Every club’s burning question, analysis, Fox Footy commentators and TV guide, latest news

The Easter round was always supposed to kick off with a blockbuster – but no-one thought the Grand Final rematch would have the sides a combined 0-5.

That, plus the puzzling talk around Richmond, a first test for a contender and much more.

Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 3, as well as the commentators for every Fox Footy game in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!

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ROUND 3 FIXTURE AND BURNING QUESTIONS (All times AEDT)

BRISBANE LIONS v COLLINGWOOD

Thursday March 28, 7:30pm at the Gabba

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6:30pm on Channel 504 with host Sarah Jones plus Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Alastair Lynch and Jonathan Brown, with Jon Ralph in the newsroom

Lions’ burning question: Has their bye helped them reset and forget, or prevented continuity?

After starting their season with tough losses to Carlton at home and Fremantle away, there is no bigger stage for the Lions to bounce back on than a matchup with the team that beat them in last year’s Grand Final. So the query is whether a rare Round 2 bye will help or hinder them.

You could easily argue Chris Fagan’s men needed a chance to reset after a scratchy start, and it should give them an extra edge other teams don’t normally get this early in the season.

But at the same time, we often see teams off a bye look a bit slow, especially early in games. Compare that to Collingwood who yes, need to fix their issues, but have kept their head in the game out of necessity by playing every week. Time in the middle is always the best form of practice, so are the Lions better or worse off for their 10-day break?

The good news, in a way, is that they’re not the side under pressure – thanks to the Magpies having an extra loss on the board. 0-4 is definitely worse than 0-3, after all. But 0-3 would be pretty horrendous too, so perhaps their dire situation is flying under the radar?

Magpies’ burning question: Is the Grand Final rematch their 2024 Grand Final as well?

It will come as no surprise to any Collingwood fan that their match against the Lions this weekend is being heralded by all corners of the media industry as a ‘do-or-die’ clash for their hopes of making finals.

While it would be not impossible to make finals from 0-4, only Sydney this century has started with the same record or worse (0-6), and went on to play in September. With Steele Sidebottom ‘managed’ and Oleg Markov dropped, coach Craig McRae has called upon two other experienced heads in Will Hoskin-Elliott and John Noble to help resolve their defensive issues.

McRae has clearly pulled no punches at the selection table, given both Markov and Sidebottom were part of the Pies’ premiership team just four games ago last year. Perhaps for the first time in a long time, their assigned underdog status heading into this match may work in their favour.

NORTH MELBOURNE v CARLTON

Friday March 29, 4:20pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 3:30pm on Channel 504 with host Garry Lyon plus Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis and Brad Johnson, with Jon Ralph in the newsroom

Kangaroos’ burning question: Do the Kangaroos beat the Blues if they put in a four-quarter effort?

In a first half last weekend that filled the Kangaroos with plenty of hope, Alistair Clarkson’s ‘Northball’ style seemingly has the potential to break teams wide open at the flick of a switch. While we know their flair didn’t stay for the full match, the likes of Colby McKercher, Harry Sheezel, Tom Powell, Bailey Scott and Luke Davies-Uniacke were firing on all cylinders to a point where Fremantle looked in disarray. Fox Footy’s own Garry Lyon spoke highly of the style of football Clarkson has implemented on the young group.

“From the game styles on the weekend, North were playing the modern sort of footy that stacks up,” Lyon said on On the Couch.

“We saw a Clarkson team come out and play a (stack) of this young talent, play the exciting modern-day brand.”

Their Good Friday matchup against the Blues last year showed promise also, with inaccurate goalkicking (11.18) in a 23-point loss costing them a shot at an upset after leading at half time. While it remains to be seen who the Kangaroos will beat when they play a full four quarters of their best football, the men from Arden St will be optimistic that they can catch out a solid Carlton outfit fresh off their bye.

Blues’ burning question: Can the Blues keep the young Kangaroos at bay in the first half?

After a sluggish start to both their Opening Round and Round 1 win over Brisbane and Richmond respectively, the Blues now face the challenge of holding off an energetic, young Kangaroos list from the first bounce on Friday. Having conceded an average of six goals in their opening quarters this season, it is essential the Blues nullify ‘Northball’ in a way they haven’t yet been able to do yet early in games.

It’s especially important when you consider last year’s Good Friday game, where the then-unbeaten Blues actually trailed at halftime, before surging in the third term on route to a closer-than-expected win.

