There’s an “ugly” North Melbourne trend that has a club great confused, while there’s proof the Saints are the deal in 2023 – despite having the same win-loss ratio this time last year.
Plus the Tigers’ “renovation” conundrum, the Giant hole GWS must fill and “troubling” Dockers numbers.
Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 7, as well as commentators for every Fox Footy game in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!
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Lyon says Saints mindset hasn’t changed | 01:59
ST KILDA v PORT ADELAIDE
Friday April 28, 7.50pm at Marvel Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7pm on Channel 504, hosted by Garry Lyon, with Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Eddie Betts, Kath Loughnan and Jon Ralph, followed by Fox Footy Live with Drew Jones, Ben Dixon and Cameron Mooney.
Saints’ burning question: They were 5-1 this time last year, so what’s different?
Despite the similar win-loss ratios, comparing the 2022 Saints to the 2023 version is chalk and cheese. Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley told On the Couch this week that St Kilda last year under Brett Ratten “relied on their efficiency inside their front half”. The Saints under Ross Lyon this year are spreading the load, kicking forward more often and “running with chains of handball” both ways. The Saints rank first in both attacking with ball in hand and preventing opposition from running the ball into their attacking zone. Buckley added: “We have a belief that Ross Lyon-coached sides are going to maintain their structure and even improve it.” With the troops slowly coming back to Moorabbin, you sense will continue to go from strength to strength for Ross and the Saints.
Power’s burning question: Can they find a way through St Kilda’s stingy defence?
St Kilda is the hardest team to score against through the opening six rounds of the year and proving harder to transition the ball and generate meaningful scoring chains against too. Port Adelaide currently sits 16th in the competition for points differential from defensive 50 (-57), whereas the Saints sit atop of the league for scores defensive 50 (+62) — nearly five goals better than the next best team. Running defender Ryan Burton was thrown forward last week to cover the loss of Todd Marshall in game, but Burton and Dan Houston will be key to providing the dash and starting the chains as they combat the Saints this week under the roof.
Neale defuses ‘ridiculous’ rumors | 01:39
BRISBANE LIONS v FREMANTLE
Saturday April 29, 1.45pm at The Gabba
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 1.30pm on Channel 504, hosted by Kelli Underwood with Leigh Montagna, Jonathan Brown, David King, Alastair Lynch and David Zita.
Lions’ burning question: Did they discover their ideal forward structure last weekend?
It might change week to week – depending on their opposition – but how Brisbane’s talls and smalls worked together against the Giants in Canberra was brilliant. After Sam Taylor’s brilliant start to the match, direct opponent Joe Daniher pushed up the ground more and took the Giants star outside his comfort zone. It meant small forward Charlie Cameron – who’s in some serious hot form – was left as the deepest forward and able to expose his opponent. Cameron thrived, booting a career-high seven goals, while Daniher was excellent with 16 disposals, nine marks and nine inside 50s as he also pinch-hit in the ruck. Melbourne great Garry Lyon told On The Couch: “I thought it was a real step in the development of Joe Daniher and Brisbane’s forward group.” As for Cameron, he’s now kicked 20 goals for the season, including 17 in the past three weeks. Nathan Buckley told On The Couch: “He’s an exceptional player. He’s a weapon not every club has got.”
Dockers’ burning question: Do they have a bigger issue than how they’re moving the footy?
Several pundits in recent days have lamented the Dockers’ slow, static ball movement. But getting their hands on the ball is arguably a bigger issue for Justin Longmuir’s side at the moment, with Fremantle ranked 18th in contested possession differential and total groundball differential (-93). And that’s with Caleb Serong having an enormous season. Garry Lyon told On The Couch: “They’ve got a big issue … they’re really troubling numbers.” Lyon said the absence of injured star Nat Fyfe, as well as Andy Brayshaw’s subpar season – likely due to an injury “niggle”, according to Lyon – didn’t help their cause. For the Dockers to turn their season around quickly, they need to lift their output at the coalface.
