‘Liability’ fears for star amid ‘non-negotiable’ warning; scary trio ‘making rivals bleed’: Blowtorch

Sydney’s surge to the top of the ladder has come off the back of arguably the AFL’s best young trio.

Plus the Saints star potentially becoming a liability, the Demons’ reinvention and much more.

Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 9, as well as the commentators for every Fox Footy game in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!

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ROUND 9 FIXTURE AND BURNING QUESTIONS (All times AEST)

CARLTON v MELBOURNE

Thursday May 9, 7:30pm at the MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6:30pm on Channel 504 with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Brad Johnson & Jon Ralph

Blues’ burning question: Will the return of a key Blue unleash Jacob Weitering?

It’s no secret that Carlton’s defence hasn’t been performing to the standard we’ve come to expect. And, yes, before Blues supporters start barking, they’ve been hammered by injuries to some of their defensive troops. However, if one of those defensive soldiers in McGovern returns to Michael Voss’ side this Thursday night against the Demons, might we see an improved version of Jacob Weitering to the one we’ve seen in recent weeks?

“They’ve got to make Weitering great again,” King implored on Fox Footy’s The First Crack. “They’ve got to get back to the Weitering that was (there) in the back half of last season, not the one we’re seeing now … This is about Weitering and Michael Voss and his defensive coach going ‘hey, you shouldn’t be getting taken off the line or going to redundant positions on bits-and-pieces players … So regularly he was up at the back of stoppages and the ball would go over the top of him. He doesn’t need to be up there. That’s (the drop of the ball) where he needs to be.”

The return of McGovern and his intercepting ability immediately makes Carlton’s defence more malleable. Maybe Weitering won’t have to be so accountable to the “bits-and-pieces” opponents King refers to, particularly as the Blues prepare to come up against a Melbourne side that — at its height — knows how to transition the ball effectively.

Between Rounds 11-24 of last season, Weitering ranked third in the AFL in intercept marking. Between Rounds 3-8 in 2024, he’s ranked a lowly 48th in the competition. With McGovern (hopefully) by his side on Thursday, maybe Carlton’s star stopper will find himself back at the drop of the ball and doing his best work.

Demons’ burning question: How has Simon Goodwin reinvented the Demons?

After an off-season full of drama, the Dees are finally letting their on-field results do the talking. After a gutsy victory over the previously undefeated Cats in round eight, the Dees sit fourth on the AFL ladder with a win-loss record of 6-2. But despite their continuous success, there’s something different about the Dees in 2024.

“It’s mainly about their ball movement,” Lions champion Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy’s On the Couch. It’s the first time in a long time that Melbourne has not prioritised territory. The Demons ranked second for inside 50 differentials in 2021 and 2022 and ranked first last season but are ranked a lowly 15th across the 2024 campaign so far.

“It’s been a big talking point for the Demons over the last few years, that clearly shows they’re going let’s get it inside 50 at all costs,” Brown said.

“They’re more nuanced, their build up is more measured, they change the angles and make it harder to defend.

“There’s no doubt across the board that they’ve made the adjustment this year with their ball movement, they’ve gone from territory to more possession based.”

Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley said that this “has been hard earned” by Simon Goodwin’s troops.

“They’ve had a lot of inside 50s but haven’t been able to get bang for buck in terms of scores and goals for inside 50s,” he said. “They’re not having quite as many inside 50s but far more scoring effect and bang for buck.”

Melbourne’s offence is on the up with their scores per inside 50 improving from 14th in 2023 to seventh this year, while their ball movement has gone from 14th to ninth. Harrison Petty has continued his development as a key forward and Tom McDonald has shone in defence with added responsibility.

Melbourne champion Garry Lyon says the playing group have enormous “trust in each other”. “To play that style needs great trust, I thought Goodwin coached magnificently and the players responded really well,” he said.

GEELONG v PORT ADELAIDE

Friday May 10, 7:10pm at GMBHA Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6:30pm on Channel 504 with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Cameron Mooney & Jon Ralph

Cats’ burning question: Is this just a lean patch for Tom Hawkins?

