LOW BLOW FOR CROWS

Will Adelaide's players be galvanised or gutted after yet another umpire controversy when they open Gather Round against Geelong on Thursday night? The AFL concedes umps made a late error in not awarding the Crows a free kick - and a chance at a match-winning goal - in their one-point loss to Gold Coast. It's the fourth time in the past 35 games the AFL has admitted the Crows have been on the wrong end of an umpire error in a close match.

LIONS OUT TO BREAK NEW GROUND

The Brisbane Lions are on the verge of setting a new record as a merged entity, chasing a 5-0 start to the season for the first time when they take on the Western Bulldogs. It would be a strong platform for the reigning premiers as they look to defend their crown.

WHERE TO NOW FOR THE DEMONS?

Melbourne were all about "love" ahead of the 2025 season. But after crashing to 0-4 - their worst start to a year since 2012 - the Demons are in a world of hurt and still look to be a disconnected unit. If Melbourne can't break their duck with a win against Essendon in Gather Round, then pressure will seriously mount on premiership coach Simon Goodwin.

TIGERS WEIGH UP BALTA CALL

Richmond appear poised to bring Noah Balta straight back into their AFL side for the clash with Fremantle after the premiership star completed his suspension. Coach Adem Yze says the club is content to play Balta in the next two matches before he is sentenced for assault later this month.

HINKLEY VERSUS THE HAWKS

Gather Round's final match is arguably the spiciest, pitting Port Adelaide and coach Ken Hinkley against Hawthorn in a rematch of last year's semi-final when Hinkley was fined $20,000 by the AFL for verbally taunting Hawks players after his side's three-point win.

WHAT DOES THE LOBSTER HAVE IN STORE FOR US THIS WEEK?

Rory Lobb's ever-changing hairstyles have caught the attention of fans around the country. The Bulldogs defender dyed his hair blue earlier this season, and he rocked up against Fremantle on Sunday with a red lobster in his hair. Does he have something special in store for Gather Round?