Swans unsure if Buddy will face Giants | 02:02
SYDNEY SWANS v GWS GIANTS
Saturday April 29, 2.10pm at the SCG
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 2pm on Channel 503, hosted by Kelli Underwood with Dwayne Russell, Brad Johnson, Dermott Brereton, Nick Dal Santo and David Zita.
Swans’ burning question: Will other coaches look to put a ‘cooler’ on Chad Warner?
After an impressive Grand Final individually, Warner was one of the big match-ups for Chris Scott last Saturday night. He sent Mark O’Connor to curtail the superstar’s influence — and Warner was restricted to just the 19 disposals and, critically, just one inside 50 and one score involvement. As highlighted by Garry Lyon on On the Couch, Warner was “gone” within the opening “15 minutes” of the game, sensing it would be a tough night. While the Swans are faced with an injury crisis to their key posts, Warner remains one of their key players at the contest and drives the ball to attacking zones. It is an area that coach Adam Kingsley would have noted as another way to further curtail the Swans at the source.
Giants’ burning question: Who fills the big shoes left by Sam Taylor?
As far as irreplaceable players go, Sam Taylor is the player the Giants could least afford to lose. The All-Australian defender was in superb form through the opening quarter of the season, continuing to stake his claim as the best defender in the game. Taylor had only lost one of 19 one-on-one defensive contests this season (5.3%), with the next best Darcy Moore (9%). Taylor also sat equal-third for total intercept marks and No. 1 for intercept possessions. The Swans could regain superstar Lance Franklin among a slew of key pillars to return. That could expose the big hole in the Giants’ defensive half.
Bont in career best form ahead of 200th | 02:19
WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORN
Saturday April 29, 4.35pm at Marvel Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4.30pm on Channel 504, hosted by Sarah Jones with Anthony Hudson, Jason Dunstall, Garry Lyon and David Zita.
Bulldogs’ burning question: Has their bargain recruit helped fix their biggest flaw?
Bulldogs fans in recent years have lamented their side’s lack of one-on-one strength down back. But Liam Jones has helped address that weakness. Jones, who the Bulldogs picked up as a free agent during the summer, is ranked in the top seven players for total intercept marks, while he’s lost just six of his 24 defensive one-on-one items. Jonathan Brown told On The Couch: “He’s really stiffened them up behind the footy … He’s picked up from where he left off at Carlton. I don’t think as a forward you’re coming in against the Bulldogs now thinking ‘this is an opportunity to fill the bag’, because Jones is an elite athlete, he marks well.” Jones is likely to get the match-up on returning forward Mitch Lewis this weekend.
Hawks’ burning question: Can you put a value on Mitch Lewis’ inclusion?
With 37 goals from 15 games, Lewis announced himself as a bona fide AFL quality player last year. The Hawks as a team this year have only managed to score 51 goals through the opening quarter of the season. It makes the return of the 24-year-old even more welcome for Sam Mitchell and Hawks fans. In addition to taking the load off Fergus Greene, who has fought admirably as an undersized key forward for 11 goals so far this year, Lewis will help combat a tall Bulldogs defence that contains Alex Keath, Liam Jones and Tim O’Brien. Lewis’ inclusion is a win for the game plan of Mitchell, who remains insistent his young side will continue to use the corridor. Now the Hawks have a focal point in their No. 1 key forward to kick too.
Coaches discuss new trade developments | 01:25
MELBOURNE v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday April 29, 7.25pm at the MCG
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7.15pm on Channel 504, hosted by Kath Loughnan with Dermott Brereton, Cameron Mooney and David Zita.
Demons’ burning question: Have they solved their forward line conundrum?
According to Demons coach Simon Goodwin, not yet. Injuries to several key-position players this year has given the Dees a chance to look at different forward mixes. In the win over Richmond on Monday night, Jacob van Rooyen emerged with three fourth-quarter goals to lead his side to victory, with defender-turned-forward Harrison Petty being the other tall goalkicker. They were supported by Bayley Fritsch, Kysaiah Pickett, Kade Chandler and Alex Neal-Bullen. Meanwhile, Ben Brown and Tom McDonald played in the VFL, while Jake Melksham was an emergency. Speaking on AFL 360, Goodwin said the club liked what it’d seen from van Rooyen and Petty up forward, adding the different names hadn’t affected Melbourne’s scoring ability. Asked how many talls he wanted to play in the Demons’ forward line, Goodwin said: “Ideally we’d like to play three. We’ve got the two ruckmen and two key forwards – and that seems to be the best mix that’s worked for us over the last few years.” There could be a few hardluck stories at the Demons this year.
