Will the Bombers prove that they are the real deal or will the Blues continue pressing their case as premiership contenders?
There’s one last chance for the Lions, the Crows need to rediscover their DNA and the Hawks seek a Giant scalp.
Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 13, as well as the commentators for every Fox Footy game, in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!
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ADELAIDE CROWS v RICHMOND
Thursday June 6, 7:30pm at Adelaide Oval
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6:30pm on Channel 504 with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Mark Ricciuto & Jon Ralph
Crows’ burning question: Can the rediscover their DNA?
Adelaide was torn apart by Hawthorn last weekend in a crucial loss in the context of its season as finals now appears unlikely for Matthew Nicks’ side. It’ll get a chance to bounce back this week though against a lowly ranked Tigers outfit in a must-in game for the Crows. Adelaide against Hawthorn conceded 46 points from turnover — its worst result for the season — with Roos legend David King noting it was the cost of the ball continuously coming back into the Crows’ defence they played too safe. “They let themselves down because they didn’t have a real crack and I think that’s what would disappoint the coach more than anything. They got beaten playing safe footy ... that’s not them, they’re a run and gun, create, explode, excite ... there’s simple fixes and I think this is one of those, but they’ve got to play with some dare,” King said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack.
Tigers’ burning question: Is Dusty’s 300th more important than an elusive win?
It might sound outlandish to say, but the Tigers aren’t playing Dusty in Adelaide this week could be costing them one of their best shots yet to win a second match this year. With opposition captain Jordan Dawson not at 100 per cent as well as Taylor Walker and Matt Crouch missing through injury, the Crows are even more vulnerable than they were against Hawthorn last week. Additionally, the Tigers were valiant in defeat against the Cats down in Geelong – often a very hard task for any club that’s fully fit; let alone as depleted as Richmond are.
So the question begs, have the Tigers – perhaps indirectly – suggested that Dustin Martin playing his 300th game at home is more important than a genuine chance of an away win against Adelaide? We’ll never truly know, but hopefully for Richmond’s sake they can get into the three-time Norm Smith medallist’s milestone game in winning form.
Dusty 300th on hold because 'he's crook' | 00:40
WESTERN BULLDOGS v BRISBANE LIONS
Friday June 7, 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6:30pm on Channel 504 with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis & Jon Ralph followed by Fox Footy Live
Bulldogs’ burning question: Are they being discounted as a serious finals player?
The Dogs are in great form, having won three of their past four games — with their only loss in that period coming against Sydney in a game they could’ve pinched. It includes a win over reigning premier Collingwood last weekend despite Luke Beveridge’s side missing several stars and a big road win over the Giants last month. There’s not much more the Dogs can be doing right now to impress ... so are they getting enough credit as not only a finals contender, but potential team that could go deep? “They’ve been on the canvas for a few weeks and somehow have found a way. Everyone was coming for ‘Bevo’ for a while there and they’re back in the hunt now and looking really dangerous. They’ve got some returning stars over the next few weeks and they’re going to get healthier and better. They’re going to be a tough proposition in the back-half of the year. I think they’ll make (the top eight), don’t have a bad night against the Dogs. Because their younger players have elevated and their stars are still playing at the top level,” Roos legend David King said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack. They will find it tough to make the top four because of their indifferent start and tough fixture, but could certainly make a charge into the Grand Final from the bottom half of the eight - where Sydney is a looming opponent. 2016, anyone?
Lions’ burning question: Can they make the most of their last chance?
It’s an extremely familiar conversation for Lions fans this week, with the same talk of ‘lose and their season is over’ being re-spun. Unfortunately, however, that is the truth for Brisbane and Chris fa*gan – who sit two-and-a-half games outside of the top eight; albeit, they have played one less game this season than other teams in between them and eighth spot. A draw against Adelaide and loss against Hawthorn leading into their bye prevented them from staying within reasonable touch of the true contenders, and left them now scrambling with only half a year remaining.
