AFL 2025: The Blowtorch Round 8 preview, every club’s burning questions, analysis, stats, how to watch on Fox Footy, commentators, latest news

A “rattled” star skipper could benefit from a position shift amid a dry stretch, and why an out-of-form forward needs a breakout performance at his new club.

Plus, a finals fancy’s extensive injury list looks to have had a huge silver lining as the development of its list has been “fast-tracked” as a result.

Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 8, as well as the commentators for every Fox Footy game, in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!

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AFL ROUND 8 (all times AEDT)

ESSENDON v NORTH MELBOURNE

Thursday May 1, 7.30pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6.30pm on Channel 504, hosted by Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna & Jon Ralph, with commentary from Mark Howard, Matt Hill, Jack Riewoldt, David King, Brad Johnson & Eddie Betts.

Bombers’ burning question: Is it quietly a must-win game?

It shapes as a game Essendon can’t afford to drop, having owned this fixture recently — unbeaten in its past 11 against North Melbourne — as well as considering the Roos’ costly outs of George Wardlaw and Paul Curtis; currently the eighth-highest-rated player in the competition and sits fifth in the Coleman Medal race after eight weeks. It’s an opportunity for Brad Scott’s side to put forth a respectable back-half showing, with dual flag-winner David King saying on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview: “Defensively, (they’re) not as sharp as you’d hope.” The Bombers currently give up the third-most inside-50s in the competition, and their score-per-inside-50 rate is below the league average. They’re also third-worst for defending opposition ball movement. It’s time for the 3-3 Dons to take a stand at a critical juncture to keep in touch with the top eight.

Kangaroos’ burning question: What to do with Harry Sheezel?

The Roos have battled in recent weeks and the spotlight has landed on young gun Harry Sheezel, who is yet to reach the heights of last year’s campaign. One of the most promising youngsters in the competition, the Roos want the ball in Sheezel’s hands as much as possible, but where can he have maximum influence? It’s the question that Alastair Clarkson and his coaching staff have probably spent a fair bit of time thinking about this year. Sheezel can provide plenty of dash and rebound when playing across half-back, is a spark inside forward 50 as well, but he’s also proven to be a valuable commodity in the midfield. Sheezel has dropped from 11th to 208th in the AFL Player Ratings system, but you can’t keep as committed and talented a player as Sheezel down for long.

ST KILDA v FREMANTLE

Friday May 2, 7.40pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6.30pm on Channel 504, hosted by Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis & Jon Ralph, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Gerard Whateley, Jason Dunstall, Garry Lyon & Ruby Schleicher.

Saints’ burning question: Will Saints respond after coach spray?

The Saints have been in the media spotlight all week, after coach Ross Lyon said his side weren’t “mentally tuned in” in the loss to Brisbane. Lyon subbed out young midfielder Hugo Garcia in the first half, as he tried to find a circuit breaker for St Kilda’s horrible start around the contest. “I haven’t sprayed the group since I’ve been here, but I think first possession was 12-10 at one point and our clearances were 3-12 – so we had it, but their physicality, our (inability) to control the ball, exit the ball in a manner that is expected was bottom-end,” he said post-match. “Sometimes you’ve got to stop talking about it and sometimes you just go ‘bang’.” The Saints have gone to work this week on the training track and have a golden opportunity to bounce back on the big stage when they take on Fremantle on Friday night.

Dockers’ burning question: How does ruck setup work?

With Luke Jackson set to return from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for a few weeks, Justin Longmuir will finally get to see his star ruck pairing in action together for the first time in 2025. While Darcy will assume the role as the number one ruck, Longmuir flagged that Jackson could spend “a bit more time” in the ruck than previously. “We will start to work on that combination and see what best suits. It’s always a horses-for-courses type mentality with how much time each one of them rucks and plays other roles,” Longmuir said earlier this week. “It gives us flexibility if things aren’t working.” Jackson was one of Fremantle’s most in-form players prior to injury and there’s no doubt St Kilda ruck Rowan Marshall will have his hands full trying to contain Fremantle’s ruck duo on Friday night.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday May 3, 1.20pm at Mars Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12.30pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Leigh Montagna, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson & Ben Dixon.

Bulldogs’ burning question: Was their injury list a blessing in disguise?

