Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 6

Posted on April 21, 2023April 21, 2023 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm

Given the recruiting undertaken by Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs in the wake of their 2022 campaigns, it’s difficult to believe one of these teams will be precariously placed at 2-4 at the end of this match.

Both felt they were in the “go-zone” and recruited accordingly. However, their starts to the season has contained more stumbles than superlatives, raising the stakes for the round-six opener. Fremantle dodged a bullet against Gold Coast and while the Bulldogs went under to Port Adelaide, they didn’t quit at any stage.

Is that a stronger form reference than what the Dockers encountered? You’d probably say yes. The other point to consider here is whether the Bulldogs have any scarring after failing to deliver a knockout blow to Fremantle in last year’s elimination final.

VERDICT: Fremantle to win

---

SATURDAY

Port Adelaide v West Coast, Adelaide Oval, 11.45am

It’s hard to reconcile with the fact West Coast might be in a bigger hole now than the one they failed to clamber from during a horrific 2022. Now 1-4 and facing up to an extensive injury list, the Eagles are in a world of hurt.

Don’t think for one moment though that Port Adelaide will spare them here. The Power have done a good job to resurrect a season that was teetering after three rounds courtesy of grinding victories over Sydney and the Western Bulldogs.

Junior Rioli gets to confront his former teammates for the first time (in home-and-away conditions) since walking out at the end of last year. Even in the absence of Charlie Dixon, he shapes as a real threat with the ball at ground level.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide -49.5 points at the line

GWS v Brisbane, Manuka Oval, 2.35pm

If Brisbane are able to use their 1-wood to great effect … winning the football at the source … the opposition side’s chances of taming the Lions diminishes exponentially.

Welcome to Adam Kingsley’s worst nightmare. The loss of big-bodied midfielder Tom Green through suspension places enormous pressure on his fellow ball winners against a Brisbane running division that generates plenty of supply.

The Lions ran up 42 scoring shots against North Melbourne last weekend and while the Giants are likely to be far more sturdy in this clash, they face the prospect of taking a knife to a gunfight.

VERDICT: Brisbane by 1-39 points

Geelong v Sydney, GMHBA Stadium, 5.25pm

It’s fair to assume Sydney coach John Longmire and his players would have been looking forward to this grand final rematch ever since the 2023 fixtures were released. Careful for what you wish for is a saying that springs to mind.

The Swans are seriously undermanned through injury and will be minus the McCartin brothers against a Geelong attack boasting arguably the best player in the competition at present, Jeremy Cameron, along with Tom Hawkins and co.

At the other end of the ground, Sydney are going to again miss Lance Franklin opposed to a Cats defence that is getting stronger and stronger. We need confirmation in a match of note like this, but it appears that Geelong are warming to their work.

VERDICT: Geelong by 1-39 points

---

SUNDAY

Hawthorn v Adelaide, UTAS, 11.10am

Healthy and rested, Adelaide head south for an assignment that should be right in their wheelhouse. The Crows obliterated Carlton to make a statement during Gather Round and it would be a massive shock if they don’t stretch their winning streak to four.

Hawthorn asked many questions of GWS and while the Giants claimed the scalp of Adelaide in round one, Matthew Nicks’ charges since then have gone from strength to strength.

Adelaide’s forward line boasts weapons in Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker and Izak Rankine. It is little wonder the Crows have amassed 35 goals the past two weeks. Their offensive firepower is something Sam Mitchell can only dream about at present.

VERDICT: Adelaide -23.5 points at the line

Carlton v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium, 1.20pm

The market Australia-wide for this clash has done an about face from earlier in the week when many were expecting Carlton to bounce back from a hiding at the hands of Adelaide. They may well do so.

But the loss of rebounding defender Adam Saad is a huge setback for Michael Voss as he prepares to lock horns with St Kilda’s Ross Lyon in a battle of wits in the coaches’ box. The Saints cannot call on young forward Anthony Caminiti, but the return of Tim Membrey is a boost.

So too is that of inspirational skipper Jack Steele from a collarbone injury. The Saints are buying what Lyon is selling and this match is also at their preferred venue.

VERDICT: St Kilda to win

Gold Coast v North Melbourne, Heritage Bank Stadium, 2.40pm

How long will it be before Gold Coast turn potential into results? It is a question that has been asked continually since they entered the competition … and deservedly so.

The Suns coughed up a golden opportunity to bank four points against Fremantle and as such, coach Stuart Dew is under increasing pressure that could manifest here if North Melbourne make a bright start in Todd Goldstein’s 300th appearance.

The Kangaroos were left exposed in the midfield earlier in the year against Hawthorn when Jy Simpkin and Luke Davies-Uniacke missed. While LDU is available here, co-captain Simpkin misses through injury.

VERDICT: Gold Coast by 1-39 points

---

MONDAY

Melbourne v Richmond, MCG, 5.25pm

It has been a long time since Richmond coach Damien Hardwick and his players have faced as much backlash as this week. The Tigers’ ill discipline, an area of concern for some time, was highlighted following a dreadful display against Sydney.

And now they have to find a way to rebound against a Melbourne side that is calling on a wave of reinforcements for one of the showpiece games of the AFL season. The Demons were poor opposed to Essendon, but welcome back Max Gawn from a knee injury.

Gawn is not only the captain, but the spiritual leader of this group. His influence is profound and Richmond, minus Toby Nankervis, should be on red alert.

VERDICT: Melbourne by 1-39 points

---

TUESDAY

Collingwood v Essendon, MCG, 1.20pm

We can only hope this match is as enthralling as the two contests we were treated to during Collingwood’s meteoric rise to preliminary finalists in 2022.

The Magpies found a way to get past Essendon on both occasions, the first in the corresponding match coming off the back of Jack Ginnivan’s five goals that earnt him the Anzac Day Medal. Ginnivan returned to the line-up last weekend against St Kilda and could well have an important role here for the injury-hit Magpies.

Essendon are in a better position at selection than Collingwood, but will need to make do without ball magnet and skipper Zach Merrett, who is suspended.

VERDICT: Collingwood to win/Essendon at the line

Market Market