Stunning stat must prompt De Goey tweak; time to unleash Cripps: Round 1 Blowtorch

A stunning stat suggests Collingwood has no choice with where it plays Jordan De Goey in 2021.

Plus the Bulldogs weapon that can finally curtail a star Pie and why the Blues must unleash Patrick Cripps as a ‘striker’.

Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 1, as well as the Fox Footy Podcast ‘Cups’, tips and commentators for every Fox Footy game in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch.

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ROUND 1 GAMES (all times AEDT)

RICHMOND v CARLTON (Andrew Collins Cup)

Thursday March 18, 7.25pm at MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 504 from 6.30pm, hosted by Garry Lyon with Jonathan Brown, Nick Riewoldt, Kath Loughnan and Tom Morris.

Tigers’ burning question: Will this be the first win of a special season?

You’d be a brave person to bet against the Tigers this year — which is why nearly half of the Fox Footy experts recently surveyed tipped Richmond to win a fourth flag in five seasons. The scary aspect about Richmond is while it has the fifth-oldest list in the competition, its oldest players — Bachar Houli, Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, David Astbury and Dustin Martin — appear far from the end of their careers. In fact they’re more than capable of producing career-best footy in 2021. The Blues will have to find something special to knock Richmond over on Thursday night.

Blues’ burning question: Is it time for Patrick Cripps to play more like Dusty?

St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt introduced a new term into the footy vernacular this week: The Striker – a position requires a powerful, physical player who can dominate one-on-one and be deployed forward of centre to ensure maximum damage with their possession. Tigers superstar Dustin Martin plays this role essentially every week, while the likes of Patrick Dangerfield, Christian Petracca and Nat Fyfe have shown glimpses in the rile. Is it Carlton unleashes 195cm beast skipper Patrick Cripps in the role too? Cripps has been colossal around stoppages for years, throwing himself into contests to win the hard ball for the betterment of his team. But perhaps this year, his club would benefit more from him playing predominantly forward. And as St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna pointed out on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Wednesday, Cripps won 73 per cent of his disposals against the Saints in the AAMI Community Series in the front half, compared to 46 per cent across his career. Watch this space.

Fox Footy expert tipsters’ verdict: Richmond 15 — Carlton 0

Cripps to play forward in round one? | 02:20

COLLINGWOOD v WESTERN BULLDOGS (Tom Young Cup)

Friday March 18, 7.50pm at MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 504 from 7pm, hosted by Garry Lyon with Jonathan Brown, Nick Riewoldt, David King and Jon Ralph.

Magpies’ burning question: How often should they unleash Jordan De Goey in the midfield?

Whether you like it or not, De Goey has always been compared to Dusty. And since Martin’s rise to superstardom, many have wondered whether De Goey will follow a similar path, which would include spending more time in the midfield. Against Richmond in the AAMI Community Series, De Goey had an impressive 27 disposals — but more than half of them were in the defensive half of the ground. But as St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna pointed out on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Wednesday, Collingwood has a 14-4 record when De Goey kicks three or more goals in a game — and that could’ve easily been 16-2 considering two losses came after awesome individual efforts from opponents (Dom Sheed in the 2018 Grand Final and a Michael Walters post-siren goal in 2019). Montagna said: “That’s enough for me to play him in the front half, that’s all they need to win a game. If they don’t play him (predominantly forward), I can’t see how Collingwood kick big enough scores this year to trouble the really good teams.”

Bulldogs’ burning question: Are they finally properly prepared to curtail Brodie Grundy?

After the acquisition of Stefan Martin during the trade period, surely they are. Grundy has absolutely dominated the Bulldogs in the Magpies’ past three outings against them, polling a full nine Brownlow votes, kicking four goals ad averaging 22 disposals. Tim English had little answers for the multiple All-Australian on those occasions. But now he has a strong, experienced partner in ruck crime to help combat Grundy and limit his influence on games. Martin and English worked superbly together in the Bulldogs’ two pre-season clashes, with English playing predominantly more forward and causing headaches for opposition defences. Martin could help the Dogs break their four-game losing streak against Collingwood.

