Fallen superstar making premiers’ problem worse; teammates could 1-2 the Brownlow — Blowtorch

Brisbane is at risk of missing the eight entirely, with injuries and absences a key factor; but there’s a superstar still out there who’s also a problem.

Plus the potential Brownlow 1-2 from a single club, the Hawks’ sneaky problem and much more.

Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 23, as well as the commentators for every Fox Footy game, in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!

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AFL ROUND 23 (all times AEDT)

ESSENDON v ST KILDA

Friday August 15, 7.20pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6.30pm on Channel 503, with commentary from Gerard Whateley, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Dwayne Russell, Cameron Mooney & Jon Ralph.

Bombers’ burning question: Has a history-making Bomber proven he’s worth sticking with in 2026?

If footy fans knew Jayden Nguyen before the last few weeks, it was for his backstory - the son of a Vietnamese refugee who became the first player with that heritage to reach AFL level. But soon enough the Next Generation Academy rookie draft pick could be known for his abilities as a lockdown defender, after an impressing first fortnight. In 65 minutes against Sydney, he kept Swans star Tom Papley to just seven disposals and no goals, while in 101 minutes against Geelong, he kept Cats gun Tyson Stengle to 10 disposals and no goals. “It’s a fantastic story, but he’s had two of the toughest tasks in the game ... he’s doing a fantastic job,” Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy’s On the Couch. Nguyen was one of the many youngsters forced into an early debut by the club’s injury plague, but he could end up being one of the silver linings from this season, as Brad Scott tries desperately to pan for gold at the bottom of his list.

Shiel cops a week after tribunal case | 02:25

Saints’ burning question: Can they continue a surprising streak?

Over the first half of this decade, just five clubs won at least 10 games every season. Brisbane, Geelong, Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs make sense, having combined for 17 of a possible 20 finals appearances plus two flags over that period. But St Kilda too? Well, they’ve been consistent...ly average. While they won a final in 2020 and hosted another in 2023, the Saints have been frequent residents of the middle of the ladder, winning 11, 10, 11, 13 and 11 games in the decade’s five seasons thus far. It’s a testament to their ability to always be thereabouts though you could argue having a couple of bad years, and actually rebuilding from down the bottom with some top-five draft picks, would’ve helped them eventually contend for a flag again. Partially due to financial incentives - as a smaller club they almost feel they cannot afford to be irrelevant - the Saints have tried to stay up while rebuilding and Ross Lyon has spoken many, many times about how much younger they’ve gotten while remaining competitive. The streak is on the line over the season’s final fortnight as they sit with eight wins thus far. Both they and Port Adelaide must finish the year with two more wins to remain in the 10-win club.

'Not much credibility' Lyon hits back | 03:36

FREMANTLE v BRISBANE LIONS

Friday August 15, 8.35pm at Optus Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 8.30pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Garry Lyon, Adam Simpson, Matthew Pavlich, Kath Loughnan & Jon Ralph.

Dockers’ burning question: How critical can retiring great Nat Fyfe be in a finals run?

Clearly the dual Brownlow medallist isn’t going to be playing midfield minutes like his dominant peak, where he was arguably the greatest player in the game, and at a minimum one of the best midfielders of the past 15 years. But having battled through injuries in the 2020s Fyfe has found his feet as a damaging impact substitute. It’s a perfect role for the X-factor veteran, rating as the No.3 player on the ground in the fourth quarter of Fremantle’s win over Port Adelaide, nabbing three clearances and five contested possessions. When bodies are tired, the bullocking Fyfe coming at a player is still a serious threat, and it would not be surprising if he has a trademark moment of brilliance in September. That’s if the Dockers qualify, of course; they are at serious risk of missing the eight if they lose their two remaining games.

'Level of confidence' Lions ready | 00:49

Lions’ burning question: How big of a problem has Charlie Cameron become?

