The Swans might be 2-2, but there’s concerns over the reigning Grand Finallist’s credentials.
Plus Fremantle faces a big test, while a Hawks legend has a warning for his former club.
Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 5, as well as commentators for every Fox Footy game in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!
Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
NEW FOX FOOTY PODCAST – A clear AFL top two … and then who?
Listen below or subscribe in Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Blues welcome back star man Sam Walsh | 01:03
ROUND 5 FIXTURE AND BURNING QUESTIONS (All times AEST)
ADELAIDE CROWS v CARLTON
Thursday April 13, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6:30pm on Ch 504, hosted by Sarah Jones with Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Brad Johnson and Eddie Betts
Crows’ burning question: Can they contain the Carlton ‘twin towers’?
Tom Doedee and Jordan Butts helped hold Fremantle to just 10 goals on the weekend, with just a combined five from key talls Matt Taberner, Jye Amiss and Luke Jackson. The pair face a much stiffer task this week coming up against one of the formidable key duos in the game in Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, who combined for 10 goals themselves last week against North Melbourne. McKay and Curnow combined for nine goals against Adelaide in Round 8 at Marvel Stadium last year before Butts and Doedee contained the pair to just three goals between them in the late season clash at Adelaide Oval. How they contain the influence of the game’s most dynamic key forward pairing will impact the result massively.
Blues’ burning question: Can their stoppage/clearance game get moving finally?
The Blues have been unconvincing yet are finding ways to win. This time last year, it was all about Carlton generating scores from clearance and centre bounce domination, ranking fourth in the competition. But they sit 18th in the league after four rounds this year. The Blues have only won the clearance count once this year in Round 3’s win over GWS, but have become more potent in their turnover game and defensive transition. With the additions of Sam Walsh and Matthew Kennedy back into the starting line-up, the watch is on the Carlton engine room to see if it can and will click into gear.
Freo considering WAFL return for Fyfe | 01:57
FREMANTLE v GOLD COAST SUNS
Friday April 14, 5:10pm at Norwood Oval
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4:30pm on Ch 504, with commentary from Kelli Underwood, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton, Alastair Lynch and David King
Dockers’ burning question: Where will Justin Longmuir find the spark and style to ignite the season?
AFL 360 host Gerard Whateley said this week that Fremantle had been “the biggest flop through the first four weeks” of the season. The Dockers have come under heavy criticism from David King in the first month of the season, with the dual All-Australian expressing concerns over the team’s “fake footy” and “yesteryear style of play”. The Dockers reverted back to their slow and reactive style in their dour loss to the Crows. They’ll need to find the intent and dare to move the football to avoid getting punished the other way as they were by the Crows. Saints great Nick Dal Santo said on Fox Footy: “I want to see the Dockers, when they are not forced to slow up, get some lively ball use and a bit of run off the half-back line. Take some dare and take some brave kicks through the middle of the ground … they are not going to win with this style of football.”
Suns’ burning question: What is the real version of Gold Coast this year?
Is it the Suns that bounced back emphatically to beat the reigning premiers? Or is it the Suns that rolled over after half-time against the Saints? Frustration is growing over the Suns’ lack of development and ability to cope when the pressure rises in game. Fox Footy’s David King was again critical this week of the Suns’ players, saying that they need to be able to spread the load. He told First Crack: “The stars need to be able to be the reason you win, clearly, but not be the sole reason you win.” King called for greater team buy-in to avoid another season sinking away.
Buddy to miss Swans’ clash with Tigers | 00:30
RICHMOND v SYDNEY SWANS
Friday April 14, 8:10pm at Adelaide Oval
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 8pm on Ch 504, hosted by Garry Lyon with Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Matthew Pavlich, Kath Loughnan and Jon Ralph
Tigers’ burning question: Can Samson Ryan handle the full ruck load?
The Tigers lost arguably their two most important players in Tom Lynch and Toby Nankervis during last week’s loss to the Western Bulldogs, according to Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall. While veteran Jack Riewoldt will return to provide a marking target up forward in the attacking 50, the Tigers will have to dig to find a Nankervis replacement, given back-up ruck Ivan Soldo is also on the sidelines battling his own foot issue. Young ruck Samson Ryan stepped in last week and looks likely to shoulder the full load this week against Peter Ladhams. Ryan won 10 hit-outs from his 19 ruck contests and fought admirably — but he’s still very green.
Swans’ burning question: Can they regain their 2022 form after two down weeks?