The Geelong spearhead is horribly out of form. Hawkins, who is set to equal the club’s games played record this weekend, has gone goalless in his past four outings. It begs the question, is his time coming to an end?

“No, I’m certainly not (feeling old),” Hawkins told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Tuesday night. “My running metrics say that I’m not, I’ve still maintained the little speed that I’ve got, I still feel strong and that I’m making decisions really well.”

Hawkins outlined how the side now has “so many avenues towards goal” — something which they haven’t always had throughout his career. “I’m well aware that I’m not in great touch at the moment, but I feel like I’m still playing quite a significant role for the team,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

While Hawkins has been down on form, his teammates haven’t, with the Cats sitting second on the ladder with a win-loss record of 7-1. Jeremy Cameron is one of the most in-form players in the competition, while Ollie Henry is in career-best form. Tyson Stengle has rediscovered his All-Australian form from 2022 and Gryan Miers could well be the best half-forward distributor in the competition.

Tom Hawkins is too good a player to have this goal drought continue much longer, so expect him to break that in his milestone match this weekend.

Power’s burning question: Are they losing finals before they even make them?

It’s the same question every week that the Power can’t seem to shake – what is going on with their defence? Ken Hinkley’s side were only able to score a measly 48 points in Showdown LV, and more concerningly, conceded 30 more than they were able to kick themselves. Speaking on Fox Footy’s First Crack, two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King was concerned for Port Adelaide’s capacity to win finals later in the season – if they make them.

“They’ve got to get it right… you’ve got to know when to hold them and when to hold them,” King said. “This is the sort of stuff that costs you finals – we talk a lot about (how) quarters are important, because games get separated at the start of games.

“They’ve got to get this right – I know Aliir Aliir wasn’t there, but most of these decisions weren’t made by one player, it was made by two, three, four players.”

The Crows shot out to an early 23-point lead in the first quarter, with the Power only ever leading the match with the first score of the game – a behind after two and a half minutes. Consequently, it became extremely difficult for Port to work their way back into the game, with poor decision making in defence costing them several times throughout the match. Aliir’s return this weekend will be a very welcome one, but it will take more than just one man to plug the growing holes in his side’s defence.

FREMANTLE v SYDNEY SWANS

Friday May 10, 8:30pm at Optus Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 8:20pm on Channel 503, and on Channel 504 from approx 10pm, with Adam Papalia, Matthew Pavlich, Will Schofield, Kath Loughnan & Jon Ralph

Dockers’ burning question: Do the Dockers have the most balanced midfield in the league?

Caleb Serong is elite. Andrew Brayshaw is a star. Nat Fyfe is a two-time Brownlow Medalist. And now opposition sides have to deal with Hayden Young too.

“He’s stepped up to be an absolute star,” North Melbourne champion David King told Fox Footy’s First Crack. “It’s their greatest strength (their midfield), along with their defence.”

Young made the switch into the midfield late last year and trained there over summer, learning the ropes and honing his craft.

“He’s one that’s prepared to bite off corridor, he’s got those creative handballs, both forward handballs, inside to out,” King said. “That sort of player is at home in any midfield.”

Young is ranked 23rd by Champion Data amongst midfielders since making the positional switch.

“You can go for three, four, five drafts trying to find that player, they had him at half-back and they’ve redeployed him,” King said. “It’s a big win for them, who knows where that can take them? It’s a well-balanced midfield, they complement one another, but you need someone who has some dare and clearly Hayden’s that man.”

The midfield will have a massive say in how far the Dockers can go in 2024.

Swans’ burning question: Is there currently a more damaging midfield group in the competition?

You’d be hard-pressed finding an AFL engine room inflicting more all-around damage than that of the Sydney Swans, especially after the way they overwhelmed arch-rivals GWS last Saturday.

“The three at the top of the tree — Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden and Chad Warner — they do it differently, Sydney,” David King told Fox Footy’s The First Crack.