Matchups on young guns Harry Sheezel and Colby McKercher will be sure to draw attention, with the option of deploying a defensive forward on the distributors across half-back not out of the question for Michael Voss. With Carlton’s last six wins all being by six points or less, the Good Friday clash is shaping up as a positive opportunity to break that streak – only if they can keep the Kangas at bay.

FREMANTLE v ADELAIDE CROWS

Friday March 29, 7:30pm at Optus Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7:15pm on Channel 504 with commentators Adam Papalia, Matthew Pavlich, Gerard Healy & Kath Loughnan

Dockers’ burning question: Can they put together a full game of their best football?

We saw it in the last three quarters against Brisbane and the second half against North Melbourne, but can the Dockers put together a full four-quarter effort against the Crows?

With a real chance to start their season 3-0, Fremantle will want to be doing everything they can to remain undefeated, while also sending a message to the rest of the competition that they are a genuine chance of rejoining the finals fold. How they structure up offensively will no doubt be of interest to many, with the current line-up of Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy and Matthew Taberner as key forwards yet to fully gel.

Caleb Serong continues to be a barometer in the midfield for the Dockers, and will no doubt catch the eye of opposition coach Matthew Nicks with the potential for a run-with role. Should he bear extra attention from the Crows midfield, Andrew Brayshaw and Nat Fyfe will be looked upon to continue their solid starts and maintain the barometer for four quarters.

Crows’ burning question: What changes will the Crows make to their team structure?

A frustrating 17-point loss to Geelong at home has punctured a hole in the Crows’ early season plans for 2024, with claims that their midfield is ‘vanilla’ sparking headlines in South Australia. North Melbourne great David King has put the microscope on their engine room, and suggested a shakeup moving forward.

“I don’t think they are good enough yet to compete with the big boppers,” King argued on First Crack.

“This midfield is vanilla; they don’t have tackle breakers in there, guys that threaten space – they don’t have magic makers in there.”

Names such as Josh Rachele and Izak Rankine have been floated as potential suitors for the aforementioned ‘tackle breakers’ role, however would require a structural change in Adelaide’s forward line too. Having only made finals from 0-3 once in their club’s existence, this week’s Good Friday clash is shaping as a very important one – should history have any say in how the Crows’ season will pan out.

ESSENDON v ST KILDA

Saturday March 30, 4:20pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 3:30pm on Channel 504 with host Sarah Jones plus Anthony Hudson, Jason Dunstall and David King, with David Zita in the newsroom

Bombers’ burning question: How do they stop the increasingly large leak in defence?

After conceding a competition-high 131 points last weekend against the Swans, alarm bells have been sounded over their ability to prevent such high scoring in defence. The matchup against St Kilda this weekend shapes as a big test for Brad Scott, coming up against tactical mastermind Ross Lyon under the roof at Marvel Stadium.

Kangaroos champion David King has questioned the Bombers coach and his impact since arriving at Tullamarine, declaring his opportunity the same as Lyon when he came back to the Saints.

“I scratch my head; I see Ross Lyon go to St Kilda and make it bulletproof straight away… It’s almost the same movie all the time (at Essendon)” King said on First Crack.

“This (on Saturday) is a poor performance defensively, nothing’s really changing so I’m just wondering, if we’re not seeing it now from the pre-season period – how are we going to see it through the course of the year?”

The return of Mason Redman and potential inclusion of Darcy Parish for the Round 3 matchup will be crucial, with Redman in particular vital to their work inside defensive 50. Still without Jordan Ridley however, the Bombers will need to lift their game both in the air and on the ground in their back half to have the best chance of beating the Saints.

Saints’ burning question: Who steps up in Max King’s absence?

With key forward Max King missing this weekend’s clash against Essendon through suspension, opportunity is ripe for one of St Kilda’s forwards to take the reins.

Tim Membrey has played well so far as the second tall forward in the Saints’ forward line, kicking three and two goals respectively in the first two rounds. Against a still somewhat-depleted Essendon defence, the step up for the 188cm forward may not be as drastic as it would be otherwise. While the Bombers conceded a whopping 131 points last weekend, they were also able to score 101 themselves, meaning Membrey’s men up forward will still need to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

During King’s absence at the start of 2023, Jack Higgins and Mitchito Owens were namely the two who hit the scoreboard the most, with Membrey out injured for most of King’s aforementioned time on the sidelines. Whether it be a key forward or smaller that steps up, the hole King leaves will need considerable filling.