Two losses in a row have shown John Longmire’s men can indeed be stopped, with some very worrying offensive signs. “Their greatest strengths have become their weaknesses,” Leigh Montagna explained on AFL 360 on Wednesday. Last year the Swans were second for scores per inside 50 (now 11th), second for one-on-one win percentage (now 15th) and first for forward 50 groundball differential (now 11th). Much of that may be due to the absence of Sam Reid, who was surprisingly critical last year, but also the drop in form of Lance Franklin, Will Hayward and Isaac Heeney — the latter of whom were among the best one-on-one players in the AFL. (The fact Buddy remains very heavily targeted, despite his poor play, is another concern entirely.) If they aren’t permitted to play fast, precise footy taking advantage of their excellent kicking skills on Friday night, look out for another disappointing performance.
Tarryn Thomas embroiled in fresh drama | 00:43
BRISBANE LIONS v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday April 15, 1:10pm at Adelaide Hills
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12:30pm on Ch 504, with commentary from Dwayne Russell, Kelli Underwood, David King, Alastair Lynch and Brad Johnson
Lions’ burning question: Can they capitalise on the momentum outside of Queensland?
The Lions at The Gabba and the Lions away from The Gabba have been two very different sides. Wins over both Melbourne and Collingwood have been contrasted with losses to Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs interstate. It’s hard to imagine a much better performance than the one the Lions put out against the Pies last week. The key now is for that form to remain the standard at a different venue, albeit one they likely won’t play at again. North Melbourne has improved under Alastair Clarkson this season, but the Lions have a great opportunity to build momentum and get back into contention for top four and eventually top two.
Kangaroos’ burning question: Can the Roos’ midfield get the game on their terms?
The Lions have been one of the best stoppage teams in the AFL this season, ranking third for clearance differential (+5.8). But the Kangaroos have more than held their own in the same part of the ground, ranking fourth for clearance differential (+5.5) — up from 14th last year. North’s jump has come off the back of strong improvement from star Luke Davies-Uniacke, while co-captain Jy Simpkin has also improved his stoppage numbers. It’ll be a tough task, though, against three Brisbane clearance beasts in Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft, but we also know how unreliable the Lions have been away from the Gabba. By the way, the Roos will be very happy not to be playing at Adelaide Oval, considering they’ve lost all 10 games they’ve previously played at the venue.
Suburban ground transformed to host AFL | 03:41
ESSENDON v MELBOURNE
Saturday April 15, 4:10pm at Adelaide Oval
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Ch 504, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Garry Lyon, Jason Dunstall and Mark Ricciuto
Bombers’ burning question: Can they shake the yips?
If you were a Dons fan, you’d hope that goalkicking was high on the agenda at training this week. After booting 11.22 last week, including 1.8 to start the game, the 13-point win should have been a lot more. Jake Stringer’s 4.6 was the Bombers in a microcosm – though as Brad Scott quipped this week, if he continues to have 10 shots on goal every game, he’ll be the best player in footy history. More pressingly as the Bombers head into a difficult patch of games, they need to ensure they don’t waste their chances, because they won’t get as many against Melbourne and Collingwood as they’ve had against sides like GWS and Hawthorn.
Demons’ burning question: Where does Simon Goodwin deploy Harrison Petty this week?
Petty was thrown forward two weeks ago when Ben Brown went off then partnered Tom McDonald and Jacob Van Rooyen in attack last week against the Eagles while Steven May and Jake Lever held the fort down back. With Brown returning to the senior team, Melbourne’s ‘Mr Fix It’ is proving to be one of the most versatile commodities on the Demons list who can do it at both ends of the ground. It’s a good problem to have, for sure.
Tredrea reiterates Hinkley criticism | 01:09
PORT ADELAIDE v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Saturday April 15, 7:50pm at Adelaide Oval
How to watch on Fox Footy: After Best On Ground from 7:50pm on Ch 504, hosted by Sarah Jones with Jordan Lewis, Dermott Brereton, Matthew Pavlich and Brad Johnson
Power’s burning question: Was last week the turning point?
It’s amazing how much one kick can change things, but Sydney’s Ollie Florent could’ve had Ken Hinkley’s future in his hands, as well as the Sherrin, at the end of last week’s match. The Power were a genuine chance of going 1-3 after their 0-5 test last year. But Port Adelaide is now 2-2 and could come out of the opening five rounds with a winning ledger. That close win over the Swans could be the pressure release needed for the Power to truly thrive in 2023. A loss to the Bulldogs however would see the pressure start to return. Last week was big, but this week is arguably just as important for the side.
Bulldogs’ burning question: Can their in-form trio inspire a trio of wins?
There’s been a common thread for the Bulldogs in their past two wins: Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Bailey Dale have all been among their best players in both matches, particularly with their grit at the contest. Skipper Bontempelli has won 16 and 17 contested possessions in the Bulldogs’ past two outings, while Treloar has also thrived with more on-ball time. And All-Australian Dale has lifted his output with consecutive 30-disposal hauls. The Dogs have a good recent record against the Power at Adelaide Oval, winning four of the past six meetings between the two teams at the venue. Make it five from seven and the Dogs are right back in the top-eight conversation.
