Swans, Blues’ big early setbacks; AFL’s hyped battler must ‘just bloody win’: Blowtorch

Swans’ burning question: How big a blow are their injuries?

In an ideal world, both sides would go in with a full compliment of their best players, but unfortunately for the Swans they have suffered some significant setbacks in the lead-up to Opening Round. Much of the damage is to their engine room, with Callum Mills, Luke Parker and Taylor Adams all ruled out of the season-opener. In a side that struggled at clearance last season, they are a trio of big blows that leave their midfield a bit thin at the worst possible time, coming up against one of the best engine rooms in the game. It’s a tall order for the Swans, even on their home deck, and with Collingwood to come in Round 1 they could easily slide to 0-2. It may increase their reliance on Brodie Grundy even further, with the ruck recruit ironically coming up against his former teammate Max Gawn.

Demons’ burning question: What effect has the off-season had?

Melbourne’s off-season has been more turbulent than any other side and for that reason there is going to be a hell of a lot of intrigue around them given the myriad of issues they’ve had to navigate since their season came to an end in a straight sets exit. Clayton Oliver will be out on the field and will be a figure of immense interest given his off-season, while the club as a whole is being questioned externally about its culture and whether it has wasted a potential premiership dynasty. They have everything to play for and potentially a backs to the wall mentality will help galvanise them, but it’s all theoretical until the first ball is bounced. Sydney’s outs help them, but this will be a toughly-contested match and the Dees have a chance to make a statement.

BRISBANE v CARLTON

Friday March 8, 7:40pm at the Gabba

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

Lions’ burning question: Will there be any sign of a Grand Final hangover?

It is mighty hard to keep yourself up when you’ve travelled all the way to the decider only to fall at the final hurdle. To their credit, the Lions have been very impressive in the pre-season and shown nothing to suggest they’ll fall off the pace, but often practice hitouts are just that. Their first true test will come on Friday night when Carlton comes at them with everything in a bid to ease last year’s Preliminary Final heartbreak. Brisbane looks mighty impressive so far, but Friday night will be telling as to how they’ve approached the off-season and pre-season.

Blues’ burning question: Can they cover for their outs?

The Blues are going to have to do it tough in the early rounds, with no Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering, Jesse Motlop, Jack Martin or Caleb Marchbank. They’re a lot of outs for the. Walsh and Weitering in particular are significant outs and will leave the Blues underpowered compared to other teams. Brisbane in particular is a fierce task at the best of times, let alone at the Gabba. It will be a tough battle for the Blues to get through, but could also be the making of them. Michael Voss has always been at pains to stress the side is bigger than any one or two individuals and this is their chance to prove it. They don’t have to win, but if they get mighty close it would be a big statement considering the reinforcements the Blues will eventually have.

GOLD COAST SUNS v RICHMOND

Saturday March 9, 4:20pm at Heritage Bank Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 3:30pm on Channel 504 with Anthony Hudson, Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Jack Riewoldt, Alastair Lynch and David Zita

Suns’ burning question: Can they live with the hype?

The Suns will enter favourites in this match with a sold-out home crowd and the eyes of the footy world on them. Now it’s over to them to make good on the hype and, like Damien Hardwick said on AFL 360 this week, “just bloody win”. All the pieces are in place and they face a side many have tipped to slump in 2024, so there really isn’t any excuse for them to falter given all the water that has gone under the bridge to get to this point. The Tigers will be without spearhead Tom Lynch and could reportedly also be without Dustin Martin. It’s the Suns’ game to lose and the first step in their journey under Hardwick, so they’ll want to get it right.

Tigers’ burning question: How different will they look under Adem Yze?

The Tigers have a new coach for the first time in a long time and the differences in style will be very noticeable given Adem Yze’s men come up against Damien Hardwick’s Suns to open their new era. Richmond under Hardwick thrived on turnover but struggled at clearance, so it will be fascinating to see what changes are implemented by Yze. We saw Adam Kingsley and the Giants take a while to gel together, but we also saw Craig McRae and Collingwood connect almost instantly. As the only first-time senior coach this year, Yze’s Tigers are going to be an intriguing watch.

GWS GIANTS v COLLINGWOOD

Saturday March 9, 7:30pm at GIANTS Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7:30pm on Channel 504 with Mark Howard, Nathan Buckley, Eddie Betts, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon and David Zita

Giants’ burning question: How big a year is this for Aaron Cadman?

The number one pick has sured up his future until at least the end of 2026, but more excitingly is looking in good touch ahead of his sophomore season. He’s still just 19, but the hype around Cadman in his draft year was considerable and he is beginning to show glimpses of that against AFL opposition. Coming up against a Collingwood side that won’t have Jeremy Howe or Nathan Kreuger, Cadman has an early chance to make his presence felt and truly impact a game in a big way. Doing it against the reigning premier would be an added bonus, but ultimately it would be a mini-arrival game for the key forward, not to mention help the Giants get some revenge for last year’s Preliminary Final heartbreak.

Pies’ burning question: How much do the injuries to their talls impact them?

The Pies are the team to beat coming into this year, there’s no question. The first obstacle they’ll have to overcome is injury to their tall brigade. Dan McStay has an uphill battle to get back in 2024, while Jeremy Howe was recently ruled out of Opening Round with a calf concern, while Nathan Kreuger’s hamstring injury also means he won’t be there. That’s two premiership defenders the Pies will be without in a clash against a side that packs a punch up forward, particularly if Aaron Cadman can catch fire this year. It’d take a bold pundit to underestimate the Pies, but they’ll certainly be stretched on Saturday against the Giants in an early test of their depth.