his preferred three-tall forward combination, which is critically important given the unavailability of Jeremy Howe.

VERDICT: Adelaide to win

Same Game Multi: Adelaide 1-39 points and Scott Pendlebury and Jake Soligo to have 20+ disposals @ $3.25*

---

SUNDAY

North Melbourne v Richmond, Ninja Stadium, 11.10am

North Melbourne fell over the line against Richmond earlier in the season. It was a rare bright spot for the perennially disappointing Kangaroos.

Richmond have had their ups and downs in 2025, but are already further advanced than North in their rebuild, despite having only really started it less than 12 months ago. Does that mean they willl triumph here? Not necessarily.

The Kangaroos won’t have access to Nick Larkey (knee), leaving their forward line seriously undermanned against a Tigers backline that does boast classy veterans Nick Vlastuin and Nathan Broad.

VERDICT: North Melbourne to win

Same Game Multi: Paul Curtis to kick 2+ goals and Richmond +16.5 points @ $3.55*

Sydney v Geelong, SCG, 1.15pm

Two clubs that continue to front up year after year irrespective of a change in personnel meet in a round-23 clash that perhaps had some of its shine removed when Brodie Grundy (concussion) was ruled out.

While his unavailability hurts Sydney, it sure as hell won’t define them. They are fresh off a stirring win over Brisbane and are a vastly superior side with Errol Gulden back in the line-up.

Geelong know what’s at stake. They are on the cusp of finishing top two and having every hope of advancing to another grand final. Chris Scott has weapons on most lines that a lot of others would die for. The Cats rarely fluff their lines.

VERDICT: Geelong to win

Same Game Multi: Chad Warner, Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney to have 25+ disposals @ $6.50*

Western Bulldogs v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, 2.40pm

Even taking into account the spirited display at home last Sunday, it is completely futile trying to make a case here for West Coast.

The Western Bulldogs are in the top-eight conversation off the back of beating up on medicore opposition and a daunting Marvel Stadium record. Aaron Naughton has emerged as an All-Australian contender, producing a stretch of form that has coincided with Sam Darcy’s return from injury.

The Bulldogs win by as much as they want.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 71 points or more

Same Game Multi: Rhylee West to kick 2+ goals and Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy to kick 4+ goals @ $4.80*

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

Market Market