Ginbey to become an ‘A-grade midfielder’ | 00:49
GEELONG v WEST COAST EAGLES
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 1pm on Ch 504, with commentary from Mark Howard, Dermott Brereton, Mark Ricciuto and Kath Loughnan
Cats’ burning question: Is Jeremy Cameron the best player in the game right now?
Fox Footy’s David King was on this bandwagon last year. He told Fox Footy’s AFL 360: “He’s had an unbelievable last 15, 16 games hasn’t he? I think he’s clearly been the best (player in the AFL). He’s been a one-man wall the last few weeks and he just does things others can’t do.” With a Coleman-leading 18 goals in four matches, arguably he should have double-digit Brownlow votes despite the Cats only having won once. Now just imagine how good the premiers would be if everyone else joins him in good form? Well, they kind of did in the third term against the Hawks, but the Cats won’t look that good every week. It’s time to find out if they can at least get close, though.
Eagles’ burning question: Can they continue their historic strong form at Adelaide Oval?
Of all the teams playing at Adelaide’s showcase venue during Gather Round, the Eagles have the best record at the ground all-time, winning on nine of their 13 trips to the venue. That includes the famous 2017 elimination final against Port Adelaide where Luke Shuey kicked a goal after the extra-time siren. Is it something about the size of the ground that helps them? Or perhaps it’s just the fact West Coast has been a pretty strong club ever since the ground became Adelaide and Port’s home. Look, we’re just looking for positives here – the Eagles need something to hang their hat on!
‘Ruck craft’ sees Bucks & Gaz tee off | 03:32
GWS GIANTS v HAWTHORN
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 3pm on Ch 503, hosted by Ben Dixon with Nick Dal Santo and Gerard Healy
Giants’ burning question: Has Adam Kingsley gone too hard, too early?
The first-year Giants coach admitted this week he won’t deliver a spray to his players too often, but he has cut a flammable, intense figure in the opening rounds of the 2023 season. How that intensity will land with a mixed group of veterans and youngsters can’t be known for certain, but that sort of approach surely isn’t sustainable over the long term. If things aren’t going as planned against Hawthorn on the weekend, it’ll be interesting to see how Kingsley handles himself when addressing the team.
Hawks’ burning question: Will there be any scars from THAT third quarter?
After an extremely competitive opening half, there was belief growing around the MCG the Hawks were about to ruin Geelong’s season and pull off one of the sweetest wins for their fans. Then came one of the worst single-quarter performances you’ll see, with just one forward entry and 10 goals conceded up the other end. Hawthorn champion Jordan Lewis warned on AFL 360: “You have to be careful from a Hawthorn point of view to not think too much about that third quarter – because it can become overbearing, and you think the season’s gone and the game itself presented nothing to you as a player. So you’ve got to then try and take the positives, which would be the first half.” The Hawks need to ensure they repeat whatever they can from that first half against the Giants, because it’s one of the few winnable games on their fixture this year.
‘Extraordinary!’ Saints winning tactics | 03:21
COLLINGWOOD v ST KILDA
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Ch 504, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Dwayne Russell, Jonathan Brown, Matthew Pavlich and Eddie Betts, followed by Bounce and First Crack
Magpies’ burning question: Do they stick to ‘Plan A’ no matter what?
Last week’s humbling at the hands of the Brisbane Lions raised questions over whether the Pies should’ve battened down the hatches and played more conservatively at some point during the Lions’ streak of 10 unanswered goals. Some think the Pies needed to go into damage control, while others believe doing so would be to lose faith in a game plan that has been so successful under Craig McRae. It’s a philosophical debate, but one that last week’s loss has put in the spotlight for Round 5, particularly against a side like St Kilda that can pile on the scores rapidly if allowed to run and carry. Regardless, the Pies are surely more organised this week after last week’s six-six-six violations as they struggled to adapt to the lack of a standout ruck option.
Saints’ burning question: Is this the week the unbeaten bubble pops?
The only concern around St Kilda has been their level of opposition. And certainly things will get harder for them than an opening quartet of Dockers, Bulldogs, Bombers and Suns. But bad teams don’t play as well as they have as consistently as they have, and it’s quite clear their incredible running ability is going to hold them in good stead this season (as long as they don’t get exhausted midway through the season from going so hard). They rank No.2 from ball movement from defensive 50 to forward 50, and No.1 for defending that same ball movement – that’s where the Swans were when they made last year’s Grand Final. Even if the Saints can stay up among the top six in those categories they should be a threat to make the eight. And if they play as well as they’ve been playing, but against Collingwood? Then they’re for real.
