AFL Round Preview

AFL Round 22 Preview: All On The Line For Freo

 It seems the more we see, the less we know. 

With just three rounds of the home and away season to go, nothing has been more uncertain. 

The only thing we know for sure this season is that Richmond is terrible. 

Most other sides have plenty to play for. So let’s take a look at what we could expect this week. 

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Games To Watch

Sydney vs. Collingwood (Friday Night, SCG)

Just a few weeks back, it would have seemed ludicrous to suggest the Swans could drop top spot. 

But now, coming off a ridiculous 112-point loss to Port Adelaide, winning just one of its previous six games, Sydney is in real danger of falling right out of contention for the flag. 

Port had 71 points on the board last week before the Swans registered a single score. It was demoralising. 

With Brisbane just two points behind in second place, they must win this week to turn things around. 

But it’s the same situation for Collingwood, who can’t afford to lose either. 

The Pies are playing for their season, sitting 11th on the ladder, one win outside the eight.

The Magies just held on against Carlton last week by three points, after Blues defender Mitch McGovern shanked a shot after the siren. 

They may have left their run to finals too late, but a victory here means they still have a chance to play footy in September. 

Must win for both sides. 

Prediction

Who could call it? The Swans look like a completely different side to a month ago. But the Pies weren’t that convincing last week either. It’s at the SCG, so you probably have to back Sydney.

Swans by 3 points

Brisbane vs. GWS (Saturday Afternoon, Gabba)

This one could be the game of the round. 

Despite the competition being as unpredictable as the hierarchy who runs it, Brisbane looks like the one team to beat at the moment.

The Lions are undefeated in nine games and took care of St Kilda at Marvel Stadium last week in a comfortable 85-point smashing. 

Depending on other results, Brisbane could finish the round in first place on the ladder, which seemed unfathomable after their poor start to the season. 

GWS, on the other hand, have been building nicely of late. They currently occupy fourth place, just two points behind the Lions. 

The Giants pipped Hawthorn by just two points last week in Canberra. It was their fifth consecutive win, and pundits are now starting to label them a premiership threat. 

Both sides have a golden opportunity to knock over a fellow contender and solidify an advantageous position on the ladder just before finals. 

Prediction

The Lions are the ‘form team’ in the competition right now and don’t look like slowing down. While GWS has been impressive, they’re best footy is not as good as Brisbane’s. Lions should get the job done at home.

Brisbane by 12 points

Carlton vs. Hawthorn (Sunday Afternoon, MCG)

This one is huge. 

The Blues are under immense pressure after losing to Collingwood by three points last week, and another loss could see them drop outside the eight. 

After being touted as the second-best side in the competition just a few weeks back, Carlton has fallen in form and confidence. They simply must win if they want a chance at making 2024 their year. 

Hawthorn needs to win too if they want to play finals footy. They’re just four points behind the Blues in 10th place, and a victory here, with Richmond and North Melbourne to come in the final two rounds, would set them up nicely.

The Hawks gave up seven goals to the Giants in the final term last week to end up three-point losers. It was an agonising defeat that coach Sam Mitchell will be keen to put behind him. 

Both sides are desperate for the win here. It’s going to be intense. 

Prediction

It’s tough to call, but the Blues shouldn’t lose this one. They’re a better side than the young Hawks, but their form doesn’t give the fans any confidence. I think this to be a close one.

Carlton by 2 points

FREMANTLE PREVIEW: 

Last Week

This one was devastating. 

After leading Essendon by 25 points early in the fourth quarter, Fremantle went down by a single point at the MCG.

The Bombers kicked five unanswered goals in the final term to take the lead, before Jye Amiss made scores level with just 36 seconds left on the clock. But that was before Essendon’s Sam Durham got on the end of a Bombers’ clearance to kick the match-winning point with no time for the Dockers to respond. 

It was heartbreaking for fans who watched their side lead and dominate the contest for most of the afternoon. 

The defeat puts Fremantle down into sixth spot, with no certainty of finals footy to come. 

This Week

Fremantle will host Geelong at Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Cats are coming off a close game themselves, just holding on against Adelaide by five points at GMHBA Stadium. 

Geelong is two points above Fremantle in fifth place on the ladder and is looking to secure a top-four spot with a win here. They’ve won five of their past six games and have key forwards in form. 

With St Kilda and West Coast to play in the final two weeks, they’ll know four points here should give them a double chance in the finals. 

