There are growing doubts on Brisbane’s premiership defence, as a great calls for “radical” change.
Plus debate over a Blues superstar trade, the AFL’s most improved player… and is it “indisputable” that Ross Lyon’s Saints have improved? More of the biggest talking points ahead of Round 22, as well as the Fox Footy commentary roster for every game, in Foxfooty.com.au’s ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!
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Round 22
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OUT OF THE FLAG RACE? LIONS ‘IN TROUBLE’, CALL FOR ‘RADICAL’ CHANGE
There’s growing doubts on Brisbane’s quest for a three-peat due to defensive “vulnerabilities” amid calls for Chris Fagan to make “radical” change.
The Lions have given up 100 points eight times already this season after conceding the triple-figure mark only three times in 2025 and 2024.
It’s significantly more than the previous seven premiers, too — the 2023 Magpies (five), 2022 Cats (one), 2021 Demons (none), 2019 Tigers (four), 2018 Eagles (two), 2017 Tigers (two) and 2016 Bulldogs (three).
It includes Brisbane giving up massive totals of 154 to Carlton last weekend and 166 to GWS several weeks ago, with Fagan’s men ranked bottom six in the competition in points against.
They’re also ranked bottom six in points from turnovers, conceding points from turnovers and defensive 50 to inside 50 and sit 16th in pressure rating.
Only three teams with a bottom six defensive profile and top six rated offence have made it past the semi-final stage including five elimination final exits.
Fagan: Lions “off the boil tonight” | 06:51
Champion Data’s Daniel Hoyne flagged last month that Brisbane was a “a one in 100” chance to win the flag given its defensive profile.
And last week’s heavy loss to Carlton, which saw the Lions fall out of the top four, has cast further doubt around their flag credentials.
“I think the competition knows you can play against Brisbane now. I think the good teams know there’s vulnerability there,” Kangaroos great David King said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack.
“Add to that a bit of injury. They’re in trouble now, they really are.
“Carlton are not a team we can associate ball movement and freedom of play with, really, were able to put it to them at will — 64 points out of the defensive half, when the AFL average is 33.
“Carlton just hasn’t done this or kicked this sort of score for 15 years.”
Brisbane has been here before, in terms of being written off late in the season.
It comes ahead of a defining matchup with Hawthorn at the Gabba on Friday night, followed by clashes against Gold Coast (Gabba) and Collingwood (MCG) on the run home.
Win all of them and there’s every chance Brisbane reclaims a top four spot and no real damage has been done. Depending on how much weight you put on them needing to buck history with their flailing defensive profile.
While defensive concerns would generally be associated to a back six, King pointed to Brisbane’s midfield as the area that needs a shake up after it posted a rec0rd low 150 pressure rating.
Statement! Blues stun with 76-point win | 02:55
It led King to question if Charlie Cameron could be injected into that engine room to add some defensive intent.
“I look at their midfield and they all of a sudden look slow when they haven’t got the footy, and a little bit quicker when they have,” he said.
“Not saying they’re downhill skiers, because you’ve got to give them more respect than that. So I don’t begrudge anything they are doing or talk down anything they have done.
“But they need a shift, I think the coach needs something radical.
“I think he needs to look at doing something like Charlie Cameron in at centre bounces, because he will tackle, he’ll go in there with a role.
“(Will) Ashcroft doesn’t chase, tackle and harass. Lachie Neale, as good as he is at winning the ball, doesn’t necessarily go the other way. (Josh) Dunkley is the only one, but does he have the capability to cover for everyone? (Zac) Bailey and (Cam) Rayner go in there but they’re looking to get forward.
“They can still score, obviously, they’re still a dangerous opponent. But dangerous opponents don’t win prelims.”
It comes ahead of a fascinating week at selection for the reigning back-to-back premiers.
In a sigh of relief, Hugh McCluggage (calf), Ryan Lester (shoulder) and Logan Morris (corked thigh) are all set to be available, despite injury concerns last week, and Dayne Zorko is set to replace Keidean Coleman (concussion).
Naughton & Weightman doubts for Bulldogs | 01:33
Meanwhile Darcy Gardiner is ready to return from a hamstring issue and could well be called upon, with Eric Hipwood’s spot in the side vulnerable after his move to defensive last week didn’t work.
“They need change,” King continued.
“The coach has always backed his players, he’s always backed his talent through hell or high water. Well, I think right now is the time to almost say: ‘I can’t trust a couple of them and I’m going to make radical change for two, three, four weeks and see if it works’.
