What's the big question your AFL club must answer in Round 1? How does Collingwood right the ship against the Swans? Can the Demons avoid a 0-2 start? Is it regression or progression from the Dons?
We've looked at every club and answered their biggest question.
Adelaide
vs. Gold Coast Suns, People First Stadium
Does Adelaide's undermanned backline have the ability to stifle Ben King and co.?
Much has been made of Adelaide's key back stocks. After Tom Doedee left for Brisbane in the offseason, and Nick Murray sidelined for at least the first half of the season with an ACL injury, the gap will be left to youngsters Josh Worrell and James Borlase, particularly if Mark Keane isn't fit after suffering concussion in preseason. The club better pray Jordon Butts stays healthy! Defence was Adelaide's Achilles heel in 2023 -- will it be the same in 2024?
Brisbane
vs. Fremantle, Optus Stadium
Do they have the killer edge?
Nearly eight goals up against Carlton, the Lions should have been able to kill the contest and bank four points. It was one of the very few criticisms of this team last year, too; their inability to put games away when in control. Losses to Hawthorn and Melbourne last season illustrates Brisbane's ability to streak away to a lead, but ultimately allow the opposition back into the contest. The perfect medicine? Smashing a Fremantle side not many are giving much of a chance in 2024.
Carlton
vs. Richmond, MCG
Can the Blues avoid the inevitable come down?
Wow. What a win it was for the Blues over the Lions in Opening Round, coming from 46 points down to snatch it at the death. But it's not all great news. Since 2019, there have been 39 instances (excluding the Blues last week) of teams coming from at least 30 points down to win a game. Those sides have gone 12-27 the following week, including 0-8 last season. An inevitable come down from the adrenaline rush of last week's thriller looms, the degree of that will likely determine the outcome of this game.
Collingwood
vs. Sydney Swans, MCG
Who is Collingwood's answer up forward?
Brody Mihocek? Tick. Bobby Hill and Beau McCreery? Quiet, but good moments. Jamie Elliott and Lachie Schultz? Had chances. Ash Johnson? Two touches. The Collingwood forward line, albeit coming up against an incredible defence, just did not fire in Opening Round, but more glaring are the lack of genuine options to replace big-marking key tall Dan McStay. The best result is for Johnson to bounce back against the Swans and showcase the many traits he's shown in the past, but it won't be surprising for this position to be an ongoing issue for the Pies this season.
Essendon
vs. Hawthorn, MCG
Is it regression or progression for the Dons early in 2024?
The Hawks are a perfect Round 1 opponent for Essendon. Hawthorn is a hungry, young outfit, intent on improving every year under Sam Mitchell as they hunt September action yet again. Essendon? It's a bit hard to tell. They recruited heavily in the offseason, picking up Ben McKay, Jade Gresham, and Xavier Duursma, as well as drafting ready-made impact player Nate Caddy. But they also remain inexperienced across the ground. This is a telling match -- and season -- for Brad Scott and the Dons.
Fremantle
vs. Brisbane Lions, Optus Stadium
Which Fremantle are we going to see?
The Dockers went from 15 wins and a semifinal appearance in 2022 to just 10 wins in 2023, a lot of that drop off down to a dull game style that lacked offensive dare. Their back-half stability was evident, but they played catch up on the rest of the competition who seemed more intent on 'outscoring' rather than 'limiting'. Will that change this season? With a talented list, you'd hope so, the pressure already on Justin Longmuir to not underperform again.
Geelong
vs. St Kilda, GMHBA Stadium
Is there still enough gas in the tank?
While Geelong missing the top eight last season (for the first time since 2015) after winning the 2022 premiership was a surprise, it won't shock to see this team rise again and be there when the whips are cracking, such is the talent and experience still on the list. With stars such as Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Stewart and Patrick Dangerfield still running around, getting the most out of this group is paramount for Chris Scott, and a win against the Saints this week would be the perfect start ahead of a Round 2 clash away to an improved Adelaide.
Gold Coast
vs. Adelaide Crows, People First Stadium
Is the hype real?
If they beat the Crows -- a team many have tipped to play finals and even push for the top four -- then they might be. They'll go in as favourites after impressing in a terrific win against Richmond in Opening Round, but backing up that performance and going 2-0 for the first time in six years would mean finals aren't an unrealistic expectation. In that case, there'll be a lot to like about the Suns under 'Dimma', but two games still might not be a big enough sample size.
GWS
vs. North Melbourne, Engie Stadium
Can the Giants harness the support of Western Sydney following their huge Opening Round win?
It's one thing to sell out the stadium for Opening Round, with a big Melbourne club making the trip up to Sydney to help pack out the stands, but can the Giants drum up some significant support to show the footy community that fans are getting around the Orange Team? Through one (well, half) week of footy, GWS looks to be the benchmark team in the competition, and are playing scintillating footy which is incredibly easy on the eye. To go from playing in front of 20,000 to just 10,000 or so would be a bit of a disappointment.