“If you look at just the basic numbers of contest and clearances, they stack up really poorly … but when you look at the damage they possess, these three guys … they get the footy, they make you bleed … (and) the influence of Brodie Grundy cannot be understated when you’re talking about the seasons that these guys are having.”

Heeney (73 score involvements), Gulden (62) and Warner (62) sit inside the AFL’s top four for score involvements after eight rounds, demonstrating just how prolific this group is. Grundy, the man helping power this trio, ranks fourth in the AFL for hit-outs to advantage, behind only Adelaide’s Reilly O’Brien, Melbourne captain Max Gawn and the Bulldogs’ Tim English — all of whom have spent significantly more time working with their midfield groups than the first-year Swan.

HAWTHORN v ST KILDA

Saturday May 11, 1:45pm at UTAS Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 1:30pm on Channel 504 with Dwayne Russell, Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Cameron Mooney & David Zita

Hawks’ burning question: Was last week the turning point?

It was one of the club’s best wins since their golden three-peat premiership era.

“Some of their young players were quite brilliant,” St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna told Fox Footy’s The First Crack after the win against the Bulldogs. “It’s been a tough start to the year, some of these youngsters have stalled.”

Hawks fans would have been buoyed by the performance of debutant Calsher Dear, son of the late Paul, who won the 1991 Norm Smith Medal.

“Young Calsher Dear making his debut was the feel-good story of the night … he showed some real athleticism and some tricks,” Montagna said. Dear booted two goals but took five marks and laid four tackles in an all-round impressive performance.

Forward Connor Macdonald booted three goals while exciting defender Josh Weddle batted above his weight division to shut down the damaging Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

“It was heartwarming to see, they have been under the pump,” Montagna said.

Captain James Sicily inspired his players, battling on through an array of injuries. The Hawks skipper dislocated his shoulder in a marking contest early in the game before bravely continuing on, copped a knee to the back of the head and rolled his ankle late. The star defender then went forward in the dying stages and had some “real pivotal moments” which included kicking the sealer.

Was that the turning point for the young Hawks under coach Sam Mitchell? And, coming up against an indifferent St Kilda side at their second home in Tassie, can the Hawks make it back-to-back scalps?

Saints’ burning question: Is Max King becoming a ‘liability’?

St Kilda spearhead Max King is badly out of form. The Sandringham Dragons product has booted just seven goals in five matches.

“I think he’s out of form, he’s out of touch, he’s not maximising his strengths,” Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley told Fox Footy’s On the Couch. “This effort stuff, it’s probably been a consistent thing for him, it’s come up time and time again, poor efforts in contests and work rate to a degree.”

Buckley thinks King needs to get back to focusing on getting the basics right.

“He needs to make a decision about what his best attributes are and keep it simple, play to those attributes, he’s a big unit, when he goes at the highest point, he’s really hard to defend,” he said. “If he does that every time the ball comes in his space, he’s an attribute to his side, but right now the question is, is he a liability?”

Buckley suggested that the Saints could potentially try playing King on a wing or in defence, in a similar vein to the way Gold Coast have used Jack Lukosius.

“You’ve got to develop a competitive edge which is non-negotiable, if you don’t develop that then it doesn’t matter what position,” Buckley said.

“I would’ve thought that would be right in Ross Lyon’s wheelhouse, developing competitiveness in players,” Lions champion Jonathan Brown added.

King faces an injury-depleted Hawthorn defence in round nine, a side he has averaged three goals a game against throughout his career.

ESSENDON v GWS GIANTS

Saturday May 11, 4:35pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4:30pm on Channel 504 with Anthony Hudson, Jason Dunstall, David King, Nick Dal Santo & David Zita

Bombers’ burning question: Can they afford to play their captain more in their attacking half?

In a proper captain’s performance on Saturday night, Zach Merrett kicked three goals from his 29 disposals against the Eagles at Optus Stadium. Needless to say, his efforts sparked conversation over his ability to perhaps spend more time in the attacking half.