“I think their best tackler is Charlie Cameron and he can do it at speed and he’ll recover a lost clearance for you.
“I think they’ve had these conversations multiple times through the course of the year and it hasn’t worked. So now it’s time to pull the ripcord and try something new.
“Do I think he’ll do it? Probably not. But if he does do it, I think they can recover. They just need someone to reset the standards in there.
“I don’t know, is it Darcy Wilmot? I don’t know who it is. To go in there and say: ‘Your midfield time is up, because you haven’t done the job both ways’.”
EPIC MASTER V APPRENTICE BATTLE COULD DETERMINE AA SPOT
Max Gawn is “the greatest ruck we’ve seen” and tracking towards a record ninth All-Australian blazer.
Though a looming master v apprentice battle of goliaths could have a big say on the starting AA ruck spot.
Gawn will face off with Dockers star and ex-teammate Luke Jackson this Saturday as the two with the biggest claim for the AA ruck gig.
It’s hard to split the two right now.
Gawn has averaged a career-best 21.5 disposals and 6.2 clearances along with 32.2 hit-outs in another stellar and super consistent season from the 34-year old.
It feels like every year we talk about Gawn having his best campaign yet. And leading this underdog Demons team to top four contention is right up there with his impressive career feats.
1st place Freo have no plans of resting | 01:40
While Jackson probably hasn’t been as consistent, the former No. 3 pick has been arguably the best player on the ladder-leading Dockers.
Jackson has probably had more wow games than Gawn, too, and put up career-highs in disposal (18.5), clearances (4.8) tackles (5.1) and total goals (23).
That scoreboard impact an area the 24-year old clearly trumps Gawn, who’s kicked 12 majors in 2026.
Good luck, AA selectors!
Whoever gets the points in Saturday’s contest might leave an impression. Even if the one misses out on the ruck spot would almost certainly still be named in the 22.
Kangaroos great lauded Gawn for his second-half domination against Gold Coast, declaring the Melbourne skipper is the best ruck of all time.
“We talk about who’s the best player in the game and I think we quickly overlook Max,” King said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack.
“There really is only one man that can influence a game whenever it is in all three phases — and that’s Max.
“I think we sometimes have to sit back and celebrate Max. Because he’s taking this club to areas no one predicted.
“Talking about them being in the fight for top four, that is a ridiculous conversation given where we are in the season. I thought they’d be fighting for, at best, top 10. Maybe even eight wins.
“I think we just have to say right now he is the greatest ruck we’ve seen and he is going to have that title with his ninth All-Australian at the end of the year.”
Will Pendlebury play on? | 05:14
‘IT’D BE A BIG CALL, MATE’: DEBATE AFTER GREAT FLOATS BOLD BLUES TRADE
Could Carlton consider trading Jacob Weitering?
It would’ve been an unthinkable thing to ponder once upon a time. But the club’s remarkable turnaround under Josh Fraser, largely without the injured Weitering, has prompted debate around the potential of dealing the All-Australian defender.
There’s a few more factors at play.
Carlton’s inexperienced defence has stood up superbly in Weitering’s absence. That includes Harry Dean, who already looks like he’s played 200 games and has fast established himself as a leader.
Plus Wade Derksen continues to look more comfortable at the top level; the SSP recruit has taken the fourth-most intercept marks of any player through 11 games.
Furthermore, with each passing Carlton win, it’s making it more challenging for the club to secure highly-rated father-son prodigy Cody Walker.
The Blues currently hold picks 9 and 17, which wouldn’t be enough to match a bid for Walker with the first two selections in the 2026 draft.
Walsh praises Blues interim Fraser | 00:44
And so Tigers champion Jack Riewoldt questioned if Carlton could consider shopping Weitering to bolster their draft hand and ensure they can secure Walker.
“Weitering is the one that has some form of collateral if you find yourself in a position where you’ve got to go find a high first-round pick,” he said on Fox Footy’s On the Couch.
“Weitering hasn’t been there for (over two months) and we see Harry Dean and this young defence continue to shine. Wade Derksen is another player that stood up on the weekend. That’s your spine.
“Essendon currently sitting with the first pick; they’re not going to do any favours for Carlton, surely? They’re going to be bidding on Dougie Cochrane and Cody Walker.
“Have we seen enough without Weitering over the last six weeks to go, maybe this defence can stand up?”
