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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 7

Posted on | 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

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