Is Simon Goodwin coaching for his future this weekend?

Plus an epic blitz has underlined a rising flag threat’s credentials, while another bona fide contender faces the prospect of missing the top four altogether.

Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 21, as well as the commentators for every Fox Footy game, in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!

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AFL ROUND 21 (all times AEDT)

WESTERN BULLDOGS v GWS GIANTS

Thursday July 31, 7.30pm at Marvel Stadium

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

Bulldogs’ burning question: xx

Dogs’ burning question: Can they capitalise on Giants’ triple blow? And How will the defence fare?

The Bulldogs boast the league’s best offence — ranked No. 1 in the AFL for points for, inside-50 differential and time in forward half — but a lacklustre defensive operation remains their biggest weakness amid a teetering run to September. Luke Beveridge’s side sits ninth for points against, ninth for allowing opposition shots at goal, and ninth for opposition chain-to-score rate, with swingman Rory Lobb and three-gamer Jedd Busslinger set to go into Thursday night’s season-defining clash with GWS as the club’s key-defensive pillars. It’s no wonder why they’ve also been linked to Blues free agent Jack Silvagni. Thursday night presents a big opportunity for the Dogs against an undermanned and weakened Giants side that lost Toby Greene, Josh Kelly and Jack Buckley. While GWS will be without star skipper Greene up forward, the club’s other attacking weapons will pose a serious challenge to the Dogs. It’s a Giants forward line that’s gone to another level with Jake Stringer in form, having kicked 11 goals from his last three games, while Adam Kingsley’s side has put up over 100 points in each of its last six wins.

Giants’ burning question: Did wild Derby blitz prove they’re the team to beat?

In a third quarter that will go down not just in Derby folklore but in AFL history, the Giants showed that their best, most blistering footy can beat anyone in the competition. GWS stunned the arch rival Swans last Friday night in the premiership quarter, scoring 57 points, going at a whopping score-per-inside-50 rate of 67 per cent, notching 31 points from turnover, and finishing +10 for inside-50s. “It’s the most powerful football I’ve seen for the season, against a decent opposition,” Brisbane Lions legend Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy’s On the Couch. “That sort of football — their best is the best. I said that about Brisbane last year … if they can replicate it the most throughout the season, they’ll be holding the premiership cup up at the end of the year.” They’ll be without stars Toby Greene, Jack Buckley and Josh Kelly for Thursday night’s blockbuster meeting at Marvel Stadium, but the Giants’ vast offensive potency shapes as problematic for the leaky Dogs defence.

‘No real desire’: Simmo on coach rumours | 02:25

ADELAIDE CROWS v HAWTHORN

Friday August 1, 7.40pm at Adelaide Oval

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6.30pm on Channel 504, hosted by Garry Lyon, Nathan Buckley and Mark Ricciuto, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Gerard Whateley, Jason Dunstall, Garry Lyon & Jon Ralph.

Crows’ burning question: Is there are more in-form tackling side in the competition?

The Adelaide Crows are firing on all cylinders, having temporarily stolen top spot from Collingwood in Round 20, and their turnover counterpunch is arguably their greatest asset as they prepare for a premiership assault. There’s no better team in the league when it comes to scoring from opponent turnovers, and a big part of generating those cough-ups is sticking tackles. The Crows converted a punishing 103 of 128 tackle attempts against Port Adelaide last Saturday night, which works out to an 81 per cent efficiency; the second-best rate of a team this season. “Any time you’re tackling over 70 (per cent), it’s a great achievement. The conditions helped, but Jordan Dawson was one of the players that led the way — they were just so strong, so tough in the conditions. If you tackle like that, you give yourself a great chance,” former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley assessed On the Couch.

Hawks’ burning question: Could they try all four key forwards together?