The loss of Joe Daniher from Brisbane’s forward line has been well-publicised; but they’re arguably down their two biggest names from the last half-decade, because Charlie Cameron hasn’t been anywhere near his best for a long time. The fact the Lions are performing so well without the four-time leading goalkicker and 2023 All-Australian firing is quite remarkable; from kicking 2.2 goals a game across 2022/23, he kicked 1.6 goals a game last year, and has dropped to just 1.1 goals a game in 2025. From the No.73-rated player in the AFL in 2023, he has fallen to No.241 last year and now No.254 this year. “There’d have to be concern with the Lions coaching staff with Charlie’s form, no question. He’s a senior player, he needs to lift if Brisbane are going to get back into the top four and contend,” Brisbane great Jonathan Brown said on On the Couch.

Dons list crisis: Who stays who to sell? | 03:53

GOLD COAST SUNS v GWS GIANTS

Saturday August 16, 12.35pm at People First Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Leigh Montagna, Jonathan Brown, Alastair Lynch & Ben Dixon.

Suns’ burning question: Could Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson go 1-2 in the Brownlow?

The great mates have been linked since even before they were drafted, then joining the Suns as the top two picks in the 2019 draft, and are now coming into their own as two of the best players in the competition - driving what will surely be Gold Coast’s first finals appearance. Rowell has added more outside play to his game while Anderson has taken to the captaincy like a duck to water. But could they really top the Brownlow count? Leigh Montagna suggested it could happen on Fox Footy’s First Crack. “Every Gold Coast win, it’s going to be 3 and 2 Rowell and Anderson in some order,” he suggested. It’s not as crazy as it sounds; West Coast went 1-2 in 2005 with Ben Cousins pipping Daniel Kerr by a vote, while more recently Geelong in 2013 had the runner-up (Joel Selwood) and fourth-placer (Steve Johnson), and Melbourne in 2018 had the third-placer (Angus Brayshaw) and fourth-placer (Max Gawn). The betting markets are currently tipping the latter scenario, with Anderson third-favourite and Rowell fourth, behind Nick Daicos and Jordan Dawson.

How the biggest deals could get done? | 05:37

Giants’ burning question: Can their dominance of the Expansion Cup continue?

The two newest AFL clubs don’t have much of a rivalry, really - because the Giants always beat the Suns! While everyone knows the orange team have been much more successful over the last decade that doesn’t explain why they’ve been so utterly dominant over Gold Coast in particular, winning 14 of their past 15 meetings. And the meeting earlier this year, a thrilling comeback win at ENGIE Stadium, was one of just two occasions the Giants won by less than two goals. The Suns’ lone win in the last 15 meetings was bizarrely in Ballarat, and by just one point. But with the Giants facing more injuries than perhaps the footy world is acknowledging, and with the Suns eyeing a top-four finish, is this the time the slightly older brother gets it done? “They’re (the Suns) not gonna get a better chance to beat them,” Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview.

'Half-baked': Ross Lyon whacks reports | 02:28

CARLTON v PORT ADELAIDE

Saturday August 16, 1.20pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 1pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Dwayne Russell, Brad Johnson, Dermott Brereton & Cameron Mooney.

Blues’ burning question: Are they the bottom-eight team most likely to play finals in 2026?

Sticking with Michael Voss as coach suggests Carlton believes it’s on the right track, despite a second straight season where they’ll fail to win a final. Keep in mind the top eight has roughly three changes every year, so why can’t the Blues bounce back in 2025? Everyone knows they have the top-end talent on their list and they’ll certainly be hoping 2026 will be, for the first time in a while, a season where they’re not totally ruined by injuries. Their luck has to turn at some point, right? And 2024 top pick Jagga Smith will feel like a new recruit upon his return from an ACL injury. Voss is almost certainly done if they don’t bounce back into the eight so they’ll be doing everything possible to get there.

