Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Finals Week 2

Posted on October 8, 2020October 8, 2020 | Posted by Digby Beacham

FRIDAY

Richmond v St Kilda, Metricon Stadium, 4.50pm

Jubilation quickly turned to angst from St Kilda’s perspective following the pulsating elimination final victory over the Western Bulldogs. A season-ending hamstring injury to Paddy Ryder, compounded by the absence of Jake Carlisle (personal reasons) and Ben Long (suspension) for this showdown, will do that.

Their unavailability makes the Saints’ task monumental against a snarling Tigers outfit. Richmond did a lot wrong against Brisbane, notably displaying a lack of discipline, but remained very much in the match for a long way. It shows just how hard they are to overcome even when not at their best.

The addition of Tom Lynch in attack makes a massive difference to the premiers, while their defensive structure is likely to prove extremely stifling for Tim Membrey, Max King and Dan Butler, who crossed from Punt Road to Moorabbin in the off-season. It’s hard to get away from a Richmond victory.

VERDICT: Richmond by 35 points

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SATURDAY

Geelong v Collingwood, Gabba, 4.40pm

Not for the first time in Chris Scott’s tenure at Geelong, the Cats find themselves being dissected to an inch of their life in a finals campaign. On the brink, Scott knows a straight-sets exit will lead to a fierce backlash.

So impressive for the bulk of the home-and-away campaign, Geelong had a stuttering finish to the regular season. Their poor effort against Port Adelaide last week has them teetering against a hardened Collingwood team believing anything is possible.

Geelong simply have to start well and take their chances, something they didn’t do against Port. They will want to slow down the contest, a trait Collingwood also employed for much of 2020 until they adopted a far more frenetic approach against West Coast which clearly worked.

VERDICT: Geelong by 8 points

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