Their match-up for the season-defining clash is by no means ideal, staring down the barrel of an in-form Bulldogs line-up who are similarly scrapping to play in September. With their backs well and truly up against the wall, fa*gan will be hoping that their inconsistency vanishes just in time for the back half of the season.
Beveridge nervous as Liberatore returns | 02:29
HAWTHORN v GWS GIANTS
Saturday June 8, 1.45pm at UTAS Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 1:30pm on Channel 504 with Dwayne Russell, Kelli Underwood, Nick Dal Santo, Dermott Brereton, Cameron Mooney & David Zita
Hawks burning question: Can they claim a genuine scalp?
Sam Mitchell’s side is on a roll, having won four of its last five games to improve to 5-7. It’s made the young Hawks a real danger team now —along with the Western Bulldogs, the “scariest team to play right now, according to Roos legend David King. While the Hawks got extremely close to beating Port Adelaide, they’re still yet to beat a top eight side this season, so Saturday’s clash with the Giants is a chance for the club to take a legitimate scalp. King was full of praise of how much Will Day’s return has helped the side including the Hawks since Round 7 ranking ninth in centre bounce clearance differential and sixth in scores from centre bounce.
“It just takes the pressure off the rest of your program to have to score in different ways ... it’s been terrific to see the revolution, if you like, of this midfield. They’re going to play a lot of football together and be hard to roll the next few weeks. I really wouldn’t want to be playing the Hawks right now,” King said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack.
Giants’ burning question: Can the Giants survive the giant killers?
Adam Kingsley’s men saved themselves from a dire form slump against the Cats in Round 11 with an impressive win at Kardinia Park, but Saturday’s game in Tasmania still looms as a danger game. The Hawks have been labelled as ‘giant killers’ in recent weeks for their surprise wins over the Western Bulldogs, Brisbane and now Adelaide – plus a win over St Kilda in there too.
At the start of 2024, this match would have initially been seen as a tick-box exercise, but now it looms as both a genuine test of their whereabouts in the flag race, plus a tune-up for next week’s clash with Port Adelaide – who will be out to prove their own worth after slipping to Carlton last Thursday. A win would be expected by most, and as the better side, will back themselves in to get the job done. A loss this weekend however, could very well see the Giants slip out of the eight – and quite possibly premiership contention, making a win over the Hawks as important as ever.
Coaches on Reid Rising Star eligibility | 06:32
WEST COAST EAGLES v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday June 8, 4.35pm at Optus Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4:30pm on Channel 504 with Adam Papalia, Gerard Healy, Will Schofield, Kath Loughnan & David Zita
Eagles’ burning question: How will they fare without Harley?
Eagles young gun Harley Reid has captured the attention of the footy world since his move to the West. His trademark fend-offs and high-flying grabs are captivating, and he has lifted West Coast out of the doldrums when many thought they would be there for years. He’s practically taken ownership of the West Australian’s back page, but this week, he made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Eagles will be without their star player after his two-match ban for a dangerous tackle was upheld at the Tribunal. Can they cover for him? The Eagles are set to be bolstered by the returns of Tim Kelly and Jake Waterman which will definitely help, but it’s not often a first year player has the impact Harley’s had.
Kangaroos’ burning question: Can they finally get on the winner’s list?
North Melbourne haven’t given fans too much to smile about in 2024. They’ve lost eleven consecutive matches this year as Alastair Clarkson’s side continues to search for answers. But could they finally break their drought this weekend? It’s probably their best opportunity against a Harley Reid-less Eagles side. Jake Waterman poses a massive threat to North Melbourne’s defence if he returns for West Coast, meaning the Roos absolutely must gain control in the middle of the ground. It’s going to be a long road back to the top, but a win on the road this week will give the club a much-needed boost.
Rising Star no more! Reid cops ban | 01:17
ST KILDA v GOLD COAST SUNS
Saturday June 8, 7.30pm at Marvel Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7:15pm on Channel 504 with Ben Dixon, Jack Riewoldt, Brad Johnson, Eddie Betts & David Zita
Saints’ burning question: What is the destination for St Kilda?