Gerard DIGS Snoop Dogg, Gaz doesn't! | 02:23

Power’s burning question: Are THEY the bottom-eight team most likely to play finals in 2026?

They’ve had some absolutely appalling losses this season but it’s hard to know how much of that is the weird situation with Ken Hinkley’s slow goodbye, plus the fact their season was clearly over a while ago. There is still an obvious and incredible core of young talent at the Power that makes them the envy of the competition - especially if they convince Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to request a trade there, bolstering the likes of Connor Rozee, Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Mitch Georgiades and Miles Bergman, none of whom are older than 25. If new coach Josh Carr can make a few key tweaks, why can’t Port Adelaide return to the level we saw across 2021-24 when they finished second, third and second on the ladder?

'Melbourne didn't ring any of us!' | 01:30

HAWTHORN v MELBOURNE

Saturday August 16, 4.15pm at the MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Mark Howard, Jordan Lewis, Nick Dal Santo & Sarah Jones.

Hawks’ burning question: Do they know how to use the substitute role properly?

Every little tactical advantage matters in the finals, and the Hawks’ use of the sub is among the least impactful of the top nine contenders. Only Adelaide (#15 in the AFL for impact) and the Western Bulldogs (#17) are worse than Hawthorn (#12), with the other contenders all ranking in the top eight. Geelong is No.1 in the competition with Jack Martin’s four goals in five minutes a few weeks ago the prime example of their ability to inject X-factor into the game. The Hawks do it a bit differently, as David King explained on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. “They typically bring on their sub to release another player forward, so maybe they equate this a bit differently,” David King said. “Bring on a defender and free up a star.” Bailey Macdonald has been their sub six times this year, his only appearances in the AFL side. Last year Sam Mitchell preferred Luke Breust, who was the sub 12 times including in their two finals appearances, and Breust returned as the sub last week against Collingwood perhaps suggesting the tactic will return for the rest of the year.

Wizard to stay with Hawks until 2029 | 00:37

Demons’ burning question: Is this the version we’ll see of Melbourne more this year?

They may not have got the win, but Melbourne were mightily impressive against the Western Bulldogs last week. That’s in part due to their ball movement under Troy Chaplin, which was some of the most exciting they’ve had all year. They played with dare, with risk and with flair, taking the game on. It would’ve been a tough watch for ousted senior coach Simon Goodwin. “I thought Melbourne were terrific… they really put them under the pump with their counterpunch from the defensive half. Some of their ball movement was as good as we’ve seen in a long time,” North Melbourne champion David King said on Fox Footy’s First Crack. “Full credit to Melbourne for bringing this. The energy, the verve, the handball, the connect, the dare to run and take a risk.” Their scoring profile has changed the last six or so weeks, but it didn’t save Simon Goodwin from the axe. Is this the sort of ball movement we will see going forward from Melbourne?

Goodwin on reason for 'confronting' exit | 04:36

ADELAIDE CROWS v COLLINGWOOD

Saturday August 16, 7.35pm at Adelaide Oval

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

Crows’ burning question: Have Izak Rankine and Riley Thilthorpe become the type of players that win you finals?

We’ll never know for sure until they get to finals - but the good news is the Crows are the only team locked into September, meaning excitement machine Rankine and dominant key forward Thilthorpe will get the opportunity. And while a Round 22 game against West Coast won’t be the same as a qualifying final, it was still a match the Crows had to win, and their two guns stood up when it mattered. Rankine was the No.1-rated player on the ground in the fourth quarter last Sunday while Thilthorpe was No.2. “Their guns stood up when required and were able to finish off the contest,” Nathan Buckley explained on Fox Footy’s On the Couch. A key factor in the Crows’ success has simply been the fact Rankine and Thilthorpe have been available - they’ve each played all 21 games this season, after playing just 15 and 7 respectively in 2024.

Crows embracing HUGE Pies clash | 00:53

Magpies’ burning question: Are they cooked?

