The Magpies are no longer kings of the close finish, and their recent form — including a “cardinal sin” late in last Saturday’s loss — is every chance to have cost them a top-four finish.

Plus, the controversial coach move “never see again” after a contender’s plight this year.

Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 24, as well as the commentators for every Fox Footy game, in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!

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“3-a-day updates!” Voss on TDK saga | 02:18

AFL ROUND 24 (all times AEDT)

ESSENDON v CARLTON

Thursday August 21, 7.30pm at the MCG

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

Bombers’ burning question: How do they attack the game with one more coming after?

Like they have the previous three weeks, where the Bombers have shown ample promise in losses to Sydney, Geelong and St Kilda. The injury-plagued Bombers haven’t tasted victory since Round 13 when they defeated Richmond at the MCG. Eleven straight losses have followed. Despite the losing streak, Essendon captain Zach Merrett – who returns from injury to play his 250th AFL game against Carlton – sees genuine “optimism”. Merrett told Fox Footy’s AFL 360: “To see guys like (Angus) Clarke and (Archie) Roberts and (Jayden) Ngyuen, some of those younger players and the things that they’re doing have been really exciting and a lot of off-ball stuff they’re doing is high quality … No doubt there’s been moments where we’ve been poor, but I think overall there is a lot of optimism. Guys are super excited coming into training. Fifteen debutants is crazy, but those kids are coming on really good with their attitude and dedication to training is phenomenal. No doubt next year when we get those boys back from injury, there’s going to be competitive spots come Round 1.”

Blues’ burning question: How important was ‘brave’ Walsh call?

The grunt, work ethic and impact Sam Walsh brings to the table had been sorely missed at Princes Park, and it took just his first game back at the top level from a troublesome footy injury for that fact to be reiterated. In last Saturday’s thumping win over Port Adelaide, the hard-nosed ball-getter gathered 28 disposals and nine score involvements to join spearhead Harry McKay as one of Carlton’s best players on the day. “Ten weeks out of the game, it’s so good just to see him back. Sometimes the fans just need to see their best just going at it. I know there’s not a lot to play for, for Carlton … but just to see Sam Walsh back out there … it just warms your heart,” dual flag-winner David King told Fox Footy’s First Crack. “You look at their team, and every team relies on the top four or five players so heavily, and to have this guy out for 10 weeks has cruelled Michael Voss and the coaching staff, so just great to see him out there … welcome back.” The Blues will continue to try and take some much-needed momentum into next season with a win against Essendon on Thursday night.

‘I don’t want to demonise Izak either’ | 01:00

COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE

Friday August 22, 7.10pm at the MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6.30pm on Channel 504, hosted by Garry Lyon, Nathan Buckley & Jordan Lewis, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Gerard Whateley, Jason Dunstall, Brad Johnson, Eddie Betts & Jon Ralph.

Magpies’ burning question: Can they correct new-found close-game concerns?

Collingwood is no longer the king of the close finish, and the losses it’s had in recent times are every chance of coming back to bite it in terms of its ability to secure a top-four finish. “The team that were the kings of close finishes have now lost four of their last five games decided by a kick or less,” dual All-Australian and analyst Leigh Montagna noted on First Crack after the Pies’ three-point loss. “It’s interesting when you take a look at that last term; they always found a way to win in previous seasons, but is it luck of the draw? Maybe there is a bit more luck to it, but there are some things they just didn’t get right.” In particular, allowing time and space for James Peatling to kick a crucial fourth-quarter goal was a critical fail. “The way that they just didn’t get organised at this last stoppage,” continued Montagna. “To have three Adelaide players free inside your defensive 50 is a cardinal sin. That was costly. A couple of their ball movement situations … just weren’t quite in sync, and I just think they’ve got so many things they’ve been working on; they just haven’t been able to close out these close games.”

Demons’ burning question: Can they play party poopers on the Pies?

