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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 6

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

WEDNESDAY

Richmond v Melbourne, MCG, 5.35pm

Melbourne are fast approaching the point of no return. A 1-4 start will do that. Compounding the Demons’ woes is the fact Richmond have picked themselves up after a mini-stumble to start the season and have been strengthened for this match by the return of reigning Coleman medallist Jack Riewoldt.

The Tigers have dismissed Port Adelaide and Sydney in the past fortnight and look to be building once again, with the return of Dustin Martin from suspension last week proving fruitful, just as Dylan Grimes’ was in the victory over the Power.

Most thought Melbourne’s win over Sydney in round four would be spark that ignited their season. As we witnessed last Saturday, that wasn’t the case. After a tight opening quarter, St Kilda did as they pleased against the Demons, who struggled to score. Richmond thrive on being stronger for longer and that spells trouble for Melbourne.

VERDICT: Richmond by 29 points

THURSDAY

Essendon v Collingwood, MCG, 1.20pm

It is hard to believe that the Essendon side we are watching shred its rivals is pretty much the same line-up that looked so far off the pace in the opening fortnight.

The manner in which the Bombers have stormed to 3-2 after an 0-2 start has ensured this traditional showdown, the biggest home-and-away match of the season, is worthy of its blockbuster status. Collingwood have certainly played their part in that also, with their dismantling of Brisbane at the Gabba last week illustrating their class and experience.

The Magies’ midfield got on top of Brisbane early and the tussle with the in-form Bombers running division headed by Dylan Shiel, Zach Merrett and Dyson Heppell will be critical. As much as Essendon are rolling, they also give their opposition looks in front of goal and Collingwood have the weapons to capitalise.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 19 points

FRIDAY

Port Adelaide v North Melbourne, Adelaide Oval, 5.50pm

There are wins that can shape a season and there are losses that can most definitely break them. Port were staring at the latter when they couldn’t get over the top of a depleted Richmond in round four. Then, out of nowhere, they produced a stunning display to maul West Coast, giving them an almighty launch pad.

The challenge for Port is to back that up and on what we have seen from North Melbourne of late, that shouldn’t be difficult. The Kangaroos were listless opposed to Essendon and as much as there will be a response after chairman Ben Buckley called an emergency meeting over the weekend, they are coming from a long way back.

If the Power neutralise Ben Brown in attack, and in Tom Jonas they have the experience and class to do so, it is difficult to see how the Kangaroos boot a winning total.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 34 points

SATURDAY

Gold Coast v Brisbane, Metricon Stadium, 11.45am

Gold Coast came back to earth with a thud on Sunday when they were powerless to halt the free-flowing Adelaide machine after quarter-time. It was a poor display, but their first for the year. That doesn’t tarnish what has been an excellent start to 2019.

Conversely, Brisbane have been pumped in back-to-back weeks by Essendon and Collingwood, casting doubt on their finals legitimacy after an encouraging start to the season. The inability by the Lions to penetrate the Magpies defensive structure on Easter Thursday was stark and the Suns, last weekend aside, have been extremely efficient behind the ball.

The Lions are also going to be vulnerable here without defensive midfielder Rhys Mathieson and quality young key defender Harris Andrews after both injured their hamstrings in the loss to the Magpies. The Suns get a chance to cause an upset and earn bragging rights.

VERDICT: Gold Coast by 11 points

St Kilda v Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 2.35pm

Adelaide were entitled to be on good terms with themselves after crushing Gold Coast in emphatic fashion on Sunday afternoon. Whether the display was a circuit-breaker however will be revealed here.

St Kilda have done nothing wrong all season, defying predictions of doom and gloom to win four of their first five matches. Their relentless pressure and ability to overcome the absence of key personnel has been outstanding. As has the form of Jack Billings, who has enjoyed a breakout year many expected would occur well before now.

Tim Membrey’s display in attack against Melbourne was outstanding, as was the effort of former Demon Dean Kent. Just as impressive was the Saints’ defensive pressure in their forward 50. It is a trait that will need to be replicated against the rebounding Crows’ back men.

VERDICT: St Kilda by 21 points

Sydney v GWS, SCG, 5.25pm

Though many in the football world had their doubts about Sydney this season, very few could have predicted they would be teetering at 1-4 ahead of this tussle with Greater Western Sydney. However, a lack of pop through the midfield, a dysfunctional forward set-up and injuries to key defensive personnel have conspired to ground the Swans.

The Giants venture into the eastern suburbs in need of a bounce-back win following their shock loss to Fremantle. Leon Cameron’s side was far too easy to score against and the lack of pressure around the ball allowed the Dockers to hit up forward targets with ease.

At their best, the Giants are a hard-nosed outfit with a desire to make a statement in and around the stoppages. Expect to see that take place here.

VERDICT: GWS by 27 points

Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe was quick to urge the club’s fans to embrace the attacking new brand of football they unveiled against Greater Western Sydney last weekend. Let’s just hope Ross Lyon is also on board.

In two games this season where the Dockers’ players have been allowed to express themselves — North Melbourne in round one and against GWS — they have played some breathktaking football that has been extremely hard to counter and gives their new-look and potentially potent forward line an opportunity to wreak havoc.

The Bulldogs threw caution to the wind against Hawthorn in round two and kicked nine goals in the final quarter to record a famous win. Since then, they have managed just 25 goals in three weeks and lost to Gold Coast, Collingwood and Carlton. Scoreboard pressure is a wonderful thing.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 31 points

SUNDAY

Hawthorn v Carlton, UTAS, 1.20pm

Hawthorn haven’t been able to take a trick on the injury front, ever since Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell broke a leg in early January. And their exetensive casualty ward is now starting to seriously impact their on-field fortunes.

The Hawks weren’t horrible against Geelong on Easter Monday, but still came up short and now face a Carlton side with its tails up. The Blues cracked the 100-point barrier for the first time in nearly three seasons against the Western Bulldogs, thanks in no small part to Harry McKay, who was outstanding in attack in the absence of Charlie Curnow.

The Blues’ midfield finally has some depth these days, with Patrick Cripps continuing from where he left off last season. No player in the game wins as much contested ball as Cripps, who is dragging his young teammates with him.

VERDICT: Hawthorn by 8 points

Geelong v West Coast, GMHBA Stadium, 2.40pm

Just as travelling to Perth to play West Coast at Optus Stadium is a daunting prospect, the task for an interstate side tackling Geelong at GMHBA Stadium requires everything and a little bit more if you are to be successful.

Greater Western Sydney did get over the top of the Cats a fortnight ago, but the venue hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Eagles in recent times. Making their job harder is they will again be without power defender Tom Barrass, who requires foot surgery.

The Eagles were blitzed by Port Adelaide, especially through the midfield, and unless Adam Simpson can find a solution to his team’s contested-possession deficiencies in the engine room, it will remain vulnerable. The Cats will relish the opportunity to put some space between themselves and last year’s premiers on the ladder.

VERDICT: Geelong by 19 points

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