It’s been as far from an ideal season for Saints fans as many could imagine heading into 2024, and now – the road back to success is murkier than it has been for a long time. The First Crack’s Ben Dixon outlined last Sunday how their defence – which is widely accepted as their best asset when functioning – is a large part of their failures this year.“I’m just still a little confused on what the destination is for the Saints right now… they’re leaking; they’re not defending in any part of the ground,” Dixon said.
The Saints currently rank 13th for opposition scores per inside 50, 12th for chains to score against and 11th for points against from turnovers – all stats that the former Hawk referenced during his analysis on the club’s defensive output in 2024.
“The wins this year (besides a Round 2 win over Collingwood) have been against Richmond, West Coast and North Melbourne – all teams below them,” Dixon added.
With no obvious interest in players coming to the club this off-season, despite their war-chest at the ready, co-panellist David King gave his verdict on Ross Lyon’s side.
“They’re in a hole for elite-level talent, and that’s why they’re in the market for every free agent available,” said King.
“Things can change, but they’ve got to address what they’ve got now… all those numbers correct if you find an uncontested mark inside 50, and you take 30 seconds to set up behind the ball – you can’t move the ball against them. The problems look dire; I don’t think it’s as deep as what people say.”
Suns’ burning question: Can they finally win on the road?
As impressive as the Suns’ season has been in Damien Hardwick’s first at the helm — including going undefeated in home games both on the Gold Coast and in Darwin — they’re still yet to get a monkey off the back — win on the road. It’s an important step for the club in its bid to make a serious run at making finals, and it gets a good opportunity this week to register its first road win against the bottom four Saints, albeit a Saints side coming off its own away win over West Coast. Hardwick’s side faces Fremantle and Collingwood on the other side of its bye, so an important game to bank the four points too — where it can improve to 8-5 — and consolidate its spot in the finals.
How the Saints stopped Harley Reid | 06:36
SYDNEY SWANS v GEELONG CATS
Sunday June 9, 3:20pm at the SCG
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6:30pm on Channel 504 with Anthony Hudson, Mark Howard, Jordan Lewis, David King, Alastair Lynch & Jon Ralph followed by Bounce
Swans’ burning question: Has their culture given them one hand on the premiership?
During the week, it was the signing of hotly-contested mid-forward Will Hayward that would’ve brought them a smile bigger than most. Now signed on at the Swans until the end of 2029, Much like teammate Errol Gulden, Hayward is yet another of the core young group of Swans to commit to the club long-term – and it speaks volumes of their tight culture that is helping give them the best chance to win a premiership since 2012.
“I knew my heart was here in Sydney. It’s a great club and at the end of the day, the good people and the team success we’re having is what kept me here,” the 25-year-old said to Fox Footy’s AFL 360 panel on Tuesday night.
“We just want to win games of footy. Myself and everyone at our group is willing to do anything to do that.”
This Sunday will be another test for John Longmire’s highly-touted group, but if they can successfully tame the Cats, pundits will only continue to frame them as premiership favourites – due to both their on and off-field success.
Cats’ burning question: Were Geelong every truly ‘flying’?
Despite at one stage the last team to remain undefeated, Geelong coach Chris Scott is sceptical of his side ever really getting off the ground to start 2024. Speaking to Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Monday night, Scott looked backwards before looking forwards; perhaps putting the win-loss record into perspective.
“We were 7-0 and didn’t feel like we were flying… then we lost four in a row, and didn’t feel like we were horrible either. Hopefully the shift on the weekend in the second half sets us up for this little period,” Scott said.
“We’re probably a month away from working out exactly where everyone sits.”
With their next six matches against Sydney, Carlton, Essendon, Hawthorn, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs – Scott is absolutely right in his assessment of knowing more about every side in the next month; but particularly Geelong – who incredibly, despite sitting third, are only one win and percentage inside the top eight.
