Digby’s AFL Finals Week 2 Preview Posted on September 15, 2016June 7, 2018 | Posted by Digby Beacham Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs Friday, MCG 5.50pm The Western Bulldogs couldn’t have been more impressive against West Coast last week, producing a four-quarter effort that validated their season. They now need to raise the bar further if they are to stay alive. Hawthorn have owned September for the bulk of the past four years and will be intent on making a statement early, just as they did 12 months ago in a semifinal against Adelaide. The Hawks will be conscious of slowing down the ball movement of the Bulldogs, whose willingness to get an extra body or two around the contest enables them to handball their way through congestion. There is no denying this Hawthorn side isn’t at the level of the 2013-15 premiership outfits, but they still boast wonderful leadership and oodles of big-game experience. That might just be the difference. VERDICT: Hawthorn by 11 points. 1st goal scorer: Jack Gunston Sydney v Adelaide Saturday, SCG 5.25pm Sydney wouldn’t have envisaged they would end up here — a cutthroat semifinal — when they secured the minor premiership for only the third time in club history. But that is their plight and the task of halting a dangerous midfield and potent forward line will ensure they don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves. Of all the match-ups in what promises to be a cracking contest, the one between the dynamic Eddie Betts and Nick Smith shapes as the most crucial. Smith is an elite small defender with plenty of scalps throughout his career and must find a way to harness Betts, who is the Crows’ spark plug. Smith’s job will be easier if his midfielders aren’t overwhelmed like they were against Greater Western Sydney. VERDICT: Sydney by 20 points. 1st goal scorer: Lance Franklin Bet Now
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview May 2, 2024 RACE 1 Big day at Eagle Farm as we kick off another Winter Racing Carnival. I’m leaning to the backmarker OSTERMEIER in this opening race… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Hawkesbury Preview May 2, 2024 RACE 1 Racing heads to Hawkesbury on Saturday for their stand-alone Cup Day. The meeting gets under way with a 2yo affair where I’m keen… Read More
Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 8 May 2, 2024 THURSDAY Adelaide v Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, 5.30pm Not a great deal separated these teams in betting earlier in the week. Once it was announced… Read More
Trent Cooper’s Gloucester Park Preview May 2, 2024 Race 1 DUTY BOUND (2) has finished 2nd at his last two starts but looks the leader and gets a great chance to go one… Read More
Harry Buchanan’s Thursday Greyhound Best Bets May 2, 2024 MANDURAH Race 3 No. 4 Mind Reader Copped a few checks last time yet his effort was still good when he finished off well out… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Ascot Preview May 2, 2024 RACE 1 LEXINGTON CITY looks the only speed in the quartet of runners. Expect he will bounce straight on the lead and from there Chris… Read More
The Scout: EPL Week 36 May 2, 2024 Luton Town v Everton Time is running out for Rob Edwards to save Luton Town’s season and, on current form, it’s not easy to make… Read More
Great Greys May 2, 2024 Thursdays from 10am on TABradio GREAT GREYS – all the best bets of Australian chasing. Harry Buchanan Mandurah Thursday : 8-3 Uncompromised / 9-3 Timmy… Read More
Harry Buchanan’s Wednesday Greyhound Best Bets May 1, 2024 CANNINGTON Race 1 No. 2 Emmy Nakayama and No. 1 Dozen Staples Both dogs trialling well and while they are limited, so are the rest… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Selections April 30, 2024 Race 1 OFF THE CHARTS (7) BETTOR ARCADE (2) FRANKLIN DELANO (5) RAJAH ROCKS (10) Race 2 THE BEAUDSTER (2) THE MASKED CRUSADER (6) RAKERO… Read More
Scott Embry’s Thursday Pinjarra Preview April 30, 2024 RACE 1 PLAYING GAMES should be too sharp for her rivals here. She’s had two runs this preparation – third behind The Boss Lady (subsequent… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Ascot Preview April 30, 2024 RACE 1 WATCH ME ROCK and DIAMOND LIGHT did battle last start in a 1300m maiden at Pinjarra where WATCH ME ROCK was backed as… Read More