You’d be a bold person to write the Pies off, despite their recent slump in form. Coach Craig McRae was pretty blunt in his post-match press conference following a disappointing defeat to Hawthorn last week. “I apologise to our Magpie Army, that’s a disappointing performance, you can’t sugarcoat that,” McRae said. “We’re hurting, that one really hurt. Just a lack of system and then a lack of fight, a lack of effort, sometimes at the same time, which leaves us really vulnerable.” Despite missing key players due to injury, McRae questioned the lack of effort shown by his troops on Thursday night. They’ve now lost four of their last five and are fighting to keep their top four hopes alive. But we shouldn’t lose all hope just yet. The Pies have undertaken a more intensive block of conditioning in recent weeks in order to have them primed for September and they’ve managed some of their ageing stars. After their loss in Opening Round, people believed they were too old or too slow, but they’ve proven this year that at their best, they’ve still got what it takes. Don’t put a line through the Pies just yet.

Blues part ways with footy boss Lloyd | 01:17

NORTH MELBOURNE v RICHMOND

Sunday August 17, 1.10pm at Ninja Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 1pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Corbin Middlemas, David King, Dermott Brereton & David Zita.

Kangaroos’ burning question: Can they respond?

Unfortunately for Roos fans, North Melbourne’s last six weeks have been more of the same. The average losing margin across that stretch has been over 46 points a game. That’s why it’s so crucial that they respond in a big way in their final two matches of the year, starting this week against Richmond in Hobart. In the final fortnight last year, the Roos were belted by the Western Bulldogs (96 points) and Hawthorn (124 points) and they simply can’t have the same finish to the season this time around. In vision highlighted by North Melbourne champion David King on Fox Footy’s First Crack, there were several players who didn’t apply themselves in defensive transition against the Giants. To put it simply, the Roos can’t stand for that. “I think there’s some frustration down there that these guys won’t apply themselves and they’ll find themselves off a list because of that,” King said. The Roos have about a dozen players who have contracts expiring at the end of this year. Some of those guys are playing for their football careers and time is running out for them to impress the coaching group and the list management staff.

Scott confident Shiel will avoid ban | 02:19

Tigers’ burning question: Were Richmond reeeeaaaaaaaally trying to win with some of their weird decisions during the Saints game?

Richmond has had an extremely positive season when you look at their 2025 campaign as a whole, but according to North Melbourne champion David King, there were some perplexing coaching decisions against the Saints from Adem Yze. The first of those, was the way they handled star Saint Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera who got off the chain in the second half. “In the second half he just ran around and did what he liked. If you really want to win the game… you can stop this,” King began. “He just took control of this game. 22 disposals in the second half, 19 uncontested. They look for him at every opportunity. If Richmond really wanted to win it, if they really were absolutely hell bent on winning this game, they would’ve locked him away.” Further to that, King wondered whether or not the Tigers missed a trick by not activating Steely Green as the substitute. “If they really wanted to win it, it was under a goal for the last 35 minutes of footy, they would’ve brought their sub on,” he said. “I’ve just got my doubts as to whether winning was the absolute prime focus on the day”.

AFL Grand Final entertainment announced | 01:13

SYDNEY SWANS v GEELONG CATS

Sunday August 17, 3.15pm at the SCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 3pm on Channel 503, with commentary from Dwayne Russell, Matt Hill, Gerard Healy, Brad Johnson, Alastair Lynch & David Zita.

Swans’ burning question: Are they priming themselves for a huge 2026 campaign?