TALKING POINTS: 

Confidence is the key 

The Dockers have won their past three games against Geelong, so they’ll be confident of getting the job done once again. 

The last time they played though, was almost a year ago – Round 20, 2023 – and a lot has changed since. 

Still, Freo is a better side than they were back then and they’re also unbeaten in their past five games at home. 

There’s no reason Justin Longmuir’s side shouldn’t believe they can get the job done on Saturday afternoon. 

And to be honest, they simply must! 

Centre Stage 

After the Dockers gave up the final centre clearance to Essendon last week, which resulted in the match-winning score, all eyes will be on Freo midfielders this week. 

In hindsight, the stoppage setup looked bad, and the Bombers just got out of the area too easily.

It was definitely a theme of the final quarter that probably cost them the game.  

“I don’t think it was legs, I think it was the contest,” Jye Amiss said post-game. 

“They were able to get it inside to out better than us and they just wanted it more than us in that last five to ten minutes.” 

Whether it’s the final ten minutes or the first, Fremantle needs to win back respect with a strong midfield performance this week. 

Let’s see if they can get on top in the middle. 

Cool Clarky! 

Jordan Clark will run out for his 100th game this week against the club he started his career at. 

The running half back has been in terrific form and is finally showing the potential the Dockers fans hoped he was capable of. 

The 23-year-old is averaging 25.3 disposals a game and racked up 29 last week. 

His pace and flair have been extremely influential this season, and the supporters will be keen for him to show it once again against his former employers.

Hopefully, he can celebrate the 100th with a win! 

Prediction

The Dockers must win, and you’d expect them to. They have a good record at home and against Geelong. Last week’s loss will sting, so they’ll be extra motivated to make amends this week. 

West Coast Eagles

Last Week

How good was this?! 

West Coast came from behind to snatch a 10-point victory over Gold Coast at Optus Stadium last Friday night. 

In interim coach Jarrad Schofield’s first win, the Eagles trailed by 17 points at half-time, before a solid second half from key players got the home side over the line. 

Tim Kelly and Elliott Yeo were huge in the midfield, while forwards Jake Waterman, Oscar Allen and Jack Darling were exceptional. 

It was West Coast’s fourth win of the season, ending Gold Coast’s hopes of playing finals. 

This Week

The Eagles have another very winnable game, taking on North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. 

The Roos are also coming off a win though, beating last-placed Richmond at Marvel Stadium by 13 points. 

North’s youngsters were impressive and continued the improved form they’ve shown of late. 

They’ve now won three games for the season, sitting just four points behind West Coast in 17th place.

Talking Points

Our Darling boy 

It was like the Jack Darling of old last week against the Suns, putting in a best-on-ground performance we hope can be replicated this week. 

Darling had 22 possessions playing as a high target up the field, allowing Jake Waterman and Oscar Allen more room to move. 

He also took eight marks and kicked a goal, as well as putting on forward pressure with four inside 50 tackles. 

His desire motivated the players around him, and supporters will be keen to see a similar effort this week. 

Let’s see if he can back it up! 

Get Larkey 

If the Eagles want to win this week, they must stop Nick Larkey. 

The gun forward kicked five goals for North Melbourne last week, taking eight marks in the process. 

He’s currently kicked 44 goals for the year, sitting in the top 10 for the Coleman Medal race, and has become a nightmare for defenders. 

The Eagles’ backline has been up and down this season, but Tom Barrass should be available this week, which would be handy.

It comes at a good time too, with Harry Edwards missing with concussion. Edwards was injured just after quarter-time against the Suns which meant Reuben Ginbey had to go back and help out. 

Jeremy McGovern was once again strong in defence, and will hopefully continue his form this week against the Roos. 

They’ll need a good performance from the entire backline if they want another win here. 

Just win

The Eagles want to win to reward the fans and give them some hope for the future, and this week provides a great opportunity against a side below them on the ladder. 

The Eagles have not won a game away from Optus Stadium this year, and they’ve also lost four of the past five against North Melbourne, but they must not let that get inside their heads. 

Jarrad Schofield has finally got his first win on the board, and another victory here would really send the message that the future is bright. 

Four points here would mean a lot for the club. 

Prediction

The Eagles can win this, but North Melbourne is probably the favourite. The Roos are below them on the ladder, but they’ve been playing great footy and have a good record against West Coast. The game is also in Tassie, which makes it harder for the Perth-based team. Hard to pick, but have to go with North.

Kangaroos by 5 points

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