Lots was made of the Western Bulldogs’ extensive injury list throughout the pre-season, with over half a dozen of their first-choice players missing. But could it have in fact been a blessing in disguise? “I think it will be in round 15 onwards, when you’ve had different experiences for different players and fast-tracked their development,” North Melbourne champion David King said on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. Captain Marcus Bontempelli returned a fortnight ago and sine he’s come back, “their centre bounce game has gone crazy”, according to King. “It’s unbelievable what they’re doing,” King said. The Dogs are ranked first in the competition for clearances and generated 15/60 inside 50s against the Giants from clearance and 19/69 against St Kilda. Bontempelli’s centre bounce numbers have actually dropped down from 75 per cent to 55 per cent this year and King believes that’s because their midfield runs deep. Ed Richards is ranked first in the competition for clearances in the past fortnight and continues to improve, Tom Liberatore is as reliable as ever and Joel Freijah is arguably the most improved player of the season. Ryley Sanders is growing each and every game, while ex-Blue Matthew Kennedy provides plenty of grunt as well. Add Adam Treloar back into that mix and it’s a scary prospect for opposition sides. “This is a great sign that you can use him 50/50 forward of the ball,” King said of Bontempelli. “It’s a part of the game that’s not a small asset anymore, centre bounce victories are like gold and they’re maximising it more than any other.”

Power’s burning question: Is Mitch Georgiades the most underappreciated player in the competition?

Mitch Georgiades has taken his game to another level in 2025, booting 17 goals already this season, ranked equal seventh across the competition. “I just thought he’s been probably underappreciated at what he’s done this season,” St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna began on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. After Charlie Dixon’s retirement, many throughout the industry thought Georgiades, Todd Marshall and Jack Lukosius would all have to pick up the slack, but without Marshall and Lukosius, more responsibility has fallen on Georgiades and he has delivered in spades. “He’s had to stand up and become the big alpha key forward and he’s become the man, and I think he thrives on it,” Montagna said. Over the last six weeks, Georgiades has ranked first throughout the AFL for disposals and marks inside forward 50, highlighting his importance and dominance in recent times. While conceding there’s still some areas of improvement for Georgiades, Montagna was glowing in praise for the Power tall. “I really love the way he’s going about it… when you think about all the key forwards, no one’s really mentioned his year, but it’s a credit to him and the coaching staff what they’ve been able to get from him.”

ADELAIDE CROWS v CARLTON

Saturday May 3, 4.15pm at Adelaide Oval

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Dwayne Russell, Nick Dal Santo, Shaun Burgoyne & Mark Ricciuto.

Crows’ burning question: Is a move to the outside what Dawson needs right now?

Their cross-town rivals Port Adelaide did it with their captain Connor Rozee left than three weeks ago, and should the Crows need to follow suit? Skipper Jordan Dawson has in recent weeks performed below what is a very high bar for the 28-year-old, and a return to an outside role off half-back, half-forward or on a wing could help burst him back into form. Heading into Round 8, Dawson has uncharacteristically dropped an astonishing 150 ranks for ball use across the competition, prompting two-time All-Australian David King to suggest a change of scenery. “I just don’t know if there’s any value in him winning inside ball, because he becomes a surge kicker,” King told Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. “I wonder whether the coach has to look at more time at half-back … I just think he’s rattled a bit inside the traffic at the moment.” Their midfield will be missing Matt Crouch (hip) in their engine room this week, and their half-back line without Mitch Hinge through suspension, but with solid on-ball depth still in their side, it could be food for thought for Matthew Nicks this Saturday evening.

Blues’ burning question: Are the Blues finding their defensive groove?

Carlton’s defence well and truly stood tall in last week’s victory over Geelong and it may have been the biggest indicator yet, that the Blues have found their groove. “I liked the look of their defensive system behind the ball, I must admit it was shaky early in the season… but they’re starting to find their groove and they look a lot more comfortable and settled behind the ball,” St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna told Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. The Blues are ranked first in the competition for intercept marks, second for points against turnovers and opposition defensive half to inside 50, while they’re third for points against. “Their profile is looking as good as anyone’s really at the moment,” Montagna added. Montagna pointed to the fact that the Blues have also tightened up their stoppage game, which has allowed Jacob Weitering, Nick Haynes and Jack Silvagni to excel in the back half. While they can no doubt still look vulnerable at times, Carlton are looking in really good shape when it comes to their defensive profile.

COLLINGWOOD v GEELONG

Saturday May 3, 7.35pm at the MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7pm on Channel 504, hosted by Kath Loughnan, Jack Riewoldt, David King & Jay Clark, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Mark Howard, Jason Dunstall, Garry Lyon & Cameron Mooney.

Magpies’ burning question: Has veteran’s resurgence unlocked their premiership push?

Steele Sidebottom has wound back the clock with a scintillating start to his 2025 season. Sidebottom’s career looked on the ropes midway through last year having struggled to impact games on the wing, but a late season shift to half-back reignited the veteran Pie and he’s hit the ground running this season. Sidebottom has been thrown back into the midfield mix by Craig McRae this year and it’s a move that has paid dividends. Sidebottom was the 221st ranked player via the AFL Player Ratings system last year, but he’s currently ranked 23rd in 2025. He’s also currently tied with teammate Nick Daicos for the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award, no mean feat given how he was tracking this time last year. “He doesn’t just rock up and compete and contest in the right areas, he’s got a flair that not many players do have in the game,” Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley said on Fox Footy’s On the Couch. “He was the first player I fell in love with as a coach… he used to train with a smile on his face and he had such gratitude for being involved in an AFL program and he loves the game.” Sidebottom has been a key factor in Collingwood’s return to form and will be a crucial cog in their push towards more September action this year.

