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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 3

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Collingwood v Brisbane, Marvel Stadium, 4.40pm

If you know how Brisbane are going to respond in this clash after being thrown a COVID-19 curveball, please get in touch. They can either throw themselves down and adopt the woe-is-us attitude or circle the wagons and really dig in.

Their effort in the second half against Geelong last Friday night was full of merit. In a perfect world, they would be at home in front of a sold-out Gabba, but the AFL’s decision to schedule the encounter at Marvel Stadium rather than the MCG is a good result.

Sadly though, the ankle injury to Oscar McInerney is a real worry for Lions coach Chris Fagan. Brodie Grundy was considerably better against Carlton last week and if he bounces off that display, can provide his on-ballers with first use.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 13 points

FRIDAY

North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium, 1.20pm

It is impossible to make a case for North Melbourne. Impossible.

The Western Bulldogs have started 2-0 thanks to victories over Collingwood and West Coast, two sides that have panels on what North Melbourne can offer, even with the expectation Ben Cunnington will be cleared to play this week after missing the opening fortnight with concussion.

Concerns about the Bulldogs’ lack of firepower in attack were allayed somewhat last weekend against the Eagles when they amassed 30 scoring shots against one of the more feared defensive units in the competition.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 43 points

Adelaide v Gold Coast, Adelaide Oval, 4.50pm

From what we have seen in the opening fortnight, there is light at the end of the tunnel from an Adelaide perspective … and it’s not an oncoming train as many forecast.

The Crows couldn’t go with Sydney after quarter-time last weekend, but their intent was there and they never surrendered. It is an attitude which will carry them a long way opposed to Gold Coast, who blew away North Melbourne in the initial 60 minutes and then cruised.

The Suns continue to improve and coach Stuart Dew has access to elite young talent that is taking shape before our eyes. The absence of South Australian product Sam Day (knee) does limit the Suns’ options though in a genuine 50-50 contest.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 5 points

SATURDAY

Richmond v Sydney, MCG, 10.45am

No Lance Franklin, no hope of Sydney upsetting Richmond at their preferred venue and remaining unbeaten.

That might sound harsh given how prolific the Swans have been in the first two weeks, but this is a massive test for the youngsters who have shown so much. Richmond’s first 30 minutes against Hawthorn was suffocating and if they bring that again here, will put this game to bed early.

Dustin Martin imposes himself on games at crucial stages like the past champions did and represents a major headache for Sydney mentor John Longmire. Fully expecting the Tigers to improve to 3-0 and keep pace with Port Adelaide.

VERDICT: Richmond by 28 points

Essendon v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium, 1.35pm

If Essendon were to have any hope of taking down St Kilda in this match, all three of Sam Draper, Dylan Shiel and Jye Caldwell needed to be available.

But the leg injuries they suffered in the humiliation at the hands of Port Adelaide in round two will keep them out of this match and for several games going forward, leaving Ben Rutten’s inexperienced and banged-up side exposed.

It is a concern given how keen the Saints will be to bounce back after a surprise loss to Melbourne. Their inability to sustain an effort was poor and it would be a major shock if they didn’t address that issue here.

VERDICT: St Kilda by 40 points

West Coast v Port Adelaide, Optus Stadium, 5.10pm

The challenges keep on coming for West Coast. Six days after being involved in a brilliant spectacle against the Western Bulldogs, they front up against a white-hot Port Adelaide outfit.

The Power haven’t beaten much (North Melbourne and Essendon to be precise), but there is no denying they are a deeper and more dangerous opponent in 2021. The ability to defend has been enhanced by Aliir Aliir’s recruitment and the potency in attack is scary.

Toppling the Eagles at home is one of the more difficult assignments in the game and the return of skipper Luke Shuey from yet another soft-tissue injury is timely. But there is something alluring about Port.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 12 points

SUNDAY

Carlton v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 1.20pm

What will the market do by the time the ball is bounced? It would be a shock if Fremantle weren’t considerably closer in the betting than they were this morning (Thursday).

No Nat Fyfe (concussion) leaves them without a key marking target alongside Matt Taberner and that doesn’t help, but the Blues aren’t renowned for their willingness to defend and are also minus injured WA pair Jack Martin and Zac Fisher. Throw on top of that Patrick Cripps’ own injury concerns.

The Dockers blitzed GWS with speed and slick ball movement off half-back. If they’re able to replicate that effort, they are in this game up to their eyeballs. But Carlton, at 0-2, simply must win and have the advantage of a home crowd.

VERDICT: Carlton by 15 points

GWS v Melbourne, Manuka Oval, 4.10pm

All the relevant people at GWS continue to back embattled coach Leon Cameron. But a 0-2 start, the most recent loss being one devoid of any intent opposed to Fremantle, has seen the blowtorch applied.

In years gone by, Melbourne could have been a good team to front up to when you were chasing four points. Again, we are working off a small sample size, but the Demons look legit in 2021. Max Gawn spearheads a talented midfield division and defensively, Jake Lever and Steven May have been superb.

The Giants are once more experiencing issues transferring the ball from defence to attack and lack the targets forward of centre to trouble the Demons.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 21 points

MONDAY

Geelong v Hawthorn, MCG, 1.20pm

Geelong and Hawthorn enter this match with 1-1 records, but the expectation over the prospects of both teams is contrasting.

The Cats have recruited for the now thanks to the additions of Isaac Smith, Shaun Higgins and Jeremy Cameron and are expected to perform accordingly. Conversely, the Hawks are blooding fresh faces and backing them in because of injuries and off-field issues to several veterans.

The Cats are still without some key cogs of their machine, but it showed at stages against Brisbane that it was operating sufficiently to dismiss a Hawks side that is going goalless for prolonged periods.

VERDICT: Geelong by 40 points

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