That question is no doubt a bit preemptive, but there’s been plenty to like about the Swans since the bye. Dean Cox’s side were superb against the reigning premiers last week, getting back to what North Melbourne champion David King said is “old school Sydney, the slingshot Swans”. Sydney’s ball use was sublime. They moved the ball well and their stars were at their brilliant best. The strength of their defensive unit though was one of the most impressive takeaways from their narrow win. The Swans defence won the ball back and then took the fight back to the Lions. Their handball game was really creative and strong. The Lions had 65 inside 50 entries, but the Swans were up to the task defensively. “They stood up unbelievably. It’s probably as good a defensive performance as you’ll see,” King noted on Fox Footy’s First Crack. The Swans recorded 31 intercepts in defensive 50 and managed to score from those 25.8 per cent of the time. Their back half was stable and they got the matchups right. “They’re going to be a force again next year. They know they need a couple more parts to really fill the puzzle but look out 2026,” King added.

Fyfe: 'It's been an incredible journey!' | 02:21

Cats’ burning question: Do rivals need to think about tagging Gryan Miers?

A small forward isn’t the first player you think of as a tagging option; but that’s not what Miers is any more. The creative Cat most people just think of as the bloke that kicks weirdly has moved into the midfield over the past month. Over that period he has been involved in 30 per cent of Geelong’s scores; in the entire competition only teammate Max Holmes has more score involvements. “He sees the game differently. We talk about Hayden Young and Izak Rankine - I think we need to put him in that conversation,” David King said on Fox Footy’s First Crack. “In two or three weeks time, you’ll ahve to put some plans in place ... because you don’t really go with Bailey Smith, and you can’t go with Holmes, they’re different beasts. This guy is an uncontested warrior who finds little pockets of space; you can clamp this guy.”

Buckley admits interest in Melbourne job | 05:16

WESTERN BULLDOGS v WEST COAST EAGLES

Sunday August 17, 4.40pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Mark Howard, Jack Riewoldt, Tom Hawkins, Sarah Jones & David Zita.

Bulldogs’ burning question: Has Naughton revived his career?

Kudos has to go to Aaron Naughton, because he’s turned himself into a genuine A grade talent in 2025. Naughton currently sits third for goals across the competition with 55 to his name so far this campaign. But it’s his form in recent weeks that’s been most impressive, having snagged 29 goals in his past six outings. “He has had some sort of career revival this year,” Herald Sun Chief Football Writer Jay Clark told Fox Footy’s First Crack. North Melbourne champion David King was full of praise for Naughton’s work ethic and willingness to put in the hours on the training track to improve his game. “I think he’s enjoyed the attention that’s come to Darcy… his work rate’s gone through the roof. I love what he’s doing, it’s basic footy, no frills, just honest, hard work and he’s blowing people up,” King began. Naughton’s contested marking and willingness to fly for everything has been a staple of his game this year, but it’s his improved goalkicking that caught King’s eye. Naughton’s set shot efficiency has increased from 56 per cent in 2023 to 66 this year, while his set shots from zero to 40 metres out have gone from 60 per cent to 75 per cent. King highlighted vision showing how Naughton has tweaked his ball drop, going from a higher drop to a lower drop in recent times. “It’s a drastic change and credit to him for putting in the work,” King added. “He’s now getting reward for what he’s doing.”

Bulldogs looking to stamp finals ticket | 03:35

Eagles’ burning question: Was valiant defeat to ladder leaders a sign of things to come?

The Eagles certainly didn’t lose any admirers in a gritty loss to Adelaide last week. In actual fact, they probably gained some given the signs Andrew McQualter’s side showed. Key forward Jobe Shanahan slotted 3.2 and looks promising, while mid-season draftee Tom McCarthy has taken to AFL level like a duck to water. Other youngsters like Elijah Hewett, Brady Hough, Clay Hall and Reuben Ginbey continue to impress, while there’s also a lot to like about the way Campbell Chesser and Hamish Davis are going about things. “Our fans are getting signs of what our future can look like,” McQualter said post-match. ”I think if we play like that every week, we’ll be okay.“ Now the challenge is for the Eagles to back it up in the final fortnight of the season and show it wasn’t a performance laced with emotion given the retirements of Jeremy McGovern and Dom Sheed and rather a sign that this group is heading forward.

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