Kangaroos’ burning question: Do they need to change their defensive structure?
After a promising first three rounds, the Kangaroos have conceded 107, 152 and 97 points in their past three respective games. But more alarming is the fact they’ve conceded 33 and 20 marks in their defensive 50 against the Lions and Suns respectively in the past two weeks. Club great David King said he was “confused” with the Kangaroos’ backline, telling First Crack: “More often than not, the key defenders are five or six metres away from their direct opponent. I know it’s a roll-up defence and trade up and playing that modern style, but I’ve never seen Ben McKay look as out of sorts as he has over the past two weeks. You trust Alastair Clarkson and that he’s playing the long game, but gee it’s ugly to watch over the last couple of weeks. You hope this method clicks really soon, because you can’t keep going this way with these sort of results.”
‘Genuine concerns’ mounting for Blues | 01:39
WEST COAST EAGLES v CARLTON
Saturday April 29, 7.30pm at Optus Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7.25pm on Channel 503, with Adam Papalia, Gerard Healy, Matthew Pavlich, Will Schofield and David Zita.
Eagles’ burning question: Can they bottle enough sprit to upset the Blues?
The Eagles get a chance to return home to Optus Stadium after Gather Round then a trip back to Adelaide. More injuries and lapses in quarters have been enough to take the game away from a battered and inexperienced group. But the Eagles have shown plenty of spirit and, despite being heavily outclassed in the previous two weeks, have fought games out to the end. Jai Culley showed his potency as a forward option and was duly reward with the Rising Star nomination after his four-goal haul against the Power. With veteran defender Shannon Hurn set to return to the line-up after being managed for a game against a travelling Carlton side with its back firmly up against the wall, could the Eagles sense an opportunity to record a rare victory? A win would give some nourishment for a young developing group as validation for the hard work they have been showing they are putting in.
Blues’ burning question: Do they need to change up their midfield mix?
Carlton has come under the microscope in its past two losses, particularly for its lack of leg speed and kicking efficiency in its midfield and inability to spread from stoppages. Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra, Matthew Kennedy and George Hewett are strong contested ball-winners, but they’re not solving the burst-from-clearance issue. Sam Docherty would be handy right now, but he’s still sidelined with a knee issue, while Adam Saad has a hamstring issue. It’s a big ask — and maybe too early for him — but could the Blues throw first-round draftee Ollie Hollands into the guts? He showed terrific balance as an inside midfielder for Vic Country in last year’s national championships, winning contested possessions while also distributing efficiently by hand and foot. They can’t afford to slip-up in the west.
Scott brothers prepare to face off | 03:40
ESSENDON v GEELONG CATS
Sunday April 30, 1.10pm at the MCG
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 1pm on Channel 504, hosted by Sarah Jones with Dwayne Russell, Gerard Healy, David King, Ben Dixon and Jon Ralph.
Bombers’ burning question: How much will the Anzac Day loss sting them?
There would’ve been ample disappointment among Bombers fans about the fourth-quarter collapse and consequent loss to Collingwood on Anzac Day. But the reality is in seven of their past eight quarters against arguably the two best teams in the competition — Melbourne and Collingwood — the Bombers have shown they have the profile and ability to be a finals team this year. Jason Dunstall told AFL 360: “Brad Scott knows there’s a lot of growth within the organisation, but they’re doing a lot of things right. When you can measure yourself against the best … I wouldn’t be too disheartened if I was an Essendon supporter. I’d be thinking: ‘We’re seriously on the right track.’” The reality is now, though, the Bombers face a tricky four-game stretch, with matches against Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Brisbane (Gabba) and Richmond (MCG) after their clash with Geelong.
Cats’ burning question: Are they back to their best?
