The crucial cogs of AFL’s Round 12: Which players need to be the difference makers?
There will only be 14 teams featuring in Round 12, as Brisbane, GWS, North Melbourne and Sydney all have a bye.
All seven games are intriguing in their own way, especially given Richmond only lost to Essendon by two goals in Round 11.
We’re taking a look at one player from each 14 teams who will be playing that needs to make a difference.
Port Adelaide v Carlton
Port Adelaide
Todd Marshall should take plenty of confidence from kicking a bag of five, albeit against bottom-of-the-ladder North Melbourne in Round 11.
Marshall will face a tough test up against Jacob Weitering and Mitch McGovern at times against Carlton; the Port Adelaide key forward at the very least, needs to bring the ball to ground.
Blake Acres is a key component of the Carlton team: he patrols the wing with no fuss. The former Fremantle player had seven score involvements and four intercept possessions against Gold Coast in Round 11.
Despite that, he will face a stern test against up-and-coming Jase Burgoyne who has been a revelation for Port Adelaide and perhaps against Travis Boak at times.
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs
Collingwood
Darcy Cameron is the only Collingwood ruckman without an injury, so the former Sydney player will face a stern test up against the 2023 AFL All-Australian ruckman, Tim English from the Western Bulldogs.
It will be a tough task, which Cameron should relish because he should bring plenty of confidence into the game after polling three Coaches’ votes against Fremantle.
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