OK, so a matchup against the form team in the competition on its home deck isn’t exactly the time to be experimenting. Plus Hawthorn can’t afford to put a foot wrong amid a tough run home as it continues to fight for its spot in the top eight. But is it possible we see Sam Mitchell trial all four of his key forwards — Mitch Lewis, Calsher Dear, Jack Gunston and Mabior Chol — in the one side? If not, who misses out? The key forward dilemma remains the most fascinating selection call for Mitchell and the Hawks selection committee since Dear and Lewis returned from injury amid a career-best season from Gunston. It’s seen Chol miss the last fortnight with a groin issue. But the Hawks now face arguably their biggest selection call this year as to how they line up in the forward half with Chol available. You could see the Hawks sticking with their formula from last week’s win over Carlton, or one of Gunston, Lewis and Dear, who kicked three, two and two goals respectively against the Blues, could get managed. You’d think Gunston, 33, gets a rest at some point of those next four games, but is this the week to do it? It’s an all the more intriguing call against a stingy Crows defence, with key backs Josh Worrell and Mark Keane in great form.

Missing Saints star would be “disaster!” | 02:10

MELBOURNE v WEST COAST EAGLES

Saturday August 2, 1.20pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12.30pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Leigh Montagna, Kelli Underwood, Jordan Lewis, Gerard Healy & Eddie Betts.

Demons’ burning question: Is Goodwin coaching for his future?

While Melbourne’s season is over from the sense that it can’t play finals, this is a particularly important game the footy world will be following closely following that disastrous fade-out against St Kilda. Heck, it was the biggest ever comeback from three-quarter time, with the Dees surrendering a 46-point lead. The upcoming clash with the Eagles is particularly fascinating given Melbourne this week held a scheduled board meeting, that couldn’t have come at a worse time for the footy program after a loss in unprecedented circumstances. And suddenly Simon Goodwin is under the pump, despite being contracted for next season and incoming CEO Paul Guerra recently backing the 2021 premiership coach in. But a home loss to an Eagles side with one win on the board and set for to claim the wooden spoon would only turn up the heat on Goodwin. We’re going to find out which Melbourne players are really playing for their coach, now that there frankly isn’t much else to play for.

Eagles’ burning question: Do they deserve a priority pick?

Talk of an Eagles priority pick has resurfaced this week after club chief executive Don Pyke confirmed the club would seek draft assistance from the AFL at season’s end. It comes amid West Coast’s worst ever season, with just one and 18 losses, with Harley Reid joining the likes of Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman and Elliot Yeo on the sidelines for the rest of the campaign due to injury to set a taller task for first-year coach Andrew McQualter and company. That perhaps distorts our view of where West Coast is really at, given it’s been missing several key players throughout this season. But the Eagles are set for a fourth-straight bottom-three finish, having won just 11 of its past 87 games and not played finals since 2020. North Melbourne was the most recent team to receive priority pick help — given three extra end-of-first round picks in the 2023 and 2024 drafts “I’m in favour of any team down the bottom for a significant period of time to be helped with priority picks,” Brownlow medallist Gerard Healy told foxfooty.com.au in April. “West Coast should be in discussions with the AFL around a suite of selections similar to what North Melbourne got. The bottom line is no one wins with perennially poor teams trudging up the bottom of the ladder.”

Why Eagles ‘deserve’ draft help | 00:51

GOLD COAST SUNS v RICHMOND

Saturday August 2, 4.10pm at People First Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Dwayne Russell, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley & Alastair Lynch.

Suns’ burning question: Was QClash mauling a genuine sign of maturity?

Gold Coast finally got the wood over big brother, and it did so in devastating fashion. The Suns scored 84 points from stoppage against Brisbane, which was their most-ever from that source. Further, their 44 points purely from centre bounce was also the most they’ve ever managed in a game. “It was unbelievable. It was hard to watch as a Brisbane supporter,” Jonathan Brown said On the Couch. “It was a mauling, and they got the monkey off the back. They had been mauled by that Brisbane Lions midfield (previously), and Matt Rowell was just unbelievable, and he went to school on what Josh Dunkley had done to him, and the rest of the Lions midfield.” Dunkley has had the better of Rowell in previous match-ups as the Lions have successfully quelled the Suns’ contested beast — but it was a completely different story last Saturday as Rowell rampaged to a Marcus Ashcroft Medal for his best-on-ground performance. “Previously, Dunkley had blocked his run to the ball, which Dunkley does a lot … in the game earlier in the year, he (Rowell) only had 16 disposals, had no impact on the game,” Brown continued. “He (Rowell) went to work during the week; this shows his calibre as a professional. Starts more side-on, doesn’t allow Dunkley to block his run, starts going to different opposition as well.” Four-time flag-winner Jordan Lewis called it “a great sign of maturity”, with Rowell becoming the first-ever player to record 15+ clearances, 10+ score involvements and 10+ tackles in a game.

