Welcome to the preview of the AFL Round 12, 2023. We have a thrilling weekend of football ahead of us. Let’s dive into the matches.
Melbourne vs Carlton
Melbourne has made a few changes, with Adam Tomlinson, Lachie Hunter, and Joel Smith coming in. They’ll be looking to make an impact against a Carlton side that has brought in five new players, including Anthony Cincotta, Levi Young, Jack Silvagni, Zac Fisher, and Lochie O’Brien. Carlton has had to deal with a few injuries, which could make this a challenging match for them.
The Blues have been dealing with a lot of turmoil this year, and this match against the Dees is a significant test for them. Melbourne, on the other hand, has been struggling with their groundball war. They were the best team in the competition between 2021 and mid-2022 at winning the post-clearance groundballs in the midfield, but this year, they are ranked 15th and have won the stat in only nine of their last 23 games.
Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn
Port Adelaide has brought in Todd Marshall, strengthening their forward line. Hawthorn, on the other hand, has Jack Scrimshaw back in the team. The Hawks will be without James Sicily due to suspension, which could prove to be a significant loss.
The question for Port Adelaide is whether the coaching job is the best role in football for 2024. North Melbourne great David King certainly thinks so. It comes amid uncertainty around the role after Ken Hinkley went into his contract season under pressure after failing to lead the club to a grand final during his 10-year tenure. But Hinkley suddenly has this team humming, having led it to an AFL-best eight consecutive wins to climb into second position on the ladder.
West Coast vs Collingwood
West Coast has brought in Callum Jamieson, while Collingwood has made a couple of changes with Billy Frampton and Harrison Harrison coming in. Both teams have had to deal with injuries, which could impact their performance in this match.
The Eagles are facing a significant challenge against Collingwood, and the question is what would be considered a ‘win’ for them on Saturday. Collingwood, on the other hand, has been dealt two more injury blows, with Steele Sidebottom (MCL) set to be sidelined for up to eight weeks and Jamie Elliott (shoulder) to miss this weekend.
Western Bulldogs vs Geelong
The Bulldogs have brought in Adam Treloar, strengthening their midfield. Geelong, on the other hand, has Gary Rohan back in the team. However, they will be without Esava Ratugolea due to injury, which could impact their forward line.
The question for the Bulldogs is whether this is their biggest game of the season. Luke Beveridge’s side was denied the chance to climb into the top four last week, falling to the Gold Coast Suns in Darwin. For Geelong, the question is whether they can actually make the top eight. Five straight wins after losses in the opening three rounds allayed fears, but another three straight losses has them teetering on the edge of contention.
Gold Coast vs Adelaide
Gold Coast has kept their team unchanged for this round. Adelaide, on the other hand, has brought in Mitch Hinge and Brodie Smith. The Crows will be looking to bounce back after a couple of players were omitted from the team.
The question for Gold Coast is whether their backline gets enough credit. Gold Coast’s uptick in form has gone under the radar, winning four of its last six games to sit in striking distance of the top eight. And the club’s backline led by Charlie Ballard has been key to this run. Adelaide’s burning question is whether they can bolster their road credentials. Five of Adelaide’s six wins this season have come at the Adelaide Oval, with their lone away win on the road against Hawthorn by three points.
GWS vs Richmond
GWS has brought in Harry Himmelberg, Matthew Flynn, and Harry Rowston, strengthening their team. Richmond, on the other hand, has brought in Thomson Dow, Noah Cumberland, and Sam Banks.
This match could prove to be a thrilling encounter. The question for GWS is whether they are going better than we’ve given them credit for. All of their losses bar one this season have been by less than four goals. Their win over Geelong in Geelong was no mean feat and drew attention to just how well they’re going despite what their win-loss record suggests. For Richmond, the question is what reception will Taranto get? Every first meeting against your old side is daunting, and that comes around this week for Tim Taranto.
Essendon vs North Melbourne
Essendon has brought in Dylan Shiel, Alec Davey Jnr, Andrew Phillips, and Ross Montgomerie. North Melbourne, on the other hand, has made several changes with Dom Tucker, Liam Shiels, Curtis Taylor, Aidan Corr, and Tarryn Thomas coming in.
Both teams will be looking to make an impact in this match. The question for Essendon is whether Peter Wright can turbocharge their finals push. With Peter Wright ready to return (if not this week then next) for his first game of the season, the Bombers’ already-impressive 2023 campaign could be poised to get even better. For North Melbourne, the question is whether they can finally get a reward to show for two weeks of improved performances.
Brisbane Lions, Fremantle, St Kilda, and Sydney Swans have a bye this round.
Stay tuned for a thrilling weekend of football.
