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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 5

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

Carlton v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium, 5.40pm

Carlton are the perfect example that margins are very small in the AFL landscape. The Blues just missed against Melbourne in round two and have since fallen over the line opposed to Geelong and Essendon.

They now head to Marvel Stadium for a date with St Kilda, who are also 2-2 but perceived to be further advanced than David Teague’s side. The Blues will be boosted by the return of Harry McKay and Zac Fisher from injury, whereas the Saints are a better team with captain Jarryn Geary available.

Talking of skippers, Carlton’s main man, Patrick Cripps, continues to perform at a rare level and along with Sam Docherty, provides class and influence. If they are curtailed, the Saints’ hopes increase.

VERDICT: St Kilda by 6 points

FRIDAY

Collingwood v Essendon, MCG, 5.50pm

The Steele Sidebottom saga has removed some of the gloss from this encounter, but not the importance of a victory for both sides.

The Magpies lost not only the match to Greater Western Sydney, but crack defender Jeremy Howe to an horrific knee injury that jeopardises their top-four push. With both he and Sidebottom missing, Collingwood are vulnerable.

The big question is whether the Bombers are going well enough to take advantage of the opportunity that has been presented. Failing to get over the top of Carlton last weekend isn’t a ringing endorsement of their credentials.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 12 points

SATURDAY

West Coast v Sydney, Metricon Stadium, 11.45am

The time is now for West Coast. There can be no more excuses, no more half-hearted efforts from the group, including proven performers Jack Darling, Shannon Hurn, Elliot Yeo and Jack Redden.

If the Eagles are to return to WA this month with a finals berth within reach, they simply have to take care of Sydney, who are gallant, but also terribly undermanned with key talls Lance Franklin, Sam Reid and Sam Naismith out of the mix.

In Naismith’s absence, Nic Naitanui should be looking to dominate Callum Sinclair to give his blue-chip, yet struggling midfield first look. From there, the Swans’ defence could well be exposed. At the other end of the ground, West Coast will be aware that if they nut Tom Papley, their winning chances increase dramatically.

VERDICT: West Coast by 20 points

Geelong v Gold Coast, GMHBA Stadium, 2.35pm

In a perfect world, GMHBA Stadium would be bursting at the seams to witness Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood bring up their 350th and 300th games respectively.

Unless you have been living under a rock however, 2020 is anything but perfect. That said, it would be a massive shock if the Cats didn’t honour two of their living legends in appropriate fashion, even taking into account the upstart Suns and the irresistible Matt Rowell.

Gold Coast are now facing the prospect of a prolonged stint away from their Metricon Stadium base. This will be a great guide as to how far they have come this season.

VERDICT: Geelong by 23 points

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 5.40pm

North Melbourne flashed home late against Hawthorn in round four, but just missed. If only they had shown that level of dare and offensive approach in the first three quarters.

The Kangaroos players would have slept well after a bruising affair and get an opportunity to deal fellow finals aspirants the Bulldogs a jolt. Already without midfielders Lachie Hunter and Josh Dunkley, the Bulldogs lost forwards Aaron Naughton (ankle) and Sam Lloyd (collarbone) in the win over Sydney.

Luke Beveridge will be desperately hoping young ruckman Tim English holds his ground against a very much in-form Kangaroos big man Todd Goldstein.

VERDICT: North Melbourne by 10 points

Brisbane v Port Adelaide, Gabba, 5.40pm

Brisbane haven’t put a foot wrong since the resumption of the season. Port Adelaide haven’t put a foot wrong all season.

This clash showcases two of the most attack-minded sides in the competition, with the form of Lions goalsneak Charlie Cameron and imposing Power spearhead Charlie Dixon integral to their side’s fortunes.

Brisbane ball magnet Lachie Neale is having another excellent season and it wouldn’t be a shock to see Port coach Ken Hinkley use Ollie Wines in a defensive capacity to stifle his influence.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 8 points

SUNDAY

Adelaide v Fremantle, Metricon Stadium, 11.05am

Normally the loss of Nat Fyfe would leave Fremantle in a perilous position ahead of their next assignment. Thankfully, they are playing Adelaide this round.

The Crows have not been able to get out of first gear since the resumption and were fortunate not to have been destroyed by Brisbane last weekend. Like the Crows, the Dockers are yet to open their account in 2020, although their performances have contained considerably more substance.

The absence of Fyfe is an undeniable issue, but it also enables Justin Longmuir to lean on his leaders, notably David Mundy and Michael Walters to rally the troops.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 19 points

Melbourne v Richmond, MCG, 1.35pm

It’s hard to believe we are looking for silver linings in Richmond’s lethargic premiership defence. Yet if there was one in the loss to St Kilda last weekend, it was they actually hit the scoreboard.

As for Melbourne, they only hit the scoreboard in the final quarter in the narrow loss to Geelong after it became apparent they had to take some risks. Go figure. The Demons’ forwards are entitled to wonder why they are stationed in attack given the reticence of their midfielders to head in the general direction of the goals.

Because of Melbourne’s lack of potency, the loss of star Tigers defender David Astbury (knee) might not resonate as much as it should.

VERDICT: Richmond by 12 points

GWS v Hawthorn, Giants Stadium, 4.10pm

Having failed to do so in spectacular fashion a week earlier, Greater Western Sydney finally drew a line in the sand against Collingwood last week.

The ghosts of the Western Bulldogs loss laid to rest, the Giants looked like the team that stormed into September in 2019 and had an impact when there. The availability of both Toby Greene and Josh Kelly obviously helped.

As for Hawthorn, they got the win they were chasing opposed to North Melbourne, albeit it came at a cost. Luke Breust (jaw) will miss a month and Jaeger O’Meara looked sore after being cleaned up by Jed Anderson.

VERDICT: GWS by 11 points

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