Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 5 Posted on April 15, 2021April 15, 2021 | 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 Market Market
Shayne Williams’ Wednesday Greyhound Best Bets July 9, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 1 No. 1 Beautiful Babe She’s dropping in trip but she’s also down in the grades, has won over this distance in the… Read More
Scott Embry’s Thursday Northam Preview July 8, 2025 RACE 1 GOD’LL GETYA obvious has feet troubles so seeing the Bar Plates come off is a great sign. Won a barrier trial by 5L… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Pinjarra Preview July 8, 2025 RACE 1 COUNTRY GOD trialled super leading into his debut and it saw him go around favourite on a Saturday at Ascot behind Luana Miss… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Wednesday Sandown Preview July 8, 2025 Race 1 ALIANO has jumped out very well on a number of occasions for his debut and has handled wet ground under those conditions. MELBOURNE… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview July 8, 2025 Race 1 LADY DELA HOYA (7) has an abundance of early speed, the mile suits and if she can cross, she could just keep on… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Tuesday Greyhound Best Bets July 8, 2025 MANDURAH Race 6 No. 6 West On Caddy Was brilliant here winning last week in a very fast 22.39, thought it looked a good map… Read More
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview July 7, 2025 Race 1 COCOBOLO (1) was solid on debut, chasing a frenetic pace and will be better for the run and has an improved draw, she… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Monday Greyhound Best Bets July 7, 2025 NORTHAM Race 5 No. 6 Ita Keeping Lightly raced daughter of Feral Franky, she’s won 3 from 8 in her career to date, two of… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets July 5, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 4 No. 2 Sunset Capone Stepping back up in trip after having a crack the Winter Sprint at Mandurah over the 400 metre… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Bunbury Preview July 4, 2025 RACE 1 TOBAIN had poor form in the Great Southern at Albany but since returning to the provincial area has really improved. Finished third behind… Read More
Matt Young’s Saturday Narrogin Preview July 4, 2025 Race 1 Open race. BLIND EDITION (1) has the speed to lead early and can pick and choose who he sits on, HEAVENLY BLISS (4)… Read More
Matt Young’s Friday Bunbury Preview July 4, 2025 Race 1 ALTA KING (5) gets a wonderful opportunity in this, did a power of work to get to the breeze last time out and… Read More