“I just loved Merrett getting forward and kicking goals; I think now with a bit more depth in the midfield – Darcy Parish getting back to his best form and some other youngsters – (he) can afford to play Merrett a bit more forward of centre,” Leigh Montagna said on First Crack.

“This guy is that talented that he can kicks goals as well, he’s never really been a goalkicker, but he certainly can if he can push forward more and trust his other midfielders to get the job done. “I thought his performance was sensational.”

Not traditionally seen as a forward, it might be worth some thought for Brad Scott in the coming weeks to spice up an at-times inconsistent forward line.

The trust in his midfield group will certainly need to grow before it happens at least semi-regularly, but the signs are there for the 28-year-old to add another string to his bow.

Giants’ burning question: What’s going on with Toby Greene?

When we talk about the best players in the game, we think of Marcus Bontempelli, Isaac Heeney, Zach Merrett and so forth. But what has happened to Toby Greene this season?

“This blokes name used to roll off our tongue,” Melbourne champion Garry Lyon told Fox Footy’s On the Couch when discussing the stars of the competition. “All good players have a slump in form… but he’s just off.

“The fact that Toby wasn’t able to impose himself on the game emboldened the Swans.”

Greene has an accuracy of just 32% this season, ranked worst across the entire competition. “We saw his frustration creep out late in the contest,” Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley added. “When you play as consistently that he has at such a high level over such a long period of time, there is a pressure that comes with that.

“He’s got teammates now that have stepped into the void and that are contributing more than they ever have before and the team is travelling as well as it ever has.

“Maybe he’s still trying to work out, ‘how important am I and do I need to be best on ground every week?’ which is what he would’ve felt for a lot of his career, versus trying to support his teammates around him.”

Lyon believes Greene is a real barometer for the Giants, who clearly missed his ability to turn a game in the Sydney Derby.

“He represents, more than any other player, the identity of this group – when the Giants are at their best, they’re brash and bold and in your face and he is all of that,” Lyon said. “When he’s not that, I reckon their team’s identity suffers.”

Despite Greene’s lean patch of form to start the season, he is still averaging 17 disposals and 1.3 goals a game. But Buckley believes that it’s not all doom and gloom, given the attention that Greene draws from opposition sides, allowing his teammates to get off the chain.

“When you move the ball as well as they do, but they’ve got someone who gets more attention than another player, there’s a player next to Toby Greene but there’s two free players over here, so they get used more predominantly because they’ve spread the offence and Toby Greene gets bypassed a little bit more which might also be a factor.”

Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown wants to see Greene used in the midfield more often when he is being well held forward of centre.

“Obviously he’s getting some attention, but I’d like to see them free him up a little bit,” Brown said. “I would’ve loved to see Toby Greene get into the game (against the Swans), get him into a centre bounce, instead of having two, three defenders constantly watching him.”

The Giants face fellow top eight side Essendon in round nine and will need their inspirational skipper to be at his best.

RICHMOND v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday May 11, 7:30pm at MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7:20pm on Channel 504 with Ben Dixon, Jack Riewoldt, Eddie Betts, Brad Johnson & David Zita

Tigers’ burning question: Will big man’s return boost them after uninspiring loss?

Richmond has been one of the hardest-hit sides in the competition when it comes to injury. In particular, their key-position stocks at either end of the ground, with young defender Josh Gibcus (ACL) and spearhead goalkicker Tom Lynch (hamstring) sidelined for long stints. Big utility Noah Balta (knee) copped a lengthy setback of his own but is on track to return this Saturday night.

Balta, who’s been tried in defence and attack in addition to stints in the ruck, figures to bolster Adem Yze’s line-up irrespective of where he actually lines up. The tame Tigers could certainly use a boost, especially after a lacklustre loss to the Dockers last Sunday.

“Their effort’s been really solid all year, (but I was) a bit disappointed with their effort (last Sunday),” 287-gamer Leigh Montagna told Fox Footy’s The First Crack. “They’d only laid two tackles at one stage in that second quarter. It was slightly off. (They’re a) young group, injury-ravaged, (but) they’ll be disappointed with that, and I think they’ll look to bounce back.”