The Blues are already looking to bolster their defence as a keen suitor for Bulldogs free agent Buku Khamis.
So, if, for example, North was prepared to trade its first-round pick and more for Weitering, Carlton would surely need to at least look at it.
While the prospect of trading Weitering would be putting a lot of faith in the likes of Derksen, perhaps the bigger question is whether they really need Weitering and Dean.
Triple premiership Lion Jonathan Brown argued Carlton could yet need Weitering’s leadership to help nurture its younger defenders and questioned whether trading the co-vice captain was too great a risk.
“So, you’re saying if it’s the difference between getting Cody Walker or not, you’d trade Jacob Weitering?,” he said to Riewoldt.
“It’d be a big call, mate. An All-Australian defender out.”
Is Clarkson under pressure? | 02:35
To which Riewoldt responded: “It’d be a huge call, but you’ve got to make these sort of calls at this time.
“To go: ‘Well we’re not going to win it in maybe the next two to three years. But we’re going to win it in four years and we expect Walker would be a part of the nucleus.’
“You’d do anything to get him in.”
Of course, Weitering could simply say no to a trade and then the conversation is over.
Though four-time premiership Hawk Jordan Lewis agreed with Riewoldt that Carlton bosses should at least explore what’s best for the club in its long-term pursuit of a flag.
“That’s the job of (footy boss) Chris Davies and (CEO) Graham Wright. Absolutely, you have to see three to four years ahead,” Lewis said.
“And think: ‘Are we genuinely going to contend in the next two years?’
“I’d entertain it. I think we’ve had a big sample size without him being there and seeing these young kids who are grabbing the opportunity.
“The thing (Brown is) talking about is the leadership in that back-end. Jeez, I tell you what, Dean looks like a ready-made leader in terms of the way he plays and organises behind the ball.
“Experienced football guys need to be making those big decisions and it’s the only way you can get some youth coming through while still being successful.”
‘INDISPUTABLE’ PROOF THAT ROSS’ SAINTS HAVE IN FACT IMPROVED
Ross Lyon said last week it’s “indisputable’ that St Kilda has improved. So, have they?
Saints great Leigh Montagna put his former club under the microscope. And the evidence is compelling.
They’ve improved their win total (seven to nine), percentage (87 to 104), quarters won (26 to 42), times they trailed at three-quarter time (10 to two) and time in front (32 per cent to 61 per cent).
Digging a little deeper into mechanics, Lyon’s Saints have also gotten better in all three phases.
They’ve made gains in points for (ranked 12th to eighth), score inside 50 percentage (seventh to fourth), defensive 50 to inside 50 (16th to ninth), points against (13th to eighth), score inside 50 against (16th to 10th), clearance differential (eighth to fourth) and points clearance differential (14th to sixth).
“The one I think people forget about last year is there were 10 games last year at three-quarter when they were trailing by 19 points or more — essentially game over,” he said on First Crack: Preview.
“Only twice this year have they been in that situation.
“You can see with time in front, they’ve been in games for much longer than they were last year.
“I think people forget how far back they have come from. But they’re certainly making some progress.”
Is it time for a Mental Health Round? | 01:02
Montagna said the improvement at clearance is the “most significant” amid a changing of the guard of St Kilda’s midfield.
Last year, Rowan Marshall, Jack Steele, Jack Macrae and Marcus Windhager led the club’s CBA’s. Whereas this year, it’s been headed by a younger group of Tom De Koning Max Hall, Hugo Garcia and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.
“For a number of years Ross was talking about taking a knife to a gun fight in the midfield. They couldn’t get the job done in there and it was putting them on the backfoot,” Montagna added.
“We know now about the names … it’s gone from an average age of 28 to an average age of 23.
“Not only are they component matching it with the best midfielders in the competition, they’re actually thriving and taking it right up to them.”
The Saints Hall of Famer concluded it’s “indisputable” that the club has improved, but says it must “validate” that by defeating Carlton and playing finals.
“Otherwise it will be a disappointing year if they miss out,” Montagna said.
“Saints fans will have every right to expect more improvement and no doubt they need to continue to get more talent in.
“But they are making steps. It might not be to the level some people were hoping for.”
Anderson backs in Dimma despite rumours | 01:22
AFL’S MOST IMPROVED PLAYER LEAVING FANS ‘VERY, VERY NERVOUS’
There’s a reason breakout Demon Tom Sparrow has been in high demand from rival clubs with big-money offers.
