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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 3

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval, 4.50pm

Adelaide averted what would have been a disastrous 0-2 start with their upset of Sydney at the SCG last Friday night, but another significant challenge awaits them. Geelong have struggled in their recent trips to Adelaide Oval, having performed well at the ground previously.

On what we have seen thus far from the Cats, they are purring nicely. Their ability to again defend well in the face of Melbourne’s plentiful forward-50 entries last Saturday night was heartening and helped improve them to 2-0. The return of Lachie Henderson is a further boost to the back six.

Former Crow Patrick Dangerfield was superb last week, as was Tim Kelly. Along with Joel Selwood, they will spearhead the Cats’ midfield opposed to the Crouch brothers, Brad and Matt, Rory Sloane, Bryce Gibbs and co. The Crows aren’t quick, but they are highly skilled. How they fare when things aren’t working for them in the course of the game will be intriguing.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 7 points

FRIDAY

Melbourne v Essendon, MCG, 4.50pm

Talk about a high-stakes contest. Melbourne were expected to start the season somewhat slowly after a lot of their players had injury-interrupted off-seasons, but they have been dreadful in losing to Port Adelaide and Geelong. As for Essendon, they are a complete and utter mess.

The Bombers’ start has mirrored their opening to 2018, one that was so clunky that it cost them a finals berth and nearly cost John Worsfold his job. Though contracted beyond this season, Worsfold wouldn’t want his charges to put in another error-riddled display along the lines of the one they produced when losing to St Kilda last Saturday.

Melbourne’s inability to get value for effort inside attacking 50m has been alarming in the first fortnight. It will be a shock if Simon Goodwin doesn’t anchor Tom McDonald and Sam Weideman considerably deeper and demand his crumbers show far more intent at trapping the ball in the area.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 15 points

SATURDAY

Carlton v Sydney, Marvel Stadium, 10.45am

There is no denying Carlton have improved in 2019. But for Brendon Bolton and his players, the 0-2 record is evidence there is much still to be done. And cracking a confidence-boosting win won’t be easy given Sydney, their finals hopes on the brink already at 0-2, head to town.

In the space of six months, the Swans suddenly look old. Their midfield, while headed by quality performers, isn’t getting any younger and is slow. Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker will find the footy, but aren’t going to hurt the opposition on the spread. However, any time you have Lance Franklin in your line-up, there is reason for hope.

Carlton have stretched the necks of both Richmond and Port Adelaide in the first fortnight, although the loss of Charlie Curnow (knee) makes this tough. The Blues invested heavily in Mitch McGovern and now would be a great time for him to step up.

VERDICT: Sydney by 23 points

GWS v Richmond, Giants Stadium, 1.35pm

It’s debatable whether there is a good time to get Richmond given how rounded they are under Damien Hardwick. But surely this weekend represents the ideal opportunity to lock horns with the Tigers, who venture to western Sydney without gun defensive duo Alex Rance and Dylan Grimes, and multiple Coleman medallist Jack Riewoldt.

GWS will welcome being back at home after having their clocks cleaned by West Coast, and be considerably more content with the availability of silky midfielder Josh Kelly, who missed the first two weeks. Kelly’s presence in the centre square alongside Stephen Coniglio gives the hosts serious class and elite distribution.

That is something Jeremy Cameron will appreciate. Though he is regarded as one of the better key forwards in the competition, Cameron is more proficient on the lead than he is in the contest. No Rance and Grimes, coupled with Congilio, Kelly and Lachie Whitfield could see him have ample opportunities to boot a bag.

VERDICT: GWS by 26 points

Brisbane v Port Adelaide, Gabba, 4.25pm

Both Brisbane and Port Adelaide have a hell of a long way to go to secure a finals spot. But 3-0 is the perfect platform from which to launch an assault on September. And that is exactly what is up for grabs when these two do battle in a match that has real appeal.

The Lions have stood West Coast and North Melbourne a start in their first two games, but have finished strongly, thanks to the influence of midfield recruit Lachie Neale and brilliant small forward Charlie Cameron. Equally impressive has been Port’s ability to hold their nerve and pull away from Melbourne and Carlton.

The Power will be without Jack Watts after his horrific leg injury sustained last weekend, but the return of vice-captain Ollie Wines is timely for a critical midfield battle in what is expected to be oppressive conditions.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 13 points

Collingwood v West Coast, MCG, 4.25pm

Nobody would have begrudged Collingwood had they adopted a “woe-is-me” attitude in the wake of last year’s heartbreaking grand final loss. However, they have done anything but. They acknowledged West Coast as the better side and got to work pretty straight away.

And that extends to their list management team, boosting an already formidable squad with the addition of Dayne Beams and Jordan Roughead, while doing everything in their power to ensure Jamie Elliott and Darcy Moore overcame their respective injury issues. That has led to a souped-up Magpies outfit that now looks like it’s the team to beat in 2019.

But the Eagles are the reigning premiers for a reason. Their defensive structure is magnificent and the influence of Jeremy McGovern against Greater Western Sydney last weekend only served to illustrate his undeniable talents. McGovern caused the Magpies numerous headaches in 2018 and  the plans Nathan Buckley have for him could well shape the final outcome.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 21 points

SUNDAY

Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast, Marvel Stadium, 12.20pm

Gold Coast are to be commended for their victory against Fremantle last weekend. They defended stoutly from the opening bounce to the final siren and had they kicked accurately, would have put the game to bed well before David Swallow’s late goal.

This is a tougher proposition, however. The Western Bulldogs are 2-0 and in a good space following their powerhouse finish against Hawthorn, kicking nine goals to one in the final term. The midfield is a different beast with Tom Liberatore back in the mix and the tweak in game plan by Luke Beveridge, resulting in a more direct brand of football rather than a possession-based approach, is giving the forwards an opportunity to show their wares.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 39 points

Hawthorn v North Melbourne, MCG, 1.20pm

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson continually preaches the one soldier in, one soldier out motto. Given the success he has enjoyed at the helm of the Hawks, it’s definitely hard to argue with him. But there are soldiers and then there are soldiers.

Shaun Burgoyne and Liam Shiels are three-time premiership players with the Hawks. They are invaluable. However, they injured their hamstrings in the loss to the Western Bulldogs, leaving them sidelined for this clash with North Melbourne, whose defensive woes were again highlighted in the defeat by Brisbane.

The Kangaroos would like to think they could capitalise on the absence of Burgoyne and Shiels, on top of Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell’s non-appearance, but their own form, and that of key forward Ben Brown in particular, is below the required standard at present.

VERDICT: Hawthorn by 17 points

Fremantle v St Kilda, Optus Stadium, 3.20pm

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon spoke about his side’s competitiveness against Gold Coast and how the fans watching back in WA would be satisfied that the players never quit. It was a strange reaction given how many forward-50 entries the Suns accumulated.

It’s fair to assume the Freo faithful won’t be so forgiving if the side stumbles again here. Granted, St Kilda are 2-0 with wins over the Suns and Essendon, but the jury remains well and truly out regarding their true capabilities.

The Dockers have received excellent service from Nat Fyfe and Bradley Hill in the opening fortnight, but they cannot be expected to shoulder the load every week, while the delivery coming out of the back half must be slicker than it was against the Suns. If those areas are tidied up, the Dockers should get back on track.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 30 points

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