Tigers’ burning question: What does Noah Balta’s role look like?

The role of Richmond gun Noah Balta moving forward remains an interesting watch. The Tigers tall has been thrown forward to help cover the absence of Tom Lynch in recent weeks, but long term, where he is best suited remains a dilemma for Adem Yze and his coaching staff. A shift back to defence seems the most likely option, but Ben Miller and Tylar Young have held down those key position roles admirably. If he stays in the front half alongside Lynch, it’ll likely mean one of their promising young talls, whether that’s Tom Sims, Harry Armstrong or Jonty Faull, misses out. Balta has been successful in playing a negating role on an opposition’s best key defender too before, so there’s that to add to the mix. Lynch will be available from suspension next week but keep an eye on how Yze uses his bullocking tall in the final weeks of the year.

Kingsley takes the blame for Greene ban | 02:49

SYDNEY SWANS v ESSENDON

Saturday August 2, 4.15pm at the SCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 503, with commentary from Mark Howard, Dermott Brereton, Brad Johnson & Ben Dixon.

Swans’ burning question: Can they get to the finish line strongly?

“We need to make sure that we fight this year out as well as we possibly can.” Those were the words of coach Dean Cox after a second half fade out in the Battle of the Bridge against the Giants last week. If one thing is for sure, we know the ‘Bloods’ will continue to fight tooth and nail right until the very end. While the Swans are now out of finals contention, Cox was pragmatic post-game about ensuring the club grows in the final four weeks of its 2025 season. What does that look like? You’d imagine the Swans continue to get experience into the likes of Angus Sheldrick and Jack Buller, while there’s a host of others who are currently plying their trade at reserves level, such as Corey Warner, Riley Bice and Caiden Cleary, who could discover greater senior opportunities in the final month of the year. You’d expect the Swans to bank some big wins against Essendon and West Coast, but a scalp against either or both of Brisbane or Geelong would be huge as well.

Bombers’ burning question: How far back will injury crisis put rebuild?

It’s been the well-documented season from hell in terms of injury for Essendon, with 10 players now currently listed by the club as out of the season and Jye Caldwell and Jordan Ridley — each listed as four weeks away from a return — more unlikely than likely to appear at senior level again this year. And with most of those injuries to key players, the Bombers’ current severe lack of experience continues to debilitate its ability to achieve on-field success. Of the 23 players who trotted out in the heavy loss to the Bulldogs last Friday night, the seven least-experienced players had played a combined 28 games, with an individual average of four games played. “When you’ve got that little experience … in a third-year team, it makes it very difficult to put things together,” former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said On the Couch. In the third year under coach Brad Scott, the Bombers would have seriously hoped for more squad continuity after back-to-back 11-win campaigns — yet they’ve had anything but in 2025, and the concern post-season will move to just how much the setbacks of this year have hampered their timeline of moving back up the ladder.

‘I could go on a second date with Jack!’ | 00:31

COLLINGWOOD v BRISBANE LIONS

Saturday August 2, 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, Gerard Whateley, Jason Dunstall, Garry Lyon & Cameron Mooney.

Magpies’ burning question: Does recent blistering stretch have Nick in Brownlow favouritism?