It was a let-down for the Richmond faithful in attendance, who’d at least been able to say they’d watched a mostly competitive outfit play their way to a 1-7 start. Coming up against a Bulldogs brigade with plenty of their own problems to address, Yze and his staff will view this weekend as a golden opportunity to take their second scalp of the season.

Bulldogs’ burning question: Are they leaving too much to the Bont?

The Bulldogs desperately need someone to join Marcus Bontempelli for the ride. Bontempelli looks set to add a sixth All-Australian blazer to his cupboard this season after another strong start to his campaign.

“He’s everything to them,” North Melbourne champion David King said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack. “I can’t wrap this guy up enough; we don’t talk about him glowingly enough for the player that he is, and he gets a lot of mentions.

“I see Marcus Bontempelli going to the nth degree every week to try and get them over the line, for whatever reason it’s not clicking for the rest.

“It was a one-man war against Hawthorn, I felt sorry for him that he couldn’t get them over the line.”

Tom Liberatore tries his heart out every week, while there’s been some serious improvement from the likes of Sam Darcy and Cody Weightman. But Bontempelli needs some friends. It’s time for the mid-tier of the Bulldogs list to step up.

“You’re probably looking at guys who are coming up, who have had some experience, guys like Vandermeer, Richards, Williams, Johannisen, Harmes to take that next step,” Hawthorn champion Jordan Lewis suggested to foxfooty.com.au.

GOLD COAST SUNS v NORTH MELBOURNE

Saturday May 11, 7:30pm at TIO Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7:30pm on Channel 503 with Leigh Montagna, Gerard Healy, Dermott Brereton, Alastair Lynch & David Zita

Suns’ burning question: Will the Suns put a line through two recruits and a Top 3 pick?

Gold Coast have hit their lowest point in 2024 after a shocking loss to Brisbane in the 26th edition of the Q-Clash. In perhaps a setback further than coach Damien Hardwick had hoped after Round 8, uncertainty has been thrown the way of some of his club’s best ever draft picks, as well as some recruits.

Speaking on Fox Footy’s First Crack, David King was blunt in his assessment of a Suns trio. “There’s questions about some of the guys they’re playing,” King begun by saying. “Jack Lukosius is a constant discussion for us, and the more I see of him, the more I think Damien will put a line through him and move him on – potentially at the end of the year.

“He’s made moves with some of those senior guys already; (Rory) Atkins has got to be better, (Ben) Long’s got to be better – or you just work your way out of the team.”

Lukosius has always been a prized possession of Gold Coast and its fans, with the statement certainly pricking the ears of Suns supporters. Atkins and Long are in the fourth and second years at the club respectively and have been fringe players across their stints

There’s no doubt the trio have underperformed so far at AFL level this season – which may force the hand of Hardwick soon enough if their form doesn’t turn sooner rather than later.

Kangaroos’ burning question: Have they found one in Charlie Comben?

There were high expectations of Charlie Comben, a young, versatile and athletic key position player when he was first drafted to the club. But after years of serious injuries, he’s finally getting a decent run of it.

Comben has settled into a key defensive position since returning to the AFL side in Gather Round, showcasing his intercept marking skills and ground-ball ability.

“Charlie Comben is the pillar that the Kangaroos can build their defence around,” St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna told Fox Footy’s First Crack. “The way that he defended one-on-one was exceptional… I think they’ve got something there.”

Comben has fought valiantly in North Melbourne’s defence, averaging 13.8 disposals, 4.6 spoils and 3.4 intercept marks this season. He’ll likely form a partnership with key defender Griffin Logue when he returns from an ACL injury suffered last year.

COLLINGWOOD v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday May 12, 1pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12:30pm on Channel 504 with Sarah Jones, Anthony Hudson, Brad Johnson, Dermott Brereton & Jon Ralph

Magpies’ burning question: Are they back in premiership contention?

