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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 5

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

THURSDAY

St Kilda v Richmond, Marvel Stadium, 5.20pm

Non-negotiable might be a bridge too far, but there is no denying the time has come for Richmond to get their skates on to ensure they don’t have too much to do in the back half of the campaign.

That was the case for St Kilda last weekend when they overcame a five-goal deficit against West Coast in the third term to prevail and square their win-loss record at 2-2. It will give Brett Ratten’s men enormous self-belief ahead of their most testing assignment to date.

The Tigers were on the wrong side of the ledger against Port Adelaide. But an initial burst and ability to hang tough throughout was an encouraging sign. Even though the Tigers have dropped their past two games, their ceiling remains extremely high and surely it is only a matter of time before Tom Lynch gets off the leash.

VERDICT: Richmond by 20 points

FRIDAY

West Coast v Collingwood, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

Collingwood have, on more than one occasion over the years, shown their proficiency on the road. Granted, they don’t travel a lot, but when they do venture interstate, have been able to assemble a record other clubs would quickly take if offered.

However, they will need to be at their absolute best if they are to take down West Coast in Perth for the second time in seven months. The Eagles’ feathers were ruffled by St Kilda after half-time and they didn’t respond well.

A return to familiar surrounds at their Optus Stadium fortress before an expected sold-out crowd will serve them well. Importantly for the hosts, the Magpies don’t have the leg speed or ball movement to prove problematic.

VERDICT: West Coast by 31 points

SATURDAY

Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast, Marvel Stadium, 2.35pm

If you are not getting the job done at home against Carlton, then it would appear you are in all sorts taking on the might of the unbeaten Western Bulldogs at their Marvel Stadium base seven days later.

That is the scenario awaiting Gold Coast, whose extensive injury list was added to this week when Sean Lemmens (concussion) was ruled out. Their woes are in stark contrast to the 4-0 Bulldogs, who are reasonably healthy, but will be minus creative defender Caleb Daniel (suspended).

The Bulldogs now have firepower forward of centre in Josh Bruce, Aaron Naughton and Tim English that hasn’t always been the case under Luke Beveridge, thanks in no small part to the recruitment of Stefan Martin.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 35 points

Sydney v GWS, SCG, 2.35pm

What a difference a win makes? Greater Western Sydney coach Leon Cameron was in the crosshairs of critics after a lacklustre 0-3 start to the season. Toby Greene, the interim captain, then stood up and willed his side over the line against Collingwood.

Now the Giants get a chance to spring another major upset against a Swans outfit in really good nick, yet without Dane Rampe (finger) and Isaac Heeney (hand) for the 20th meeting between the two rivals.

If nothing else, this contest will see elite young talent from both clubs going head-to-head. The Swans were forced to stretch their necks to get over the line against Essendon, but had they kicked accurately, the game would have been put to bed far earlier.

VERDICT: Sydney by 21 points

Carlton v Port Adelaide, MCG, 5.25pm

Having been whacked by critics following back-to-back losses to open the year, Carlton have done exactly what they needed to — follow up a win over Fremantle with a hard-fought victory against Gold Coast on the Glitter Strip.

And they can send a message to the rest of the competition with another win here. Port Adelaide rebounded from the drubbing at the hands of West Coast with a narrow win against Richmond. The titanic battle was soured however by leg injuries to brilliant young duo Xavier Duursma and Zak Butters.

The Power will be on red alert, knowing Carlton’s best is extremely dangerous. The loss of Jack Silvagni (shoulder) is a blow for Carlton, but Mitch McGovern is nearing a recall.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 11 points

Brisbane v Essendon, Gabba, 5.25pm

Home sweet home. Brisbane will relish the opportunity to inject some much-needed life into their season when they host Essendon, who are making a second foray north of the border in successive weeks.

The Lions’ 1-3 start hasn’t been horrendous, but much like Richmond, need to get down to business and perform at a standard many have taken for granted over the past two seasons. Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood and Charlie Cameron have the capacity to be a lethal trio on the slick Gabba surface.

Essendon’s past two weeks have been a huge step forward and they will again look to generate as much uncontested football as possible. Will the Lions allow them to do so?

VERDICT: Brisbane by 27 points

SUNDAY

Adelaide v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval, 11.10am

Two youthful line-ups with impressive, young second-year coaches having an impact going at it for the right to give their fans enormous confidence about the year ahead.

Adelaide saw off a spirited North Melbourne in round four to improve to 3-1, while later in the day Fremantle overcame Hawthorn despite a wasteful afternoon in front of goal. As a result, both are entitled to feel this match is well within their grasp.

We talk about venue games often throughout the course of a season. Adelaide are 2-0 at home, the Dockers 0-2 away from Optus Stadium. That, coupled with Taylor Walker’s 20 goals over four matches, tips the scales in favour of the Crows.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 9 points

Hawthorn v Melbourne, MCG, 1.20pm

On more than one occasion this season, Melbourne have been challenged. They have not only met every challenge, they have embraced it. As a result, they remain unbeaten and praised roundly.

It is justified. Jake Lever stood tall alongside his fellow defenders after the early exit of Steven May (facial injury) against Geelong, the midfield was sublime once more and Bayley Fritsch continued his solid start to the year.

With what we have seen from Hawthorn this year, kicking a winning total against a Demons backline, even taking into account May’s unavailability, is a tall order. Their lack of leg speed midfield is also worrying.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 30 points

Geelong v North Melbourne, GMHBA Stadium, 2.40pm

North Melbourne had a win at the AFL Tribunal this week when rugged midfielder Ben Cunnington was cleared for his bump on Rory Laird. It means little.

Geelong will be bolstered by the return from suspension of Patrick Dangerfield and Gary Rohan, Brandan Parfitt is also likely to return after being a late withdrawal last weekend with a hip injury, while Jeremy Cameron will be under consideration after rehabbing another hamstring issue.

Even if Cameron doesn’t come up, it is an embarrassment of riches for a contest with the 18th-placed Kangaroos, who have had a crack for the most part in 2021, yet are seriously lacking talent.

VERDICT: Geelong by 51 points

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