Rioli watch continues as Suns defend Top End record
Shayne Hope |
KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 10 OF THE AFL SEASON
SPOTLIGHT REMAINS ON PORT’S TROUBLED STAR
Coach Ken Hinkley said Port Adelaide could have done with Willie Rioli in their tight Showdown loss. Will the dangerous small forward return from a week off – amid controversy over his “unacceptable” threats to rival players – for the Power’s crucial home game against Geelong?
KINGS OF THE TOP END
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick reckons hanging on to beat a surging Western Bulldogs showed his players are starting to believe in their top-four credentials. Those will get an immediate test when they put their recent 7-0 Darwin record on the line against fellow contenders Hawthorn.
OLIVER TWIST? CLAYTON TO STAY IN NEW ROLE
Prolific ball-winner Clayton Oliver performed a successful shutdown role on Hawthorn’s Jai Newcombe after Melbourne teammate Jack Viney was ruled out last week. Coach Simon Goodwin has hinted Oliver could continue in the role, with no shortage of targets to pick from when the Demons face the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
WHERE IS WEST COAST’S FIRST VICTORY COMING FROM?
The Eagles (0-9) are winless in Andrew McQualter’s nightmare first season in charge after falling narrowly short of fellow strugglers Richmond in a two-point defeat at the MCG. They next host finals hopefuls St Kilda at Optus Stadium.
CROWS FLYING, BUT COACH CAUTIOUS
Coach Matthew Nicks says Adelaide’s quest to return to the finals for the first time since 2017 faces the AFL’s litmus test on Saturday: playing Collingwood at the MCG. The Crows are 6-3 entering the clash after a five-point win against arch rivals Port Adelaide.
WHERE IS FREO’S FORWARD CONNECTION?
Fremantle won the inside-50 count 62-34 against Collingwood last Thursday night, yet somehow still lost by 14 points, with their wayward kicks into attack costing them dearly. The Dockers can’t afford to be as wasteful when they come up against GWS at Engie Stadium.
AAP