The Pies lost their first three games of 2024. They haven’t been beaten since.

“I think they’re back in contention, we’re seeing them get back to their best,” St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna told Fox Footy’s First Crack. “I’m liking the small ball forward line mix and the speed and pressure that that’s forcing the opposition.”

Collingwood have beaten Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton and drawn with Essendon since their poor start to the season. The Pies will host Eagles at the MCG on Sunday, where spectators will be treated to a showdown of the young stars – Nick Daicos v Harley Reid.

“He’s got it all, hasn’t he,” North Melbourne champion David King said of Daicos. “The side-step that he has and the way he moves in traffic, it’s frightening really.

“I can’t watch this guy enough.”

Lachie Sullivan was superb on debut against the Blues, while Harvey Harrison is getting better before our very eyes. They’ll be without key forward Brody Mihocek and star on-ballers Tom Mitchell and Jordan De Goey, but that just provides more opportunity for their next wave of talent.

Eagles’ burning question: With Reid’s running mate sidelined, has their flash of momentum died?

Stirring victories over Richmond (Round 5) and Fremantle (Round 6) in back-to-back weeks had Eagles fans briefly thinking they were back in business, led by wrecking duo Harley Reid and Elliot Yeo and an out-of-nowhere Jake Waterman ascension.

However, a heavy loss to Gold Coast a fortnight ago followed by a frustrating narrow defeat to Essendon last Saturday has left a sour taste in West Coast mouths — but they’ve still been far more competitive in losses than they were last year and to begin this season.

In a disappointing turn of events for Adam Simpson and his staff, though, Yeo (groin) will miss at least two weeks of football, while the burgeoning Waterman has entered concussion protocols and won’t play the Magpies on Mothers’ Day. Young forward Noah Long will also spend an extended stint on the sidelines.

It feels like West Coast’s promising progress has been halted. But, despite the heavy Pies favouritism heading into Sunday, Nick Daicos versus Harley Reid is a massive drawcard in itself and that alone will be worth tuning in for.

ADELAIDE CROWS v BRISBANE LIONS

Sunday May 12, 4pm at Adelaide Oval

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 504 with Dwayne Russell, Kelli Underwood, Jack Riewoldt, Jordan Lewis, Mark Ricciuto & Jon Ralph, followed by Bounce and First Crack

Crows’ burning question: Is Jake Soligo about to enter the elite?

You could say it’s almost happened already. For years Rory Laird, Matt Crouch and Jordan Dawson have done the heavy lifting in the Adelaide midfield. Now it’s Jake Soligo’s time.

Soligo was the Showdown Medalist against Port Adelaide in round eight, racking up 28 disposals and ten tackles. Teammate Crouch believes Soligo “absolutely” has the tools and ability to mix it with the best.

“He’s tough. He’s clean around the ball, his workrate is massive as well,” Crouch said. “He’s very clean and he’s a good decision maker.

“His contest stuff is just massive so his development has been really good.”

The Crows take on a star-studded Brisbane Lions midfield on Sunday evening and Soligo will have to be at his best if his side can match it with Lachie Neale and co.

Lions’ burning question: How do they deal with the injury carnage?

The Brisbane Lions medical room has been absolutely packed out in the past week. Lincoln McCarthy and Darcy Gardiner both suffered ACL injuries in the QClash victory, while Noah Answerth has entered concussion protocols and is unavailable this weekend. Defender Brandon Starcevich will be out for over a month with a calf injury, joining the likes of Will Ashcroft, Keidean Coleman and Callum Ah Chee on the sidelines.

But with pain comes opportunity. Bruce Reville made his debut in the QClash and Logan Morris got his first taste at senior level, albeit in bizarre circumstances. Harry Sharp thrived with extra responsibility and Kai Lohmann looks set to get a decent run at things.

Jaxon Prior, James Tunstill and Luke Lloyd are other youngsters biding their time in the AFL, ready to make their mark when given the chance. Can the Lions cope with the injury carnage?