In last Sunday’s 36-point win over Richmond, Nick Daicos dished up one of the best statistical performances of all time, per Champion Data. Daicos’ performance was rated the best of the season by any player, the best by a Collingwood player on record, and the 14th-best of all time. Further, the Pies’ wizard has averaged 35 disposals and a goal since the club’s mid-season bye. Asked about his chances of claiming a maiden Brownlow Medal this year, former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said On the Couch: “Well, he’s definitely putting himself in the mix … hitting the scoreboard makes a little bit of a difference. Touches are great, but hitting the scoreboard makes a difference.” Four-time flag-winner Jordan Lewis said Daicos’ shapeshifting from a positional perspective had aided his cause in recent weeks. “He’s got a good mix … in terms of midfield, little bit of halfback, little bit of forward — it’s the inside-outside balance with his game.” Coach Craig McRae had pondered the idea of resting his superstar — as he has done with a few of his other key senior players in the lead-in to a demanding finals campaign — but at this late stage, with the pre-finals bye on the doorstep and a Brownlow assault in full swing, a rest now seems unlikely.

Lions’ burning question: Are they at risk of missing the top four?

While they’re currently placed third on the AFL ladder with a record of 13-5-1, Brisbane’s run home could prove tricky – and it might mean their place in the top four is under threat. The Lions were hugely disappointing in the QClash last week against the Suns and Chris Fagan will be hoping his side responds in a big way against Collingwood this week. Their final four home and away games though are pretty challenging. After the Pies, Fagan’s side face Sydney at home, Fremantle and Hawthorn both away. They can probably afford to drop a game somewhere in there, but they wouldn’t want to drop too many more, or they’ll risk losing the double chance. Having said that, the Lions showed last year they’re more than capable of doing things the hard way. They still loom as one of the premiership front runners and this run might allow them to find some form at the right time, but they certainly wouldn’t want to have too many more slip ups from here on.

The bottom 9: How they improve next year | 07:02

ST KILDA v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday August 3, 1.40pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 1pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Corbin Middlemas, Tom Hawkins, Gerard Healy, Sarah Jones & David Zita.

Saints’ burning question: Why does it take being 46 points down at three-quarter-time in Round 20 to see their best?

It’s the greatest-ever comeback from three-quarter-time, and while the focus is rightly on the Saints and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s heroics in the final term, the big query for St Kilda revolves around why it’s taken this long to see Ross Lyon’s side at its best. “It’s a good question. There was a game earlier in the year, the Geelong game, where I sat here and said ‘if they can play like that all season, they will be a destination club’. And we haven’t seen up until then, so I think the question is always ‘why don’t they do that more often?’” posed four-time flag-winner Jordan Lewis On the Couch. “And sometimes you get a little bit of evidence to say, one, positional changes — why do we have to have the wings parallel to the centre bounce? Why don’t we challenge the opposition and see what they do?” Jonathan Brown added: “The mentality of having nothing to lose, too, that frees players up. Naturally, you get in that situation, 46 points down, you don’t think you’re going to win, so you go ‘oh, I’ll just have a crack’.”

Kangaroos’ burning question: Do they need to simplify defensive system?

It’s been another tough year at North, underlined by a 101-point loss to Geelong in the biggest defeat any side has suffered this season and the first by triple figures. The 17th-placed Kangaroos have given up an average of 127.4 points over their current five-game losing streak as their defence has again been a major area of concern, with Jeremy Cameron bagging 11 goals against Alastair Clarkson’s side last week. North has conceded 102.8 points per game in 2025 in year three under Clarkson after allowing 110.9 points (2024) and 100.8 points (2023) the last two seasons. It’s such an important part of the game for contending sides, let alone those like North trying to build a foundation. So is it time to go back to basics? Or just simplify things? “I don’t know what they are trying to do defensively and it’s been like this for the last three years,” Saints legend Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack. “They’ve got to ask if it’s the right system, and if it’s not, is the message getting through to the playing group? What do you value as a club? I just wonder whether they’re coaching it the right way. Because if that’s the system they want to play, clearly the players either aren’t capable of doing it or don’t adhere to it. That’s on the coaching to make some changes. If the system is too complicated, you’ve got to strip it back. But this has been three years now of the system Alastair Clarkson wants to implement with his team, and it’s not getting better. Clearly there’s a breakdown somewhere and they’ve got some serious soul searching to do.”

