Patrick Cripps returns to the Gabba in Round 8. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images via AFL Photos)Source: SuppliedTHE GIANT FAREWELL (Richmond v GWS)
Round 12, June 4, 1.10pm at GIANTS Stadium
Not only did GWS lose two star midfielders at trade time, but they lost the duo to the same club in remarkable scenes. Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper both liked what they saw at Richmond and walked out on the Giants. Now they’ll face their former teammates for the first time. The Giants are no stranger to players shunning the NSW lifestyle for the bigger AFL clubs, but this time they’ll get to face two of their former teammates in the same match.
DOG GONE, RORY! (Fremantle v Western Bulldogs)
Round 6, April 21, 8.10pm at Optus Stadium
The Dockers ended the Bulldogs’ charge in 2022 with a brilliant comeback win in the elimination final. But the Dogs got the last laugh when they lured key forward Rory Lobb out of Fremantle to provide the back up Aaron Naughton has desperately needed. With both sides expected to be finals contenders, the clash between the Dockers and Dogs shapes to be crucial.
THE HEARTBREAKER (Carlton v Collingwood)
Round 10, May 21, 3.20pm at MCG
Who could forget the heartbreaking MCG scenes as Carlton’s one-point Round 23 loss saw them drop out of the top eight for the first time all season and miss the finals – by just 0.6 per cent. The Blues had every chance to win that match and couldn’t get it done. No doubt coach Michael Voss will use the match as a big motivator when these two sides meet in 2023.
DERBY DELIGHT (Fremantle v West Coast)
Round 3, DATE, 5.20pm (3.20pm local) at Optus Stadium
West Coast are no longer the big birds in town and coughed up State bragging rights to rivals Fremantle in 2022. And while the Eagles aren’t expected to fly high in 2023, the derby always throws up it’s own drama as the form guide goes out the window. While little brother Fremantle is sitting pretty with a squad building premiership momentum, the Eagles are simply in rebuild mode. But no one has forgotten Andrew Gaff’s infamous off the ball hit on Docker Andrew Brayshaw either, setting the stage for another ding-dong battle.
‘New era’ underway at West Coast | 00:54
BIG BOYS TUSSLE (Hawthorn v Collingwood)
Round 21, August 4, TBC at MCG
Two proud Victorian clubs will go head to head – but in completely different stages of premiership window. Former Hawk Tom Mitchell will get to face the club that deemed him no longer required as they start their rebuild. Collingwood has shown the best path out of the doldrums – after jumping from bottom four to top four in just one year.
DUNK ON DUNKLEY (Brisbane v Western Bulldogs)
Round 3, March 30, 7.20pm at Marvel Stadium
The Western Bulldogs didn’t want to lose Josh Dunkley. They managed to keep hold of him back in 2020 and almost made it through another Trade Period before an 11th hour deal was struck on the deadline. Dunkley’s manager was left unimpressed by the ordeal with the Lions, stating the clubs were haggling over a future fourth round pick. At least Dunkley will have one ally in his former teammates, with best mate Adam Treloar still at the Bulldogs.
PRODIGAL SON RETURNS (Melbourne v Fremantle)
Round 11, May 27, 2.10pm at MCG
Melbourne’s prized 2019 draftee, and premiership ruckman, Luke Jackson abandoned ship and headed to the Dockers for 2023 and beyond in one of the worst-kept secrets in the AFL. Rumours of Jackson’s return home had run rampant throughout 2022, disrupting the Demons all season. Now with Jackson back home and Melbourne getting their own ruck weaponry with Brodie Grundy, the clash between these two clubs is sure to be fierce.
Hipwood signs monster 6-year deal | 00:42
THE SHOWDOWN (Adelaide v Port Adelaide)
Round 3, April 1, 7.30pm (7pm local) at Adelaide Oval
It doesn’t matter where these two clubs sit on the ladder when it’s time for a Showdown. The hatred between the two clubs and two fan bases runs deep, and the physicality always goes up a notch when it comes to SA dominance. Expect trash talk in the lead up and fireworks during the game.
BRING BACK THE BIFF (Brisbane v Melbourne)
Round 1, March 24, 7.50m (6.50pm local) at The Gabba
Melbourne flew north to face the Lions in Round 23 last year and absolutely belted their rivals in a thumping we aren’t used to seeing in recent years. The Demons went after the likes of Dayne Zorko physically – with his sledge towards Harrison Petty igniting the fire between the two sides. It was the Lions who got the last laugh with their semi final victory knocking Melbourne out of the 2022 premiership race in straight sets. Expect the Demons to respond in 2023.
