Melbourne awoke from their slumber to put a disastrous 0-5 start to 2025 behind them, as their attack and ball movement finally clicked in a 10-point win against Fremantle. The challenge will be sustaining it, starting on Thursday night against plucky Richmond in front of a big MCG crowd.
JIM STYNES' RECORD TO BE MATCHED
Collingwood's iron man Jack Crisp will equal the late, great Jim Stynes' long-standing record for the most consecutive AFL/VFL games. Crisp's appearance in the Magpies' traditional Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon will be his 244th in succession, and he can set a new mark in round eight against Geelong.
BOMBERS HOPING TO FIND SOME GOLD
After losing Nick Bryan and Sam Draper to serious injuries over the past fortnight, Essendon will put their faith in Todd Goldstein to carry the ruck load - at least until reinforcements can be added in the mid-season draft. Goldstein has played 329 games during his decorated AFL career, and the 36-year-old will be heavily relied upon against Collingwood.
BLUES TO BE PUT TO THE TEST
Under-fire Carlton eased some pressure with big wins over lowly North Melbourne and West Coast but face far tougher challenges around the corner. The Blues take on Geelong in round seven before clashes with Adelaide (away), St Kilda, Sydney (away) and GWS before the bye.
COFFEE CATCH-UP PART TWO?
West Coast face Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, and you can bet a huge part of the focus will be on how the out-of-form Oscar Allen performs. Allen issued a public apology to Eagles fans earlier this month after it was revealed the restricted free agent met up with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell in Perth to discuss his playing future.
FAN BEHAVIOUR UNDER SCRUTINY
Spectator behaviour is again in focus after a Sydney fan was kicked out of the SCG after throwing a cardboard clapper at Port Adelaide's Aliir Aliir. The incident sparked a strong reaction from Aliir and coach Ken Hinkley, and follows the racial abuse of Power small forward Willie Rioli a week earlier.
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