Trade whispers: The ruck merry-go-round | 04:54

GEELONG CATS v PORT ADELAIDE

Sunday August 3, 3.15pm at GMHBA StadiumHow to watch on Fox Footy: From 3pm on Channel 503, with commentary from Dwayne Russell, Dermott Brereton, Brad Johnson, Nick Dal Santo & David Zita.

Cats’ burning question: Can Jezza reach the ton?

We’re officially on Jeremy Cameron ton watch. Geelong’s star forward is gunning to be the first player to kick 100 goals in an AFL season since Lance Franklin in 2008 and he’s genuinely a chance to get there. Cameron has slotted 69 goals so far this season, but has fixtures against Port Adelaide, Essendon, Sydney and Richmond in the final month of the year, before a likely finals series. Having booted 11 majors against North Melbourne last week, you just get the feeling he’s in line for another couple of hauls in some easier games to end the season. But despite all the external hype around Jezza, teammate Connor O’Sullivan says internally, the club hasn’t spoken about it that much. “He’s obviously a great player. We put a high priority in getting him involved in the game because he’s such a good player… I don’t know if that’s on his mind, but it hasn’t actually been spoken about that much within the club,” O’Sullivan told reporters earlier this week.

Power’s burning question: What can they get out of final month under Ken?

There’s just four games left of Ken Hinkley’s tenure at Alberton and finals are out of the equation, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be gained in the final month of their season. Miles Bergman has been put on ice for the rest of the season, while the likes of Jason Horne-Francis, Esava Ratugolea and Dante Visentini also won’t return from injury this year. Having said that, it should open the door for Port Adelaide to continue to blood some of their young talent and get a final look at some of the talent set to come out of contract at the end of the year. The Power have over a dozen players without a deal for next year with a list crunch set to happen before Josh Carr’s first season at the helm. Players such as Joe Berry, Ollie Lord and Mani Liddy should be given every opportunity possible as they continue to build into their AFL careers, while players such as Jed McEntee, Dylan Williams and Will Lorenz among others will be hoping to secure new deals.

Razor Ray explains 6-6-6 confusion | 02:51

FREMANTLE v CARLTON

Sunday August 3, 5.10pm at Optus Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4.30pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Adam Papalia, Matthew Pavlich, Will Schofield, Kath Loughnan & David Zita.

Dockers’ burning question: Is star the X-factor in premiership push?

It feels like the Dockers are primed for a premiership tilt. They’ve got stars all over the ground. The dynamic duo of Caleb Serong and Andy Brayshaw causes headaches for opposition coaches while the ruck set up of Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy is paying dividends. Their defence is staunch and their front half, featuring the likes of Josh Treacy, Michael Frederick, Jye Amiss and Shai Bolton is also up and running. Young gun Murphy Reid and discarded Don Pat Voss have been superb acquisitions as well, but it’s a star that’s missed most of the season who could be the biggest gamechanger come September. Hayden Young was the Glendinning-Allan Medal winner in the Western Derby, dominating against the Eagles through three quarters before being subbed out. The classy on-baller had 23 touches and three majors before being managed in the final term. “He is sensational, he’s one of those players in terms of X-factor coming into the finals series,” Hawthorn champion Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy’s On the Couch.

Blues’ burning question: Can they find some positives in last month?

It’s been a pretty ordinary year from the Blues. Pressure has mounted on coach Michael Voss and given the side’s on-field struggles, speculation continues to grow about whether the Blues could get aggressive on the trade front and move on some of their stars. Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni are two names being discussed prominently, while Charlie Curnow, Sam Walsh and Harry McKay are others to have been mentioned. Blues fans need a win, so what can they look out for in the final month of the year? Young defender Harry O’Farrell looks the goods, while the likes of Ollie Hollands, Matt Carroll, Cooper Lord and Ashton Moir continue to show signs of improvement. It’s probably worth giving the likes of Billy Wilson, Jaxon Binns and Lucas Camporeale another chance, while untried key position player Harry Lemmey could also get a look at an AFL debut. The next fortnight the Blues take on Fremantle and the Gold Coast and claiming a scalp or two there, plus another couple on the way home against Port Adelaide and Essendon, would be a step in the right direction and help to lay the platform for season 2026.