Arguably not. The Cats were exceptional on Saturday night in a four-quarter beat-down of the Swans. But the asterisk is they beat up on a team missing its first-choice ‘spine’ and several other key players through injury. Add in wins over West Coast and Hawthorn — two bottom-four favourites — and it’s easy to see why pundits aren’t keen to put Geelong in the same stratosphere as Melbourne and Collingwood after Round 6. Ultimately, you can only beat who’s in front of you — and an in-form, revitalised Essendon awaits the Cats this Sunday. Jason Dunstall told AFL 360: “I’m going to need to see the Cats do it for a bit longer against some more quality opposition before I say ‘they’re back’.”
Rioli Jnr out with hamstring injury | 00:29
RICHMOND v GOLD COAST SUNS
Sunday April 30, 3.20pm at Marvel Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 3pm on Channel 503, hosted by Kath Loughnan with Dermott Brereton, Nick Dal Santo and Jon Ralph.
Tigers’ burning question: Does the long-term start to take precedence now?
It looks like a delicate balance for coach Damien Hardwick. The glimpses we’ve seen from Richmond this season – the eight-goal second quarter against the Bulldogs, the seven-goal third quarter against Sydney and the first half against Melbourne – have been brilliant, but they haven’t been able to maintain that intensity for a full four quarters. As Damien Hardwick pointed out, the Tigers “have been in every game” they’ve played, but the reality is they’ve won just one game from six rounds – and finals now seems like a tough ask. Jason Dunstall told AFL 360: “We’re going to see some great performance from them, but it’s still a renovation process.” Co-host Gerard Whateley said the Tigers had now “reached a point where we accept they’re not about to reprise their glory days”, adding on AFL 360: “It’s only six rounds in, but the early polls say they’re not challenging for a flag, so what are you doing?”
Suns’ burning question: Who steps up in Touk Miller’s absence?
The co-captain is not only the heart and soul of the football club, he’s also a key pillar in Gold Coast’s centre bounce brigade — a set-up that hasn’t changed much across the first six rounds. But with Miller set to “miss a fair portion of footy”, according to Suns football boss Wayne Campbell, with a knee issue, someone else must step up to help Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell. Brayden Fiorini and David Swallow could be options, but if coach Stuart Dew is looking towards the future or for a different look, Ben Ainsworth, Wil Powell or even first-round draftee Bailey Humphrey — should he come into the starting 22 — might be more appropriate options.
Injured Pies star still a chance to play | 00:39
ADELAIDE CROWS v COLLINGWOOD
Sunday April 30, 4.40pm at Adelaide Oval
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 504, hosted by Kath Loughnan with Anthony Hudson, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Mark Ricciuto and Jon Ralph, followed by Bounce and First Crack.
Crows’ burning question: Are they getting the Pies at the best time?
The Crows will have bigger challenges this season — none bigger than this week against the premiership favourites — but their win over a plucky Hawthorn outfit last weekend shouldn’t be underestimated. If Sunday’s game was played last year, Matthew Nicks’ side arguably wouldn’t have found another gear to overcome the Hawks. But senior leaders Jordan Dawson, Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane lifted late and led a young side to victory. Doing it against the Magpies is a different story. But considering Collingwood will be on the road and coming off a five-day break after throwing down the gauntlet in a monumental fourth-quarter comeback, the Crows might be getting them at the perfect time.
Magpies’ burning question: How will Billy Frampton cope as the solo ruck?
Asked by foxfooty.com.au after the Anzac Day game how his body was feeling following a match where he essentially rucked solo against two recognised big men, Frampton said: “It’s very sore … We’ve got a five-day turnaround, so I’ll be hitting the icebaths pretty hard.” Former Crow Frampton was one of four players traded to the Magpies during the off-season, with the club initially keen for the WA product to play a key defensive role. But injuries to Darcy Cameron, Mason Cox and, most recently, Dan McStay has seen Frampton return to the ruck — a position he dabbled in during his time at the Crows. On Sunday — off a five-day break — he comes up against ex-teammate Reilly O’Brien, who’s regarded as one of the most competitive and brutal rucks in the competition. It’ll be a tough task, but as Frampton showed on Anzac Day, he has the size and character to match it with first-choice rucks.