Cats’ burning question: Was last week just a blip on the radar?

Was Geelong’s loss to Carlton just a bad day at the office? Following the loss, Cats coach Chris Scott said it was “as bad as I’ve seen us play for a long time”. Speaking on Fox Footy’s On the Couch, Hawthorn great Jordan Lewis said he expects Geelong to rebound against Collingwood this week. “I think Geelong have proven time and time again that they can rebound after a performance like this,” Lewis said. “They just lacked a bit of zip on the day,” Brisbane Lions legend Jonathan Brown added. Brown pointed to the clearance battle, which Carlton won, as a key area for the Cats to improve on this week. “You’re going to have ups and downs throughout the year, which is why we play as long as we do,” Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley added. The Cats remain inside the top eight with a win-loss record of 4-3 ahead of a big matchup against the Pies on Saturday night.

WEST COAST v MELBOURNE

Saturday May 3, 7.35pm at Optus Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7:20pm on Channel 503, hosted by Kath Loughnan, Jack Riewoldt, David King & Jay Clark, with commentary from Adam Papalia, Matthew Pavlich, Adam Simpson & Will Schofield.

Eagles’ burning question: How do they get the most out of Oscar Allen?

West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen has struggled in 2025 as coach Andrew McQualter searches for ways to get the most out of one of the club’s best players. That meant Allen was thrown into defence last week against Hawthorn in a move that was described by North Melbourne champion David King as “degrading”, declaring “all parties are losing”. King doubled down on Monday morning. “I think the West Coast Eagles need to sit down for five minutes and say: ‘What are we actually doing here? Let’s see through the fog in front of us and say are we handling our people with the class and the dignity they deserve? I think what they’re doing with Oscar Allen is poor,” King told SEN Breakfast. So, does McQualter swing Allen back into the front half or persist with him in the backline? Asked if playing Allen in defence was a long-term option for the Eagles, McQualter said; “Yeah, potentially. We’re open to it and we’re just going to work our way through it with ‘Oz’ and our team. But yeah, potentially.” All eyes will be on how the Eagles use their star asset, who is being heavily pursued by rival clubs, on Saturday night against Melbourne.

Demons’ burning question: What does their forward line mix look like?

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has been toying with his forward mix all season and there’s now competition for spots in Melbourne’s front half. Harrison Petty has given the Dees plenty of structure forward of the ball after being swung into attack, while Tom Fullarton has also had his opportunities in recent weeks. Bayley Fritsch returned to the AFL against the Tigers after being unceremoniously dropped the week before and Jacob Van Rooyen, who has also spent a fortnight in the VFL, is pushing for selection this week after kicking five majors for Casey. Swingman Daniel Turner is also a chance to return after concussion, while Jake Melksham is available as well after overcoming a nasty leg cut. Mature-aged draftee Aidan Johnson is another name in the mix. So, what mix does Goodwin go for and what works best? The Dees have recorded two wins in a row over Fremantle and Richmond and have a big opportunity to make it three when they head west to take on West Coast, but they’ll need to make sure their front half is well set up.

SYDNEY v GWS GIANTS

Sunday May 4, 1.15pm at the SCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12:30pm on Channel 504, hosted by Sarah Jones, Dermott Brereton & David Zita, with commentary from Corbin Middlemas, Kelli Underwood, Brad Johnson, Cameron Mooney & Ruby Schleicher.

Swans’ burning question: Can star midfielder be the spark?

Gun midfielder Chad Warner hasn’t had the start to 2025 he would’ve liked and neither have the Swans. Sydney currently sits in 14th on the ladder with a win-loss record of 2-5, but they’re still well and truly capable of bouncing back. Warner is averaging less disposals and tackles in 2025 compared to his previous three seasons and while his clearance numbers have held, his impact has been reduced. Last year, Warner was ranked 20th in the competition for converting clearance to effective clearance, but this season he’s ranked 90th. “He’s a bit of all duck no dinner, when he does win a clearance and he’s on the move, he can burst out and still score, but if he’s not and he’s stationary or standing still, some of his kicks have got to be better,” St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. Admittedly, Warner has spent more time forward this year than usual, but in the past fortnight he has returned to his role as a high-volume midfielder. The Swans are searching for ways to improve, could Warner be the spark they need?

Giants’ burning question: Can Jake Stringer finally rip a game apart?