Fox Footy expert tipsters’ verdict: Collingwood 1 — Western Bulldogs 14

Treloar emotionally recounts tough 2020 | 01:41

MELBOURNE v FREMANTLE (Scott Chisholm Cup)

Saturday March 19, 1.45pm at MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 504 from 1.30pm, hosted by Sarah Jones with Mark Howard, Jonathan Brown, Jordan Lewis and Nick Dal Santo.

Demons’ burning question: Surely the loss to the Bulldogs was an aberration?

It better be. Otherwise already-frustrated and impatient Demons fans will be in for another long, painful year. Alarm bells went off last Monday when the Bulldogs thumped Melbourne by 39 points and won the disposal (+115), clearance (+24), contested possession (+51) and inside 50 counts (+23) by ridiculous margins. Granted they were missing some of their best players in Clayton Oliver, Angus Brayshaw and Jack Viney, while key forwards Ben Brown and Sam Weideman remain sidelined through injury, but it was a concern. However their performance the previous week against Richmond, in which they won by under a kick, will be the Demons outfit fans will be wanting to see in 2021. That day they unveiled a quicker, more attacking style that caught the Tigers off-guard throughout the game. Maybe we’ll see that against Fremantle on Saturday.

Dockers’ burning question: Can a debutant tame Max Gawn?

Yeah welcome to the AFL, Lloyd Meek. With fellow ruckman Sean Darcy in doubt to play and ruck-forward Rory Lobb definitely not playing, debutant Meek will likely have to carry the ruck load solo on Saturday against Max Gawn — arguably the best big man in the game that’s coming off two imposing pre-season performances where he showed he could have more of an influence forward of centre this year. But Meek, a 203cm big man who was taken with Pick 69 in the 2017 draft, couldn’t have impressed Justin Longmuir more over the summer with his attitude and output. His competitiveness, follow-up efforts and chemistry with his midfielders caught the eye of Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy, who told Fox Footy: “The Dockers have found one there with Meek. He just looks a natural.”

Fox Footy expert tipsters’ verdict: Melbourne 12 — Fremantle 3

Crows cut ties with Stengle | 01:22

ADELAIDE v GEELONG CATS (Ronnie Burns Cup)

Saturday March 19, 4.35pm at Adelaide Oval

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 504 from 4.30pm, with Anthony Hudson, Jason Dunstall, Nick Riewoldt, Mark Ricciuto and Eddie Betts.

Crows’ burning question: Can they pick up from where they left off?

After a disastrous, tumultuous first half of 2020, the Crows went back to basics to finish the season, improving their contested ball game to win three of their last five games. But there’s been more list turnover during the off-season, which means Adelaide enters 2021 with the youngest and least-experienced list of all AFL teams. Many have predicted North Melbourne for the wooden spoon, but Adelaide still appears very much in rebuild mode, meaning this season could be a long one if the team can’t stick to the basics — winning clearances and contested ball — during games

Cats’ burning question: How much impact can Shaun Higgins and Isaac Smith have?

While Jeremy Cameron has stolen the headlines, the other two significant Cats recruits could have just as much influence in the hoops this season. Triple premiership Lion Jonathan Brown said Higgins and Smith were “huge assets” that could have an immediate impact, telling On The Couch: “We know (Smith’s) work, he’s a hard runner. He gets out on the MCG and he’ll allow (Mark) Blicavs to go back and play as a key defender with no Harry Taylor. Higgins is classy. He’s used to getting tagged at North Melbourne, so he’ll be running around in Geelong colours not getting tagged.”

Fox Footy expert tipsters’ verdict: Adelaide Crows 0 — Geelong Cats 15

Robbo: AFL’s rule call is ‘ridiculous’ | 03:16

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN (Danny Jacobs Cup)

Saturday March 19, 7.25pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 504 from 7.15pm, hosted by the Saturday Stretch team of Kath Loughnan, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson and Tom Morris.