'I've never seen it before!' | 01:13
ESSENDON v CARLTON
Sunday June 9, 7:20pm at the MCG
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6.45pm on Channel 504 with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jack Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo & Jon Ralph
Bombers’ burning question: Can they pass the test?
Essendon have started 2024 with a bang, holding a record of 8-3-1 to sit second on the AFL ladder. But are they the real deal? The Bombers matched it with the Suns at home for 95% of the match last week, but a few costly errors late in the piece gifted Gold Coast the win. The clash with the Blues on Sunday looms as a massive test for Brad Scott’s side. They’ll need the midfield to lift, given the form that Carlton midfield duo Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh are in. Carlton twin towers Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay also loom as a serious threat, but if Ben McKay and Jayden Laverde can put the clamps on them, it’ll go a long way towards the Bombers claiming a huge scalp.
Blues’ burning question: How much gas are the Carlton midfield cooking with?
Fresh off a drought-breaking win at Adelaide Oval, the Blues midfield would be walking with a bit of a strut in their stride – and rightly so. The efforts of Sam Walsh and ruck Tom de Koning all night were excellent, while the last-quarter resurgence of Patrick Cripps, who otherwise had a quiet night, showed their side can pull games in their favour when the going gets tough.
“It was the longest seven minutes of footy of all-time,” David King said on The First Crack last Sunday, referencing their four rapid-fire goals to start off the final term against the Power.
“That was as brutal as they’ve been for a while, and it just shows you what they’re capable of as a midfield core now.”
“The engine room just turned the heat up; they were just cooking with some gas,” added Ben Dixon, highlighting Carlton’s scores from stoppage in the same quarter.
Essendon’s midfield will give a different dynamic to the usually elite centre bounce work of Port Adelaide, but make no mistake – Carlton’s midfield has shot itself into the limelight as one that can win games for Michael Voss.
McRae breaks down where game turned | 08:30
COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE
Monday June 10, 3:20pm at the MCG
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 2pm on Channel 504 with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Brad Johnson, Eddie Betts & Jon Ralph followed by AFL 360 and On the Couch
Magpies’ burning question: Is Daicos the ‘best centre bounce player’ of the modern era?
Nick Daicos is doing things Roos great David King has never seen before. The third-year superstar had another huge performance in Collingwood’s loss to the Western Bulldogs last Friday night with 32 disposals, 27 contested, plus two goals among eight score involvements. Daicos’ has now registered an AFL-best 32 centre bounce clearances since Round 4, with his move to inside midfield flawless after playing a mixture of on the ball and across half back. King on Fox Footy’s The First Crack went so far to call Daicos, 21, the “best centre bounce player” he’s seen, saying you have to go back to Chris Judd’s glory days to see a player have as much impact. “Who else has done this in this fashion? The others are blocking him out and giving him full run as effectively a one-on-one, they’re boxing out for him. He’s the best loose ball get player in the comp ... what he’s doing has to be recognised. This guy has gone from a ball user to a ball winner in the space of one year, I can’t remember a player that’s done that,” King said on The First Crack.
Demons’ burning question: How do they respond to biggest ever loss under Goodwin?
Let’s not overanalyse any stories within the game or get too caught up in the mechanics — how the Dees respond to a their biggest ever loss under Simon Goodwin is intriguing — a 92-point belting at the hands of Fremantle in Alice Springs where Melbourne was was smashed in virutally all facets of the game in an un-Melbourne like performance. “What’s real is going to be the response,” Herald Sun reporter Mark Robinson said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360. Fair to say we’ll have a good idea of how they respond in the first five minutes of Monday's blockbuster, but it’s beyond that when the adrenaline wears off where we’ll get an ever better idea of how up for the fight these Dees are. Criticism has come far and wide on the Dees in the aftermath of last weekend including club great Garry Lyon declaring on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 it “didn’t mean enough” to Simon Goodwin’s side. Well, if a King’s Birthday clash with Collingwood doesn’t get you up, nothing will.
