Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 24

Posted on August 25, 2023August 25, 2023 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Essendon v Collingwood, MCG, 5.50pm

Essendon have had a devil of a time deciphering the Collingwood puzzle since Craig McRae took over the reins and despite the Magpies’ patchy form of late, this looks beyond the Bombers.

There were clear signs Essendon were fatigued entering last round and it was reinforced at the hands of a brutally efficient GWS. The availability of Jordan De Goey and Bobby Hill should only assist Collingwood in their bid to claim the minor premiership.

After leaking goals in the past month and not defending the ground like we saw during their impressive first half of the season, expect Collingwood to be more diligent here.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 1-39 points

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SATURDAY

Hawthorn v Fremantle, MCG, 11.45am

Hawthorn and Fremantle entered the year with contrasting expectations, but are finishing their campaigns in good form and not far off each other on the ladder.

That is good news for the Hawks, who weren’t tipped to play in September, but have taken down Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs of late and are fully entitled to think they can finish the home-and-away fixture with another victory.

Fremantle asked a few questions of Port Adelaide, just as they did a few weeks earlier against Brisbane, and even in the absence of Jaeger O’Meara, should be competitive throughout. Does Sam Mitchell use Finn Maginness against either Caleb Serong or Andy Brayshaw?

VERDICT: Hawthorn to win

North Melbourne v Gold Coast, Blundstone Arena, 11.45am

Regardless of what the AFL would have you believe, this is a match North Melbourne won’t be perturbed by losing. That much became obvious after West Coast upset the Western Bulldogs last Sunday, leapfrogging the Kangaroos on the ladder in the process.

Whether the Kangaroos could have beaten Gold Coast had the carrot of the overall first draft pick not been dangled in front of them is debatable anyway. The Suns were 40 points up on Carlton and despite being run down, they were in the match for its entirety.

And as silly as it sounds, it’s fair to assume there will be a fair few Gold Coast players looking to make a good impression now that Damien Hardwick has committed to coaching the club for the next six years.

VERDICT: Gold Coast to win by 15 points or more

Brisbane v St Kilda, Gabba, 2.35pm

Brisbane ventured south last week well aware that if they took care of Collingwood and St Kilda in their last two matches, they would have the opportunity to remain in Queensland until the grand final.

The first part of that scenario ticked off, the Lions now return to the Gabba where they are so difficult to beat for an assignment against an in-form and motivated St Kilda, who need to win to be assured of hosting a final in the opening week of the post-season.

The Saints brought the heat against Geelong last Saturday night, but matching motors with the Lions under the Queensland sun is a different assignment altogether.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 1-39 points

Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium, 5.25pm

It’s not too late for the Western Bulldogs to salvage their season. But there is absolutely no wriggle room left. None. Whatsoever.

A disgraceful performance against West Coast has turned up the heat on Luke Beveridge and left his underperforming team with the task of defying history and beating Geelong in Geelong and then hoping Carlton overcome GWS.

The decision by the Cats to effectively pull up stumps in regards to key performers helps the Bulldogs enormously, but they will also be missing Jack Macrae (concussion) and Taylor Duryea (suspension).

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs to win

West Coast v Adelaide, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

Emotions will be running high in this clash, with West Coast farewelling club greats Luke Shuey, Shannon Hurn and Nic Naitanui after storied careers. There is every likelihood it will also be Adam Simpson’s last game at the helm of the Eagles.

There should be no shocks for Adelaide. They will be preparing for a fierce battle, even taking into account where West Coast sit on the ladder. A glance at what they did to the Western Bulldogs six days earlier should be a cautionary tale.

The Crows have handled themselves magnificently in the wake of the goal umpiring blunder last Saturday night. Their form this year for the most part has been solid and while wins away from SA have been rare, they are in decent enough nick.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 1-39 points

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SUNDAY

Port Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval, 10.30am

On a weekend when there are a few unknowns, this looks a lock. Port Adelaide have rediscovered that winning feeling in the past fortnight and Richmond are limping to the line.

And though the Power are likely to know they cannot finish any higher than third entering this game, you just get the impression they could open the Tigers right up, especially through the midfield.

Zac Butters, Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis wielded an enormous influence against Fremantle and if Ken Hinkley’s men are to go deep into September, that trio will be to the fore.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide to win by 40 points or more

Sydney v Melbourne, SCG, 1.20pm

Midway through the year, Sydney required an interchange stuff-up from North Melbourne to avoid an embarrassing defeat. Now they are in the mix to host a final in week one of September.

It has been an amazing transformation and as silly as it sounds, they are a more balanced and dangerous outfit with Lance Franklin sitting in the grandstand. Their ability to move the ball and score has been heartening and a key to their revival.

It could face a stern test here though in the form of Melbourne. Then again, how badly do the Demons want to win considering they might fancy themselves to take down Collingwood in a qualifying final at the MCG early next month?

VERDICT: Sydney to win

Carlton v GWS, Marvel Stadium, 4.10pm

Having a firm handle on who wins this match is difficult considering at the time of writing, it is unclear whether Carlton need to win to remain in fifth position or GWS are finals bound or not.

What we can say is both the Blues and Giants are worthy of finals spots. Carlton locked their position away in round 22 against Melbourne and then rallied from a 40-point deficit to beat Gold Coast, while GWS set all sorts of records with their last-start mauling of Essendon.

It is not beyond the realms that these two sides meet in week one of the finals. But the Giants need to get there first and if the Western Bulldogs beat Geelong, Adam Kingsley’s men cannot afford a slip-up.

VERDICT: Carlton to win

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