Recent history would suggest you have to give them a chance. Yes they’ve won just two of their past 11 games, yes they sacked their coach a fortnight ago, yes the end of the season can’t come quick enough. But the Demons have been competitive in nearly all of those nine recent losses – especially in their most recent meeting wit the Magpies on King’s Birthday where they lost by just one point. Last week’s loss to Hawthorn by 36 points was probably their worst performance in a while, but the carrot of wanting to spoil Collingwood’s top-four hopes would be tempting. As for what happens after Friday night? The coaching search ramps up significantly. And a word of warning from Leigh Matthews on Fox Footy’s On The Couch: “The whole Melbourne operation is unstable. So anyone who takes the Melbourne coaching job have got the faith that stability is coming – because at the moment, it’s not there.”

Hinkley ‘not prepared’ to discuss future | 01:34

PORT ADELAIDE v GOLD COAST SUNS

Friday August 22, 8.10pm at Adelaide Oval

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6.30pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Dwayne Russell, Jonathan Brown, Mark Ricciuto, Cameron Mooney, Ben Dixon & Jon Ralph.

Power’s burning question: Is it the last time we’ll ever see a succession plan like this?

It’d be more than fair to say Port Adelaide’s protracted Ken Hinkley farewell won’t be a move copied by rival teams any time soon, based on its efficacy this year at Alberton. The Power have gone from a preliminary final side to one with just eight wins from 22 games, and while most predicted some sort of regression after last year, a lot of pundits still would’ve predicted the club to challenge for a top-eight spot. Instead, they’re six games behind ninth-placed Gold Coast — their opponent for Hinkley’s farewell this Friday — and have lost seven games by eight goals or more in what’s unfolded as Port Adelaide’s most uncompetitive campaign under Hinkley’s guidance. King said on First Crack: “It’ll be the last time you see the goodbye. That’s it, you’ll never see that again.” It came after Hinkley delivered some stark comments following the Power’s 54-point loss to fellow bottom-nine side Carlton last Saturday. “I’m glad it’s here. I’m sick of the wait,” he said during his post-match media conference. “It’s been a bit of a battle to get to the end, and we’ve got here now, and I’m really proud of the way the footy club … myself, and everyone involved with our footy club have been able to keep our spirits up and our energy up to get to the end of the season with lots of challenges.”

Suns’ burning question: Should they be worried by key King-Cadman comparison?

On the Couch on Monday night, Brisbane Lions legend Jonathan Brown highlighted the difference in competitiveness between Ben King and Aaron Cadman during last Saturday’s contest, with Cadman notably better in the air in marking contests against Sam Collins than King was against counterpart Sam Taylor. “Just the difference in two young key forwards. Ben King and Aaron Cadman against two physical defenders … Cadman competed really well, he took the physicality, he had 13 disposals, hit the scoreboard with a couple of goals, but he just kept competing all the way through,” Brown said. “I just thought Ben King struggled in this area of the game. Taylor went at him with his physicality, and I just wasn’t able to see Ben with that physicality back that Cadman showed towards Sam Collins. So, just an area that he can work on coming into September.” Cadman had six score involvements with his two goals and four marks, while King had three score involvements and two marks with two goals.

Are Crows not accepting responsibility? | 03:28

NORTH MELBOURNE v ADELAIDE CROWS

Saturday August 23, 1.20pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12.30pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Leigh Montagna, Gerard Healy, Tom Hawkins & Ben Dixon.

Kangaroos’ burning question: Is this their next A-grader?

If Paul Curtis can again take his game to a new level next season, club great David King believes the livewire forward has the tools to be the club’s next A-grader. “I think (he) can become Toby Greene. I really do,” King said on Fox Footy. “I think that he’s got capabilities that most don’t. He can do it at ground level, he’s mad for the contest, he loves contested marking, he’s got great bodywork, and I think he’s a special talent.” Curtis snagged five goals against Richmond last Sunday, took five marks inside 50 and was dangerous with a game-high nine disposals inside forward 50. “He’s only 22 years of age; the sky is the limit for this guy if he wants to get rock-hard fit during this off-season and take his game to the next level,” King continued. “Anything is possible for this young man. He was terrific again (against Richmond) … high-quality opposition in Nathan Broad, and he just took him to the cleaners … if he’s serious, he’s an A-grader in 2026.”