He’s teased it for weeks, but are we about to see Jake Stringer finally tear a game to shreds? “He’s not going as bad as people are thinking,” St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna began on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. Inaccuracy in front of goal has hurt Stringer early this campaign, booting 3.12, but he’s still generating over three shots at goal a game. He is averaging 6.2 score involvements a game, which is elite amongst general forwards and his forward half pressure is also above average. “I just think a big game like this, the derby in Sydney, this might be the day that he announces himself to the Giants fans and has a big one,” Montagna added. While the Giants forward line is yet to really fire in 2025, former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon said Stringer has “slotted in beautifully” and to “watch out”, given it might only be a matter of time before Stringer and the Giants hit their straps.

HAWTHORN v RICHMOND

Sunday May 4, 3.20pm at the MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 3pm on Channel 503, hosted by Sarah Jones, Dermott Brereton & David Zita, with commentary from Matt Hill, Dwayne Russell, Nathan Buckley, Tom Hawkins & Nick Dal Santo.

Hawks’ burning question: How do they get the best out of James Sicily?

Hawthorn captain James Sicily has been used as a swingman by coach Sam Mitchell in the early parts of the season, but do the Hawks need to settle him in a position to get the best out of him? Hawthorn’s backline has been reinforced by the trade additions of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle, while their front half has taken a hit with Calsher Dear and Mitch Lewis both sidelined with injury. It’s meant Sicily has spent time in both halves of the ground, often switching within games. “When he plays defence he’s been a gun player and when he’s gone forward he’s been able to mark the ball. He’s been terrific, but he’s neither of those things at the moment,” Hawthorn legend Leigh Matthews recently told Fox Footy’s On the Couch. “I just wonder how it’s affecting (Sicily’s) psyche and his form,” Matthews added. Complicating matters further is the fact that Jack Scrimshaw and Karl Amon will miss this week due to concussion, which means Mitchell may have to keep spinning the magnets. Barrass was trialled as a forward late against West Coast, while veteran Sam Frost, who’s currently playing VFL has also been used at either end of the ground. Is it time for the Hawks to let Sicily find his groove in one position, rather that throwing him around so much?

Tigers’ burning question: Can they keep the floodgates closed against hot Hawks?

Ball movement hasn’t been a strength of Hawthorn’s this season as rival clubs have started keying in on what Sam Mitchell’s side likes to do with the footy, but the Tigers have been one of the worst at preventing the opposition from capitalising on attacking chains. Richmond is currently allowing a defensive 50 chain-to-score at the second-easiest rate of any side in the competition, sitting above only West Coast. It also sits above only North Melbourne when it comes to limiting opponents’ defensive-half to forward-50 movement. Noah Balta’s likely return to the side will help Adem Yze’s brigade once the ball is in their defensive 50 — but the key will be whether they can do a better job at keeping it from getting there in the first place after the Demons moved with fluency in the second half on Anzac Day Eve.

BRISBANE v GOLD COAST

Sunday May 4, 7.20pm at the MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7pm on Channel 504, hosted by Sarah Jones, Dermott Brereton & David Zita, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Jonathan Brown, Gerard Healy & Alastair Lynch.

Lions’ burning question: What is going on with Charlie Cameron?

One of the competition’s best small forwards hasn’t quite hit his straps yet in 2025. Cameron, a dual All-Australian, hasn’t registered a goal in his past three matches. The last time he went three consecutive weeks without a goal was back in 2017, the final year he spent at Adelaide. The silver lining, however, is that Cameron’s still finding the footy and creating plenty of scoring opportunities. Cameron has booted eight behinds in the past three weeks, as the Lions have leant on other forwards to carry the load. What better stage to return to form than the QClash, which is set for its spiciest instalment ever on Sunday night. A four-time club leading goalkicker, it surely won’t be long until Cameron returns to his best.

Suns’ burning question: Fixture aside… is this the best version of the Suns we’ve ever seen?

Yes, four of Gold Coast’s five wins have come against the current bottom five on the ladder, but the general consensus is still that this is the best we’ve seen them look for a while; if not ever. Speaking on First Crack Preview on Wednesday night, dual Kangaroos premiership player David King flagged some critical stat lines that Damien Hardwick’s side rank as well as anyone in. Heading into Round 8, the Suns ranked first in the league for scores from clearance, first for going from possession to score, second for contest work post-clearance, and third for limiting an opposition’s possession to score. “If you look at how they’re playing and what they’ve done, I think this is the best version of the Suns we’ve seen for a long time — and that’s no surprise, most people think the same,” King said. He also went on to highlight the composure of star Matt Rowell in contested settings, supported by vision comparing him coming out of stoppage in 2025 to 2024. The Suns may have lost 11 of their last 12 games against state rivals Brisbane, but they may never have been better placed to knock them over come Sunday night. “This is the Suns’ best opportunity to roll the big dogs,” King ended by saying.