PORT ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE

Saturday March 30, 7:30pm at Adelaide Oval

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7:15pm on Channel 504 with host Ben Dixon, Dermott Brereton, Eddie Betts and Brad Johnson, with David Zita in the newsroom

Power’s burning question: How do they handle their first test for 2024?

With the exception of a lazy start to their match with Richmond last week, the Power have had arguably the cruisiest opening by an AFL team this season. Their match the week before against West Coast went exactly as expected, and provides Port with the chance to head into Gather Round next week undefeated – if they can jump their first big hurdle for 2024.

The expected addition of gun pressure forward Jed McEntee (concussion) will aid the hosts in maintaining defence in their attacking half in a game sure to bring about plenty of fast football. The absence of Jason Horne-Francis is not ideal, but the Power have plenty of firepower to call upon in the midfield to go head-to-head with Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Jack Viney.

Arguably the only team left for fans to get an accurate reading on so far this season, where Port stand in the competition will become much clearer at the end of Saturday night.

Demons’ burning question: Can the players continue to successfully put aside off the off-field noise?

In what has been yet another controversial week off-field for the 2021 premiers, the Demons will come up against one of their toughest matchups this season – Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

It must be said that Melbourne have dealt with the extra media attention so far this season well on game-day. Simon Goodwin and his men will be asked to continue their focus more than ever in the coming rounds, after allegations of “off the books” illicit drug tests happening within their club’s four walls. The accusations have captured nationwide attention, with Goodwin denying any knowledge of the claims.

Beyond the off-field drama, Melbourne have comprehensively beaten the Bulldogs and Hawks in recent weeks to look in fine touch for their clash with the Power. Steven May’s absence will be vital on Saturday against a tall Port forward line; however, Goodwin was “really confident” Jake Lever would line up in his old hometown.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday March 31, 1pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12:30pm on Channel 504 with commentators Mark Howard, Kelli Underwood, Dermott Brereton, Gerard Healy and Cameron Mooney, with Jon Ralph in the newsroom

Bulldogs’ burning question: Have the Dogs learnt from their shock loss late last season?

The victims of West Coast’s last win at AFL level, the Western Bulldogs will be out to make sure there is no repeat of their shock Round 23 loss to the Eagles. Their seven-point loss at Marvel Stadium to the eventual 2023 wooden spooners cost them a spot in last year’s finals series, sparking a wave of criticism towards coach Luke Beveridge and his players.

Speaking to Fox Footy on AFL Tonight, 2018 premiership player Will Schofield was adamant that Beveridge’s men will be “breathing fire”. “The Western Bulldogs are a better side, let’s put that out there,” Schofield said. “If it gets close, that’s on the Bulldogs, not the West Coast Eagles.”

In the aforementioned clash last year, the Bulldogs were worse for disposal efficiency, efficiency inside 50, clearances, marks and uncontested possessions – all stat lines Luke Beveridge may well be studying grossly preparation for their rematch. Should the Bulldogs lose again? Absolutely not, but as we learnt last year; anything is possible.

Eagles’ burning question: Has Andrew Gaff’s axing opened the door for further tough calls at the selection table?

In a club where developing young players and rebuilding with a strong foundation are of high priority, premiership coach Adam Simpson has already once this season had to omit a club veteran from his side due to a lack of form.

Andrew Gaff’s four-disposal game against Port Adelaide in Round 1 prompted what was no doubt a tough, but right call to make. Simpson may now be faced with a similar decision on premiership veteran Jack Darling, should he continue to struggle asserting himself as the club’s key forward. His four disposals against Port Adelaide and failure to kick a major against GWS has grabbed the attention of critics, and may leave Simpson looking further into the future than he desires at this point in 2024.

While there is no obvious replacement for him in attack, the dire performances in the last two years may force Simpson’s hand on players like Darling and Gaff if he is to continue to be the man tasked with rebuilding West Coast.

RICHMOND v SYDNEY SWANS

Sunday March 31, 4pm at the MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 504 with commentators Dwayne Russell, Matt Hill, Garry Lyon, Jack Riewoldt and Nick Dal Santo, with Jon Ralph in the newsroom

Followed by Bounce and First Crack

Tigers’ burning question: Have the Tigers really been that bad, or are they exactly where we thought they would be?