Crows’ burning question: Is this the league’s best defensive tandem?

They’ve been dubbed the “Rundle Maulers”, and they’re steamrolling opposition forwards in their path. The Crows are the top-ranked intercepting team in the competition, and in particular, key stoppers Mark Keane and Josh Worrell are controlling the airways, ranking first and second respectively for intercepts this year. “The back six of the Adelaide Crows, I’m in love with what they’re doing behind the ball,” King told First Crack. “We say they’re no-name, but I think we’re all getting a handle now on what they’ve got, and it’s quite special behind the ball. It’s team-first at all times, it’s minimal fuss, it’s honest, it’s tough, and it’s the best back six in the competition by a long way. They work for each other so well.” And it’s not like Keane and Worrell came into the year as household names. Worrell was the no. 28 pick back in 2019 and has been a slow burn at the top level, but he’s here and firing now, while Keane was a Collingwood pre-season pick-up a year earlier in 2018. It comes after luring Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine from rival clubs, as well as drafting the likes of Riley Thilthorpe, Dan Curtin and Josh Rachele over previous years. King added: “If they do win the flag this year, they’ll knight their recruiting department, their talent acquisition department … it’s been unbelievable, what they’ve built.”

‘He’ll accept whatever comes his way’ | 02:21

RICHMOND v GEELONG CATS

Saturday August 23, 4.15pm at the MCG

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Mark Howard, Jason Dunstall, Nathan Buckley & Brad Johnson.

Tigers’ burning question: Was it the right call to cull ‘Kapps’?

Kamdyn McIntosh is a heart and soul Richmond premiership stalwart, but that’s not the only reason why the club’s call to delist him at the end of this season is a perplexing one. McIntosh is one of just six Tigers to play all 22 games this year, and while four of those have come as the sub, there’s no mistaking why he’s been out there every week. As well as continuing to contribute to the way Adem Yze’s side wants to play on a wing, he acts as a necessary veteran presence within a side that is the league’s least-experienced based on average games played this year (52.7). The only three Richmond players older than McIntosh are Dion Prestia, Tom Lynch and Nathan Broad; all 32 years of age. And for a club that will only add more young talent at this year’s national draft, next year will again present the need for the Tigers to offset their widespread youth with older heads. It comes as little surprise that McIntosh — who has played at least 21 senior games in each of the past four seasons — reportedly wants to play on for another year. And it’s not as if the Tigers are chock-full of options on the wing. Hugo Ralphsmith has played the role when healthy, while draftee Luke Trainor has spent time on the flanks in addition to in defence and up forward — but there’s an easy argument to make that McIntosh is still the most tried and tested wing option Richmond will have in 2026.

Cats’ burning question: Are they flying under the radar as the true premiership favourites?

As the Cats all but lock in their 10th top-four finish in 15 years, Chris Scott’s side are quietly assuming the role as the competition’s leading flag contender. Their polished 43-point win over an in-form Sydney outfit goes well beyond a victory over a 10th-placed side, given the Swans’ recent surge in form. “They are the best under-the-radar team in the competition by a mile … I think they’re a better version of themselves than they were last year … I’ve got them playing in a grand final, as I sit here right now,” 287-game player Leigh Montagna told Fox Footy’s First Crack. “I trust the coach — he’s the best coach in the league — and they’re fully fit and healthy.” Fellow genuine contender Adelaide has won their last eight games but given their club’s non-existent finals experience in the last eight years, doubts over their credentials are understandably still clouded. A second-placed Brisbane are amid a slightly volatile run of form, while Collingwood has lost five of their last six games.

McQualter: Eagles need to get to work | 09:35

WEST COAST EAGLES v SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday August 23, 7.35pm at Optus Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7pm on Channel 504, hosted by Kath Loughnan, David King, Jack Riewoldt & Jay Clark, with commentary from Adam Papalia, Dwayne Russell, Matthew Pavlich, Dermott Brereton & Will Schofield

Eagles’ burning question: How high is the ceiling on one of their youngest draftees?

