Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Week 1 Posted on September 7, 2023September 7, 2023 | Posted by Digby Beacham THURSDAY Collingwood v Melbourne, MCG, 5.20pm How wet is too wet? That is the question being asked regarding Collingwood’s qualifying final hopes against a Melbourne side that will seemingly relish inclement conditions that have been forecast. Whilst there is no denying the Magpies would prefer a fine evening, they aren’t legless in the wet. The return of Darcy Moore from a hamstring injury is significant. At his best, he is an elite intercept defender with the ability to make his teammates far more effective. Collingwood love to generate scores from their back half and Moore is a key plank in that approach. This Melbourne team is built to succeed in September, having been established around winning contests and defending first and foremost. Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney, Steven May and Jake Lever are central to that. We don’t know for sure what the Melbourne weather will dish up, but we can expect these two teams to be involved in a fierce battle. VERDICT: Collingwood to win FRIDAY Carlton v Sydney, MCG, 5.50pm Even if you don’t follow Carlton, you have to admit that the finals are better with the Blues involved. And thanks to a resurgence in the second half of the season, achieved off the back of another Coleman Medal-winning season from Charlie Curnow, that is exactly what we are presented with. Though only eight players on Carlton’s list boast finals experience, there is an expectation they won’t be stopping this week. It’s understandable. The Blues are a force at stoppages where they have a clear advantage over the Swans. However, if Sydney are able to get possession on the outside, Errol Gulden and Chad Warner can wreak havoc. If you were looking to identify a player primed to shine in September, Curnow would be the choice for an overwhelming majority. He is at the peak of his powers, boasts enormous self-belief and has all the tools to befuddle the opposition. Over to you, Charlie. VERDICT: Carlton to win SATURDAY St Kilda v GWS, MCG, 1.20pm Anywhere, any time. It was the mantra which Fremantle operated under Ross Lyon. Unsurprisingly, it is the same approach adopted by St Kilda in the lead-up to this elimination final against GWS. Everything you have read about the Saints is they are ready to hit the MCG at full tilt, even though many Saints fans would have preferred the match to be at their home ground, Marvel Stadium. It is a narrative designed to reinforce positive thoughts. Again, it is a smart move. The Giants are humming and under Adam Kingsley, have met nearly every challenge thrown their way, be it personnel or the host of venues they’ve played at. With a skipper like Toby Greene, that is no shock. Appointed All-Australian captain last week, Greene will put GWS on his back. How far can he carry them? The market says beyond the Saints. Expect the miserly defence-first approach of St Kilda to be a stumbling block. VERDICT: St Kilda to win Brisbane v Port Adelaide, Gabba, 5.25pm Fifty four points. That was what separated these two teams in round one this year and had Port Adelaide kicked accurately instead of 18.18 (126), the final margin could have been closer to 13 to 14 goals. It’s safe to say that ain’t happening again. The round-one clash was at Adelaide Oval. This tussle takes place at the Gabba where Brisbane are unbeaten all season. Are they at their optimum at present? Probably not. But we all know getting past the Lions in Queensland is one of the most daunting football audits you can be exposed to. Port have quality through their midfield and it’s important it rises to the top. Failure to do so will see the Power’s defence be exposed to a lot of ball and it’s safe to say that Brisbane possesses the most potent forward set-up in the competition. VERDICT: Brisbane by 1-39 points Market Market
TIPS – Greyhound Jet Set Podcast February 7, 2025 Mandurah Friday David Shortte 2-1 Impress Rolls 5-1 Diva Eradicator 6-2 Curious Georgia Roving Bankers : 3-2 Infrared Gem / 7-4 Bakes On Lakes Quaddie… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Mount Barker Preview February 7, 2025 RACE 1 SOMETHING ROYAL looks to have found a very nice race at Barker. She’s a 3 year old filly taking on the older horses,… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets February 7, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 3 No. 1 Mailata Lightly raced son of Fernando Bale who’s kicked off his racing career in fine style, was brilliant last start… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Friday Greyhound Best Bets February 7, 2025 MANDURAH Race 4 No. 8 West On Caddy Stepping up to the 488 metre trip for the first time and looks like he’s set to… Read More
Weekend Tipsters February 7, 2025 Caulfield Saturday Warren Huntly Quaddie 1 2 3 – 3 4 9 11 10 – 1 7 5 – 4 2 3 8 Best Bets… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Saturday Caulfield Preview February 7, 2025 Race 1 LIBERAMI has worked home well at both runs this prep and gives the impression 1600m will be ok. ONE LONG DAY is racing… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Doomben Preview February 6, 2025 RACE 1 Racing at Doomben on Saturday should take place on a Good rated surface, a few showers are possible however nothing of any note…. Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview February 6, 2025 RACE 1 Racing in Sydney on Saturday will be at Randwick, chance of a shower or two around on the day however forecast is only… Read More
Trent Cooper’s Gloucester Park Preview February 6, 2025 Race 1 VANDERBILT (5) has been unplaced in his last four starts but he is drawn inside his main rivals tonight and will be hard… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Ascot Preview February 6, 2025 RACE 1 PLAY FAIR was heavily commissioned in betting last start at Pinjarra and once he got clear he was far too good for his… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Thursday Greyhound Best Bets February 6, 2025 MANDURAH Race 5 No. 1 Kaizan Shadow One of the best beginners we have here in the state over the short course trip, the 5.38… Read More
Great Greys February 6, 2025 Shayne Train Williams Mandurah Thursday : 5-1 Kaizen Shadow / 8-7 Miss Vivas / 9-2 Shine On Lily Neil Brown Sandown Thursday : Early Quaddie… Read More