Gold Coast, Carlton and Port Adelaide are the three sides Richmond have bravely challenged so far this season, but to no avail come the final siren. Three good halves, equally matched with three bang average halves has cost the Tigers four points that they might’ve deserved from one of their three quality opponents. Not to mention, the side hailing from Punt Rd has been decimated with injuries the last fortnight.

It comes in a season where almost nobody expected anything from Adem Yze’s side – they were a popular pick to join West Coast, North Melbourne and Hawthorn in the bottom four, and are only percentage away from exactly that position.

All things considered; it makes the commentary from Footy Classified’s Caroline Wilson on Monday night somewhat peculiar, noting that the club doesn’t need to “bottom out”. “I just don’t buy your (Footy Classified host Craig Hutchison) doom and gloom and bottoming out scenario you think clubs have to do — I don’t think Richmond has to do that,” Wilson said. “The point is, I just don’t think you go back to the well as low as Hawthorn has. Maybe Hawthorn needed to … but I don’t know if Richmond are in that situation.”

Given the Tigers have played three clubs in good form each round, their fight each match has brought far more attention on their bravery to get within touching distance, opposed to questions over their need to rebuild. For most, Richmond are sitting in the position most expected after Round 2, with another chance to match it with the best against Sydney on Sunday.

Swans’ burning question: Is there anything to worry about with their recent MCG record?

Despite their immaculate start to the 2024 season, do Swans fans have something to worry about travelling to the MCG on Sunday? Their comprehensive win over Collingwood in Round 2 this year would comfortably suggest not, but the 33-point win against the Pies was their first at the venue in six matches.

During this six-match period – which started with an 81-point defeat to Geelong in the 2022 Grand Final – the Swans lost five games in a row with an average losing margin of six goals. One of those five losses was to this weekend’s opponent Richmond in Round 17 last year, a Thursday night game where Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden both put up strong performances but couldn’t carry their team over the line.

The Swans are a far more consistent side now than their 2023 selves, but their record at the home of football is worth noting.

HAWTHORN v GEELONG

Monday April 1, 3:20pm at the MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 2:30pm on Channel 504 with host Sarah Jones plus Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna and Dermott Brereton, with Jon Ralph in the newsroom

Hawks’ burning question: When will their midfield come to the party?

In a grim start to 2024 for the Hawks, their engine room has been at the crux of their problems in Round 1 and 2. While their defence has been mediocre also, they can be somewhat excused given the lack of injured key defenders James Blanck, Denver Grainger-Barras and Changkuoth Jiath.

With Will Day the only notable absentee from their midfield, the Hawks’ ball-winners simply haven’t done enough to give their side enough of a chance against Essendon and Melbourne. Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Conor Nash have been the starting on-ballers so far, with each failing to properly ignite their side in contested situations. The Hawks won just five (!) centre clearances all game against Melbourne, and are down 21 clearances overall across the last fortnight.

Up against a Geelong midfield missing Patrick Dangerfield this Monday, it isn’t mission impossible for the Hawks. At their best, Newcombe, Worpel and Nash are a game-breaking trio that can cause any coach problems – but any hope of making finals will be dashed with a loss in Round 3. Subsequently, the Easter Monday party at the MCG will need the Hawks midfield to be fashionably on time if they are to hang on to their faint finals hopes.

Cats’ burning question: Will the Cats put together their best game yet in Hawkins’ 350th?

After a scratchy win over the Saints in Round 1 and a strong win undermanned against the Crows, Geelong are primed for to take their game to the next level in their biggest player milestone game since Joel Selwood’s 350th in Round 20, 2022.

Still a key player in his 18th AFL season, Hawkins has been a stalwart in their side ever since Geelong’s golden era that begun in the late 2000’s. Despite missing their captain Patrick Dangerfield (hamstring) this long weekend, the Cats are set to welcome back Mitch Duncan and Tom Atkins to help take down a Hawthorn midfield that has been woeful so far in 2024.

Geelong’s failure to get first hands on the ball regularly at the clearance last week against Adelaide was their biggest blight, with a perfect opponent on Monday to rectify their wrongdoings. While expected to win, the 2022 premiers will have a chance to really stamp their authority with a crushing win over the Hawks in a club legend’s milestone game.

– with Max Laughton