Sparrow is the AFL’s most improved player from 2025 to 2026, flourishing with an expanded midfield role under Steven King.
It’s a list rounded out by West Coast’s Bailey Williams, who was also out of contract, Brisbane forwards Charlie Cameron and Kai Lohmann and St Kilda’s Hugo Garcia.
As for Sparrow, the 26-year old’s contract year couldn’t have come at a better time in a career-best season.
He’s averaged personal bests across the board in his eighth campaign in disposals (22.8 per game), tackles (6.5, ranked third in AFL) and clearances (5.6) as a mainstay in Melbourne’s midfield following the departures of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.
It’s numbers good enough to make the premiership Demon the game’s No. 27 rated player this year after he was No. 27 last year.
But the free agent, originally from South Australian, remains unsigned amid interest from Port Adelaide and Essendon.
Mitchell re-signs with Hawks until 2030 | 00:42
“Tom Sparrow is the big one. This is why Melbourne fans and the football club are very, very nervous about losing Tom Sparrow,” Saints great Leigh Montana said on First Crack: Preview.
“Because all of a sudden you give him an opportunity in his eighth year of footy to be a midfielder, he’s elevated to a top 30 player in the game.
“There’s big concerns they may lose him to Port Adelaide at the end of the season. So, that would be a massive blow.
“Have a think about your own club and if there’s a player that, if given the opportunity to play in a more expansive role, what impact they could have.
“Because Tom Sparrow has benefited from no Petracca or Oliver.”
Despite the rival interest, chief Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark says Melbourne is “confident” Sparrow will recommit to the club.
“Mail from Melbourne is they’re confident he’s staying.
“That’s despite a massive offer from Port Adelaide. I think you can put a line through Essendon.”
AFL’s most improved players
1. Tom Sparrow – ranked No. 282 in 2025, No. 27 in 2026 (+255)
2. Bailey Williams – ranked No. 324 in 2025, No. 82 in 2026 (+242)
3. Charlie Cameron – ranked No. 308 in 2025, No. 78 in 2026 (+230)
4. Kai Lohmann – ranked No. 332 in 2025, No. 123 in 2026 (+209)
5. Hugo Garcia – ranked No. 239 in 2025, No. 35 in 2026 (+204)
AFL ROUND 22 FIXTURE AND FOX FOOTY COMMENTATORS (all times AEST)
WESTERN BULLDOGS v NORTH MELBOURNE
Thursday August 6, 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium
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, Cameron Mooney, Eddie Betts & Jon Ralph
FREMANTLE v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Friday August 7, 7:40pm at the Gabba
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 6.30pm on Channel 504, hosted by Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Tom Hawkins, Jordan Lewis, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Gerard Whateley, Jason Dunstall, Alastair Lynch & Jon Ralph
MELBOURNE v FREMANTLE
Saturday August 8, 1:15pm at the MCG
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12:30pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Leigh Montagna, Jason Dunstall, Michael Voss & Sarah Jones
SYDNEY v PORT ADELAIDE
Saturday August 8, 4:25pm at the SCG
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 503, with commentary from Dwayne Russell, Jordan Lewis, Gerard Healy & Alastair Lynch
GEELONG v ESSENDON
Saturday August 8, 4:35pm at GMHBA Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4:30pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Anthony Hudson, Brad Johnson, Tom Hawkins & Ruby Schleicher
ADELAIDE v RICHMOND
Saturday August 8, 7:35pm at Adelaide Oval
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7:15pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Mark Howard, Jack Riewoldt, Mark Ricciuto, Shaun Burgoyne & Jay Clark
GWS GIANTS v GOLD COAST SUNS
Sunday August 9, 1:10pm at Corroboree Group Oval Manuka
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 12:45pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Corbin Middlemas, Gerard Healy, Alastair Lynch, Ben Dixon & David Zita
WEST COAST EAGLES v COLLINGWOOD
Sunday August 9, 4:10pm at Optus Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 4pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Adam Papalia, Dwayne Russell, Brad Johnson, David King, Will Schofield, Kath Loughnan & David Zita
ST KILDA v CARLTON
Sunday August 9, 7:20pm at Marvel Stadium
How to watch on Fox Footy: From 7pm on Channel 504, with commentary from Adam Papalia, Dwayne Russell, Brad Johnson, David King, Will Schofield, Kath Loughnan & David Zita
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