Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 7 Posted on April 29, 2021May 1, 2021 | Posted by Digby Beacham FRIDAY Richmond v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 5.50pm The famed Richmond depth is about to be tested. History tells us they have a wonderful list profile and a system that allows all additions to flourish regardless of their experience. That is just as well because the Tigers will need to call on all of their premiership experience to get the job done against the unbeaten Western Bulldogs, who themselves have some injuries to overcome. However, any side boasting the midfield depth of the Bulldogs opposed to a side missing prime movers Dustin Martin, Kane Lambert and Dion Prestia should be prevailing. A blessing for Richmond is this match is played at their preferred venue, rather than Marvel Stadium. That is still unlikely to be enough to avoid them dropping to 3-4 on the season. VERDICT: Western Bulldogs by 20 points SATURDAY Collingwood v Gold Coast, MCG, 11.45am Nathan Buckley left nobody in any doubt that he wanted to coach Collingwood beyond this year when he fronted the media this week. If you’re a Magpies player and invested in the future, it is exactly what you wanted to hear. And it could just be the declaration that helps Collingwood get their season back on track … in the short-term. They were missing too many key players to stave off Essendon, but Gold Coast interstate is a far more user-friendly assignment. The Suns pounced upon a vulnerable Sydney at home last Saturday and will know the importance of starting well in this contest given how poor their initial 60 minutes against the Western Bulldogs were the last time they ventured south. Fingers crossed Ben King can again be a factor in attack. VERDICT: Collingwood by 11 points Adelaide v GWS, Adelaide Oval, 12.10pm From an Adelaide perspective, there is no time to mope. No time to waste. Yes, they would have (should have) loved to have beaten Hawthorn down in Launceston last Sunday. But the bottom line is they were unable to hold their ground when Hawthorn surged after half-time and clearly made a blunder regarding Tom Lynch being injected into the match as a substitute. Now they run into a spirited GWS outfit. The Giants weren’t far off the Western Bulldogs midway through the last quarter, only to be opened up late. That is better form than going close and losing to Hawthorn. The unavailability of a hamstrung Nick Haynes could be offset by Lachie Whitfield’s first appearance for 2021. VERDICT: GWS by 14 points St Kilda v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, 2.35pm Both sides have two wins to show for their efforts in the opening month-and-a-half of the campaign. The Saints’ victories came against GWS and West Coast, whereas the Hawks have fallen over the line against Essendon and Adelaide. It makes settling on a winner here awfully difficult. St Kilda were humiliated (not for the first time in 2021) by Port Adelaide last weekend, their lack of dare and willingness to attack the Power defence glaring. How Alastair Clarkson approaches this match will be fascinating. The past two weeks have seen the Hawks become bolder with their ball movement from defence. Jack Gunston’s return from back surgery is fast approaching and that is telling. VERDICT: St Kilda by 8 points Brisbane v Port Adelaide, Gabba, 5.25pm I’m not sure there is a good time to get an up-and-about Brisbane at the Gabba. That said, this represents the occasion where it might not be as daunting as you would come to expect. The Lions will be without Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale because of a serious ankle injury, paving the way for the talented Port Adelaide midfield, headed by in-form ball magnet Ollie Wines, to assert its authority. That could be somewhat of a concern for Brisbane coach Chris Fagan. His defensive unit won’t want to be overrun by supply considering the visitors’ forward line consists of Charlie Dixon, Robbie Gray, Mitch Georgiades, Orazio Fantasia and Daniel Motlop. VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 19 points Sydney v Geelong, SCG, 5.25pm If Sydney weren’t at a tipping point in regards to injuries entering last weekend’s loss to Gold Coast, they most certainly are now. The loss of Sam Reid (calf) and George Hewett (concussion) makes John Longmire’s task of halting a two-match losing streak against a Geelong team fresh off a mauling of West Coast an extremely difficult one. The Cats flexed their considerable muscles against the Eagles, even in the absence of Patrick Dangerfield, and have the experience and firepower in their line-up to handle the Swans if they