Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 9

Posted on May 12, 2023May 14, 2023 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Richmond v Geelong, MCG, 5.20pm

A flash in the pan or something resembling what we saw on countless occasions during their premiership years? That is the question likely to be answered here when Richmond tackle Geelong for the first time since their pulsating clash 11 months ago.

The Tigers simply overwhelmed West Coast after half-time last weekend courtesy of their trademark run and handball chains. It was a much-needed boost as they attempt to stay in touch with the top eight.

Geelong had a similar issue after three rounds. That is a thing of the past now though as the Cats, on the back of improving health and Jeremy Cameron’s brilliance, surge back into premiership reckoning. No Patrick Dangerfield (hamstring) will be interesting.

VERDICT: Geelong by 1-39 points

West Coast v Gold Coast, Optus Stadium, 6.40pm

Without being disrespectful to Gold Coast, this is all about West Coast. Not because they are humming and expected to win. Indeed it is the complete opposite.

The Eagles are unable or unwilling to compete for four quarters. The latest example came against Richmond last round. Consequently, they are the underdogs against a Suns side playing some good football.

Even in the absence of Touk Miller, young guns Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell are powering a midfield that is providing the likes of Ben King and and Mabior Chol with ample opportunities to impact the scoreboard.

VERDICT: Gold Coast by 1-39 points

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SATURDAY

Sydney v Fremantle, SCG, 11.45am

Much like Richmond, the football industry is waiting to see whether the round-eight performance turned in by Fremantle opposed to Hawthorn is an indicator they are back or merely a false dawn.

What better way to find out than here in this SCG assignment against Sydney. The Swans are struggling to move the football like they did for the bulk of last season and that is proving detrimental to their ability to post winning totals. Equally concerning is their injury-hit backline is battling to defend the opposition.

Fremantle are no way near the finished article, but their pressure and willingness to take the game on last weekend was heartening.

VERDICT: Sydney to win/Fremantle +21.5 points at the line

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Blundstone Arena, 12.10pm

It was only a matter of time before Alastair Clarkson dirtied up a game of football to prevent his team from copping another pasting. That was the tactic last weekend against St Kilda and while it limited the bleeding, it was hardly inspiring.

Does the four-time premiership-winning coach adopt a similar mindset here? Or let his players off the leash in the hope they can stun a Port outfit that is building nicely and climbing the ladder as a result?

The Power’s transformation, especially through the midfield where the likes of Zak Butters and Conor Rozee are being exposed to more service inside the centre square, is taking place before our eyes.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide to win by 24.5 points or more

Hawthorn v Melbourne, MCG, 2.35pm

You know you are a serious football side when you occupy second spot on the ladder yet most in the game feel you are not operating anywhere near your optimum.

That being the case with Melbourne, it is fair to declare Hawthorn, currently sitting in 18th position on the table with a 1-7 win-loss record, face a devil of a time thwarting the Demons. The return of Luke Breust helps, but if the Melbourne on-ball unit, notably Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney, Christian Petracca, Lachie Hunter and Ed Langdon, get to work, this might be messy.

VERDICT: Melbourne to win by 40 points or more

Brisbane v Essendon, Gabba, 5.30pm

Essendon continue to do a lot right under Brad Scott. But the cold, hard facts are they are now winless in their past three games against Collingwood, Geelong and Port Adelaide. Sadly, there is no respite.

The Bombers, off a six-day break and back-to-back travel weeks, journey to the Gabba for a clash with Brisbane, who have won their past five matches and are looking every bit the premiership contender everyone at the club felt they could be with aggressive recruiting in the off-season.

Josh Dunkley has been a brilliant acquisition, easing the burden on Lachie Neale, while Jack Gunston in attack and Conor McKenna in defence have also added plenty. Not to mention a young bloke by the name of Will Ashcroft.

VERDICT: Brisbane to win by 25 points or more 

Carlton v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium, 5.30pm

This stretch of games Carlton are in the midst of was always going to tell us a fair bit about Michael Voss’ side. Unfortunately for the Blues, the narrative is not great.

They were poor in the loss to Brisbane last week and after taking on the Bulldogs, meet Collingwood, Sydney (away) and Melbourne. It’s not a stretch to say their top-eight fate could be determined by early next month.

Whereas the noise surrounding Carlton is loud, the Bulldogs have quietly gone about their business, climbing to seventh with three straight wins. Marcus Bontempelli has been grand and his battle with Patrick Cripps here critically important.

VERDICT: Western Bulldogs to win

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SUNDAY

Adelaide v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval, 11.10am

Over the first third of the season, no team in the competition has defended better than St Kilda. It shouldn’t be a shock given the return of Ross Lyon, but conceding an average of just over 59 points a game is undeniably impressive.

And therein is the challenge for Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks and his players. How do they work through a stingy Saints defensive unit whilst also being mindful not to be stung on the counterattack like so many clubs have been in 2023?

The Crows haven’t been as powerful offensively the last few weeks as we saw earlier in the year, but they will ride the emotion of a home crowd and are reasonably settled.

VERDICT: Adelaide by 1-24 points

Collingwood v GWS, MCG, 2.40pm

GWS remain in the finals conversation … for now. If they are to sneak into the lower half of the top eight by the end of the home-and-away campaign, Toby Greene needs to have an uninterrupted run from here on.

Importantly, GWS recalled their skipper at selection this week. There is no arguing the genius of Greene, but the same could be said about a range of Collingwood players, which is probably why, along with the system of Craig McRae, they are a game clear on top of the ladder.

Collingwood can drown you in goals, suffocate you in defence and mesmerise you with wizardry and dare. They are the complete package.

VERDICT: Collingwood by 1-39 points

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