Hawthorn
vs. Essendon, MCG
How do the Hawks cover their decimated backline?
Without the plethora of defensive injuries, Hawthorn would likely start as favourite to beat Essendon this weekend. But losing James Blanck, Denver Grainger-Barras, and Changkuoth Jiath, each for an extended period, makes things extraordinarily tough for Sam Mitchell's side. Aside from James Sicily and Blake Hardwick, there's not a great deal of reliability in the backline. Sam Frost, Josh Weddle, and Jack Scrimshaw will all need to step up if the Hawks are to start their year off with a win.
Melbourne
vs. Western Bulldogs, MCG
Can they clean up their entries and shots on goal?
As mentioned on the ESPN Footy Podcast this week, the Demons were terribly inefficient in front of goal against the Swans, and were taking much harder shots than their opposition. They lack a reliable focal point up forward, and have a propensity to throw caution to the wind and attempt low-percentage shots. The Bulldogs are not an easy task, and losing to them doing the same old things will only enrage the fanbase. Clean it up, Dees.
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North Melbourne
vs. GWS Giants, Engie Stadium
Can they limit the scoreboard damage?
The Giants are dynamic, and already one of the premiership favourites for 2024, while North Melbourne are again expected to finish in the bottom four. There's also the added quirk that GWS has already played a game -- at home, no less -- for premiership points, and will, as the old adage goes, be better for the run. Can the Roos keep pace? What can they show us in Round 1 that might have us second-guessing their fortunes this year. It'll be a tough ask, but staying 'in touch' should be the goal.
Port Adelaide
vs. West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Oval
How does captaincy affect Connor Rozee?
Some players thrive with the captaincy and others tend to find it a touch overwhelming. Port Adelaide's new skipper Connor Rozee gives the impression he will relish the chance to lead this famous club, but it's something we need to see before we can believe it. Rozee's star continued to rise throughout a productive 2023 campaign that led to his second All-Australian selection. It's fair to expect big things in 2024.
Richmond
vs. Carlton, MCG
How much ticker is in these Tigers?
Adem Yze got his tenure as Richmond coach off to a horror start, his side absolutely thrashed by Damien Hardwick and the Suns. But how the Tigers front up this week against the Blues will say a lot more about the spirit of this team than last week's drubbing does. Toby Nankervis, Tom Lynch, and Dustin Martin are all potential inclusions, and they're up against the old foe in front of a massive crowd. There's enough experience in this side, and although they shouldn't be expected to win, they must front up and make life difficult for the Blues.
St Kilda
vs. Geelong, GMHBA Stadium
Can the Saints overcome a generational curse to beat the Cats?
Round 10, 1999. That's the last time St Kilda beat the Cats down the highway in Geelong. Nearly 25 years ago -- and that's a timespan which includes some very talented St Kilda teams. The reality is the Cats are supposed to be on the way down, and the Saints are supposed to be building under Ross Lyon. The perfect way to ensure the Saints are on the right track early in 2024? Kill this curse.
Sydney
vs. Collingwood, MCG
Can they beat a 2023 top four team two weeks in a row?
With a depleted midfield, not everyone gave the Swans much of a chance against the Demons last Thursday night, but they delivered -- emphatically. But as one challenge disappears into the rear-view mirror, another big one appears. The reigning premiers, smarting after an Opening Round loss. The Pies will be unveiling their premiership flag in front of 80,000 rapturous fans. The Swans will need another huge showing, and will need to show some scoreboard potency if they're to topple the Pies.
West Coast
vs. Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
How do the Eagles utilise Harley Reid in the early part of the season?
Will it be across half back as has been foreshadowed? Or will he be thrown in the middle in his senior debut? We've seen a trend from coaches recently to throw early debutants into the fire early -- but perhaps out of position. Think Harry Sheezel and Nick Daicos. Adam Simpson has been using Reid behind the ball in preseason, and it might be the way to get him up to the speed of AFL level without overwhelming him with both pressure and expectation. But, geez, wouldn't it be great to see him at the opening centre bounce!
Western Bulldogs
vs. Melbourne, MCG
Can the Dogs get the better of Melbourne's midfield?
If the Bulldogs truly have the best midfield in the business, then they need to show up against the Dees and prove it. The battle of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, and Jack Viney against Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, and Adam Treloar is as enticing as it gets, while Ryley Sanders could prove to be the best player from the 2023 draft. The ruck division will also produce a lucrative match up. Can Tim English get the better of Max Gawn, much like Brodie Grundy did the week before? This is a big test for both sides, but the Dogs will want to prove they're the real deal following last year's disappointing 0-2 start.