Bombers’ burning question: Is this the year they bottom out?

Most pundits are predicting the Bombers to sink from 13th last year to the bottom four this year. In fact Geelong champion Cameron Mooney tipped the Bombers to claim the wooden spoon, telling foxfooty.com.au: “I think Essendon are in all sorts of trouble this year. I think they’re cooked.” But after an excellent draft haul, which saw them take three top-10 draftees, as well an impressive pre-season outing, should fill Essendon fans with hope this season. The acquisition of gun assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa to the Bombers’ coaching panel shouldn’t be underestimated either, with the former Bulldogs having a significant impact in his first few months at the club. They’ll start as the favourite against the Hawks.

Hawks’ burning question: How much can we read into their summer form?

After a great comeback win over the Bulldogs and a thumping victory against North, you could question why there’s been so much confusion and, to a certain extent, doom over the Hawks during the off-season. But pre-season games are often about looking for trends, rather than results. Yes they were comprehensive against the Kangaroos, but the sense was the Hawks would struggle to compete against finals contenders with such a raw team. The Hawks played their hand late last year when they unleashed the kids in the back-half of the season. Despite still having the seventh-oldest list in the competition, you’d expect a younger, new-look Hawks outfit for most games this season.

Fox Footy expert tipsters’ verdict: Essendon 13 — Hawthorn 2

Pyke not ruling out head coaching return | 03:51

BRISBANE LIONS v SYDNEY SWANS (Ben Fixter Cup)

Saturday March 19, 7.45pm at Gabba

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 503 from 7.30pm, with Dwayne Russell, Dermott Brereton, Gerard Healy and Alastair Lynch.

Lions’ burning question: Are we underestimating them — again?

Of the 23 Fox Footy pundits that were surveyed for foxfooty.com.au’s 2021 crystal ball piece recently, only one tipped the Lions to win the flag. That’s despite the fact they still have a young yet talented list, have a great forward-half game and have finished in the top four the past two seasons. Maybe there’s a sense the Lions can’t have a fourth straight year of excellent injury luck — they’ve had the second-fewest, fewest and third-fewest games lost to injury the past three seasons — or there’s concerns over their contested ball drop-off during the back half of last season.

Swans’ burning question: How much patience will Sydney fans need?

On paper, you’d suggest a bit. While there’s some hope the Swans could be a sneaky finals chance this year, all the numbers suggest they’re not ready to be a contender. In a 2020 season where they finished third-last on the ladder, the Swans struggled to get a forward-half game going, ranking 15th for time in forward-half differential and 17th for inside 50 differential. There’s always been concerns about their options inside 50 when Lance Franklin is sidelined — which could be for a few more weeks yet — but the bigger issue is actually getting it in there in the first place. However the Swans have one of the most exciting crop of young players in the competition, with their top three draftees from last year in Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden to be unleashed on Saturday night. Add in Callum Mills, Ollie Florent, James Rowbottom and Dylan Stephens and you’ve got the core of a stunning list ready to surge … in a few years.

Fox Footy expert tipsters’ verdict: Brisbane Lions 15 — Sydney Swans 0

Teammates rally around Powell-Pepper | 00:56

NORTH MELBOURNE v PORT ADELAIDE (Michael Stevens Cup)

Sunday March 20, 1.10pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 503 from 1pm, hosted by Kath Loughnan with Dwayne Russell, Jason Dunstall, David King and Cameron Mooney.

Kangaroos’ burning question: Should they really be wooden spoon favourites?

North was clearly the most popular pick for the wooden spoon among the Fox Footy pundits pre-season. But the club is confident it can surprise in 2021. Montagna told foxfooty.com.au last month the Kangaroos were “better placed than they’re being given credit for”, adding: “If you put their best side out there, they’ve got a nice mix of young talent and strong, experienced leaders.” They’ll want to atone for their poor pre-season showings — two big losses to St Kilda then Hawthorn — to start the season. But the Kangaroos already have a strong the foundation with strong effort, tackling pressure and contested ball ability.