In a year that’s had very little positives for West Coast, the unveiling of first-year draftee Jobe Shanahan in the second half of this season has caught the eye of more than just the odd expert. The 195cm Moama product has shown notable progress in his first eight games at the top level, and while he failed to register a goal on Sunday evening against the Western Bulldogs, still managed three shots on goal. “Jobe Shanahan is one that is just bobbing up for the West Coast Eagles … chatting to Andrew McQualter on the weekend, they have very big hopes for this young man,” three-time Richmond premiership player Jack Riewoldt told On The Couch on Monday night. “He reminds me of Mitch Georgiades — I love the way that he comes at the ball.” Only just over a week ago, multiple outlets reported Shanahan is in line for a two-year extension.

Swans’ burning question: How well placed are they for a return to September next year?

Very well placed. Sydney’s 2025 campaign essentially ended with that Round 12 90-point home loss to Adelaide, which took the Swans’ record to 4-8. Since then, the likes of Errol Gulden, Tom Papley, Callum Mills and Harry Cunningham have returned to the side, Angus Sheldrick has emerged and the likes of Isaac Heeney, Brodie Grundy and Nick Blakey have discovered their best form. So if the Swans beat the Eagles on Saturday night, they’ll finish with a positive win-loss record (12-11) and three games outside the eight in the most competitive top-nine we’ve arguably ever seen. Add in the expectation the Swans will be busy and bold this off-season in the trade market, there’s no reason why they can’t bounce quickly in 2026.

Saints to drop 20% of cap on NAS & TDK? | 01:17

GWS GIANTS v ST KILDA

Sunday August 24, 12.20pm at ENGIE Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12pm on Channel 504, hosted by Kelli Underwood, Brad Johnson & David Zita, with commentary from Dwayne Russell, Corbin Middlemas, Dermott Brereton, Gerard Healy & Nick Dal Santo.

Giants’ burning question: Can anyone stop them at their best?

Consistency has been a question mark for the Giants, but it can’t be argued — when they’re at their best, there are very few who can stop them. “When they’re on, they are beautiful to watch … the eyes tell you everything. They want corridor. They want to go right through your heart … it’s beautiful in motion,” King said on First Crack. The Giants bagged 9.1 (55) from coast-to-coast scoring against Gold Coast. “I haven’t seen a game like that,” King continued. “It was incredible … who wouldn’t want to play this sort of footy? I think it’s such an easy sell to your 23 … great to watch.” Promisingly, the Giants have also improved what was previously considered a lacklustre stoppage game. After ranking 16th for clearance differential and 15th for points from clearance differential over Rounds 0-15, they’ve risen to 10th and second respectively over Rounds 16-23. “Credit to Adam Kingsley, they have significantly improved … what they are now is they punish when they do win clearance, and they can defend it,” Montagna added.

Saints’ burning question: How much will the Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera signing boost their hopes?

Significantly, both for this weekend’s match and the long-term. After months of speculation, Wanganeen-Milera made the colossal call to snub offers from Adelaide and Port Adelaide, re-sign with St Kilda and become the league’s first $2 million player. Speaking to foxfooty.com.au earlier this week, Western Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson said the new Wanganeen-Milera deal was “so significant and the lift that gives all his teammates is massive”. Johnson added coach Ross Lyon would use Wanganeen-Milera’s show of faith to help “retain other teammates”, but also “attract other players to the club knowing that you’re going to have possibly the best player in the comp on your list”. Wanganeen-Milera has been in ridiculous form since the Saints’ bye – and prior to that in Round 5, he kicked three goals from 24 touches in the Saints’ Gather Round clash against the Giants. He looms as an ominous threat for Adam Kingsley’s side again this weekend.

Jamarra opens up about shooting incident | 05:00

WESTERN BULLDOGS v FREMANTLE

Sunday August 24, 3.15pm at Marvel Stadium

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 3pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Gerard Whateley, Garry Lyon, Jordan Lewis, Sarah Jones & David Zita.

Bulldogs’ burning question: Are they really overwhelming favourites?