want to get up and down the SCG or if they opt for a lockdown, defensive approach. VERDICT: Geelong by 30 points SUNDAY North Melbourne v Melbourne, Blundstone Arena, 11.10am If North Melbourne thought Fremantle at Optus Stadium was a stretch, then it’s best they have a very positive attitude entering this contest. The Demons have claims on being the best side in the competition. An undefeated start to the season after six rounds and a last-start flogging of the redoubtable Richmond certainly weighs heavily in your favour. Melbourne have shown a ruthless edge to their game this season and are proving awfully difficult to score against. Considering North’s issues forward of centre, the best they can hope for is inclement conditions. VERDICT: Melbourne by 65 points Essendon v Carlton, MCG, 1.20pm Every now and then, a market for an AFL match is released that prompts you to do a double-take. The prices for this game fit that category. Carlton haven’t been horrible this season. A 2-4 win-loss record would indicate they aren’t legless. The same applies to Essendon, who have that record also and actually sit in front of the Blues on percentage. They are also coming in off a terrific victory against Collingwood. The kids at Ben Rutten’s disposal are exciting and clearly handled the Anzac Day stage just fine. If they are able to again manage the expectations, internally and externally in a match of significance considering the opposition, Essendon can chalk up another victory. VERDICT: Essendon by 13 points West Coast v Fremantle, Optus Stadium, 2.40pm Fremantle get a look at a long overdue western derby triumph. A real look. But the West Coast side that fronts up in this clash will have a completely different attitude to the one we saw in Geelong last weekend. Dockers players will need no reminding about the importance of standing their ground early and with a midfield that is in excellent touch, they have every reason to believe that is achievable. As for the Eagles, we know how damaging their three talls Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen can be. With doubts surrounding Brennan Cox, it shapes as an area of concern for Justin Longmuir. VERDICT: West Coast by 18 points Market Market
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview June 5, 2025 RACE 1 We race at Randwick on Saturday with another wet track a certainty. Hopefully we may slip back into the soft range however that’s… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Saturday Flemington Preview June 5, 2025 Race 1 They all have claims but keen on GOLDENSTATEWARRIOR. He didn’t have the best of luck in the home straight last start, will strip… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Pinjarra Preview June 5, 2025 RACE 1 FAT ROY SLIM finally gets a touch of weight relief from 62kg down to 60kg. He has been beaten fair and square by… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Broome Preview June 5, 2025 RACE 1 COMMISSIONS has his first start for new trainer Kevin Collins and his last (only) win was a Gawler maiden over 1500m when leading… Read More
Trent Cooper’s Gloucester Park Preview June 5, 2025 Race 1 MANHATTAN MOON (1) has finished towards the rear in his last five starts but he gets the opportunity to try to shoot for… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Thursday Greyhound Best Bets June 5, 2025 MANDURAH Race 8 No. 1 Idyllic Page Has recently switched kennels and has been very good her last two starts with bronze medals on both… Read More
Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 13 June 5, 2025 THURSDAY Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, 5.30pm Hawthorn’s recent woes were compounded this week when it was revealed skipper James Sicily and livewire goalsneak… Read More
Shayne Williams Wednesday Greyhound Best Bets June 4, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 1 No. 1 Thank You Joe We will kick things off in a maiden event tonight, Thank You Joe for Joe Dailly, think… Read More
Scott Embry’s Thursday Bunbury Preview June 3, 2025 RACE 1 DECLARED INNOCENT is a 19 start maiden who will near certainly jump favourite care of the last start finishing effort behind Kermelia (races… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Northam Preview June 3, 2025 RACE 1 MARDUSA was a great run on debut behind Our Naughty Secret and subsequent Pinjarra Magic Millions runner-up in Perfectly Proper. Tipped out for… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Wednesday Sandown Preview June 3, 2025 Race 1 ILLYIVY has been most consistent to date, she chased well first up and looks suited by the rise in distance. MELBOURNE MAGIC shapes… Read More