Power’s burning question: Could Aliir Aliir be the recruit of 2021?

The early signs suggest the signing of the key intercept marking defender could be a mastermind move by Port. Against the Crows in the AAMI Community Series, Aliir starred with 21 disposals, 14 marks, 11 intercepts and eight score involvements in a promising display. Melbourne champion Garry Lyon told Fox Footy’s On The Couch: “I can’t believe there wasn’t 12 teams (interested in him) … Albeit it was against an Adelaide side who are battling a bit and he made a mess of Tex Walker, but his ability to read it, get to it … He looked like a beast in that game.” Aliir will want to carry that form into the start of the premiership season, but he could really bolster a backline that was already strong.

Fox Footy expert tipsters’ verdict: North Melbourne 0 — Port Adelaide 15

Dal’s bold 2021 AFL predictions | 03:25

GWS GIANTS v ST KILDA (Jack Steele Cup)

Sunday March 20, 3.20pm at Giants Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 504 from 3pm, hosted by Sarah Jones with Dermott Brereton and Jordan Lewis.

Giants’ burning question: Can Leon Cameron unite this group for another finals surge?

Most externally don’t believe so, but they’ve got enough talent on their list to be around the mark and play finals. Many pundits became frustrated with how they moved the ball at times last year, especially for a team so blessed with excellent kickers. Triple All-Australian Nick Dal Santo told foxfooty.com.au last month: “Their conservative brand of football, in my opinion, did them no favours at all. It didn’t give them many opportunities to be what they could have been last year.” Whether the Giants tweak that style for 2021 will be fascinating to follow throughout 2021.

Saints’ burning question: Have they suffered too many injuries to produce a Round 1 win?

Probably. Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder have left gaping chasms in the ruck, while Max King, Brad Crouch, Dan Hannebery, Jarryn Geary, Ben Paton and James Frawley are also unavailable for Round 1 — some for much longer. If you put the Giants’ best side and the Saints’ best line-up, as well as the two sides’ respective styles, against each other, most would tip the Saints. But it would be one heck of an effort to knock over the Giants on Sunday now.

Fox Footy expert tipsters’ verdict: GWS Giants 12 — St Kilda 3

Robbo grills Gill on concussion sub | 00:53

WEST COAST EAGLES v GOLD COAST SUNS (Ryan Davis Cup)

Sunday March 20, 6.10pm at Optus Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 504 from 6pm, hosted by Sarah Jones with Anthony Hudson, Garry Lyon, Brad Johnson and Matthew Pavlich.

Eagles’ burning question: Are they somewhat ripe for the picking?

They’re a darn good side, the Eagles. And they’re a darn tough team to beat at Optus Stadium. But this might be the Suns’ best chance to beat the Eagles in Perth, considering the latter will be without Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo, while Josh Kennedy and Tim Kelly didn’t played a pre-season game between them. The last time these two sides met, the Suns caused a major boilover and won by 44 points as Matt Rowell announced himself with two goals, 26 disposals and three Brownlow votes. Mind you, you’d be a brave tipster to go against the Eagles this weekend.

Suns’ burning question: How much of a difference will Matt Rowell make upon return?

It might not be immediate — he looked a little scratchy in his two pre-season outings — but when he’s back to his best, you’d imagine the Suns will be a much more threatening outfit. When Rowell played last year, Gold Coast ranked sixth for disposal differential, 11th for contested possession differential, fifth for uncontested possession differential and 10th for inside 50 differential, according to Champion Data. But when he went down with the shoulder injury, the Suns plummeted to 18th, 14th, 18th and 15th in those stats respectively. Rowell’s absence, clearly, wasn’t the only reason for the Suns’ 2020 decline, but he was certainly a big part of it.

Fox Footy expert tipsters’ verdict: West Coast Eagles 15 — Gold Coast Suns 0