According to the markets, they are. For in their past 17 games at Marvel Stadium, the Dogs have averaged 116.6 points and won 15 of them by an average margin of 60.4 points — as pointed out on First Crack Preview by Leigh Montagna, who declared: “I don’t think there’s a bigger task in footy at the moment than trying to knock off the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, because they are dynamite under the lid.” Making matters tougher for the Dockers this weekend, they’ve lost their past two matches against the Bulldogs at the Docklands venue by 67 and 29 points respectively. But Montagna believes the Dockers can still upset the Bulldogs and expose their “kryptonite” by ramping up their defensive pressure. The Bulldogs this year have won 13 of 16 games when their opposition has had a pressure rating of under 190 — but won just one of six games when the rating has been 190 or more, primarily because the Dogs concede more points from their own defensive half. Montagna said: “Fremantle need to squeeze, need to get after them, get in their face and see if they can pull off the upset.” And Dockers coach Justin Longmuir was happy to put the heat back on the Dogs at his mid-week presser, telling reporters: “The pressure is on them, isn’t it? Last time I checked, they’ve won one less game than us … We are on the same amount of wins as Collingwood, who are fourth.”

Dockers’ burning question: Will they take the Dogs on at speed?

It’s hard to predict. One week the Dockers pull the trigger with more aggressive ball movement, the next — like the loss to Brisbane last Friday night — they move in first gear. The data suggests, though, Justin Longmuir’s side is more prolific and effective when it moves the footy quickly. Dual premiership Kangaroo David King on Wednesday night presented Fremantle’s ‘speed of ball’ profile on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview. A large portion of the Dockers’ chains were in the slower ‘Gear 1’ zone (sub 40), which resulted in them being just over three per cent more likely to be scored against on counter-attack rather than score themselves. But when Freo hits ‘Gear 5’ (160+), it’s 29 per cent more likely to score – yet it hits that gear the least. “People say ‘you’re hot on Fremantle’. I’m not. There’s so much opportunity sitting here. If they play aggressive on Sunday, they’re going to be bloody hard to beat.”

‘The pressure is on them too!’: Longmuir | 01:38

BRISBANE LIONS v HAWTHORN

Sunday August 24, 7.20pm at the Gabba

How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Matt Hill, Mark Howard, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Alastair Lynch & David Zita.

Lions’ burning question: Are they vulnerable at the Gabba?

‘Vulnerable?’ That’s a bit strong. But there’s an argument to suggest facing the Lions at the Gabba isn’t as intimidating a task as previous years, with Brisbane losing four of its past eight games at home. Remarkably, this is the first time Brisbane has hosted Hawthorn at the Gabba since June 2019 in a remarkable fixture quirk. Yet there’s so much for the Lions to play for. If the reigning premiers beat Hawthorn next Sunday night, they’ll likely set up a qualifying final with the Cats, with the game either hosted at the MCG (if Geelong wins) or the Gabba (if Geelong loses). But with the ladder being this tight, the Lions can hardly afford a loss, with the most likely results sending them all the way down into an away elimination final. Yes the Lions won the flag last year from outside the top four, but that was a footy history anomaly.

Hawks’ burning question: Is Jack Gunston an All-Australian lock?

He has to be now, surely? Which is remarkable considering Gunston, in his 16th AFL season at the age of 33, from 19 matches has kicked a career-high 60 goals, usurping his previous best of 58 from 23 games in the Hawks’ successful 2014 campaign. Ex-teammate and four-time Hawthorn premiership player Jordan Lewis told On The Couch said Gunston was “absolutely” an All-Australian lock, while Nathan Buckley added: “Think about where Taylor Walker was a couple of years ago … you can find a way through the physical challenge, the mental and emotional application … you can see that in Jack, in the way that he plays. He’s playing career-best footy, and he’s been asked to play a role that he’s more than capable of performing — and he’s doing it as well as anybody.” Gunston will have a key role to play on Sunday night against the Lions. Yet the last time he played Brisbane (Round 13) was the only game this season where he was held goalless (0.3 from 8 disposals).

Veteran Lion inks contract extension | 00:35