Round 1 of the 2024 AFL season is finally here.

All 18 teams will play this week and Melbourne will be getting their first taste of footy being back in their home state.

The weekend is no doubt going to be a huge weekend of footy, with many enormous clashes locked in.

Must-watch games this weekend will be the traditional Round 1 clash at the MCG when Carlton takes on Richmond.

Another blockbuster is set for Friday night when Collingwood hosts Sydney at the home of football.

Saturday will see arch-rivalries Essendon and Hawthorn start their 2024 campaign and on Sunday another big clash will be between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.

Opening round lived up to its expectations and Round 1 is likely to be the same with new chapters and stories to be written.

It's going to be a big weekend of footy and below we have focused on a player who is going in under the radar, a player who needs to step up, a player that's sure to gain plenty of attention, a big matchup, a player potentially looking at a new role and a player who is on a comeback.

Under the radar: Callum Brownย 

Callum Brown has only had 30 appearances for the Giants, but Opening Round he showed what he was capable of, producing the best game of his career. He kicked five goals straight, a personal best.

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Brown flew under the radar in the Opening Round with the Collingwood backline stunned by his aerial ability and his accuracy on goal. No doubt it will be the same this week as the North defenders will have their hands full, focusing on forwards Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene.

Brown will likely go under the radar again and if he can perform anywhere like last week, he will be a real danger down in the forward line for North to manage.

Needs to step up: Tim Taranto

Tim Taranto has now had a full season at the Tigers and won their best and fairest medal in 2023.

Though last week he had a disappointing game and with a number of the key senior Tigers out, Taranto needed to fill their shoes and lead his side.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 28: Tim Taranto of the Tigers celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 11 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Yartapuulti / Port Adelaide Power at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 28, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Taranto this week will need to step up and prove why he is one of the best midfielders in the competition and play his role to the best of his ability. Head Coach Adem Yze needs to get the best out of Taranto if the Tigers have any chance of causing an upset against the Blues.

All eyes are on... Harry McKay

Harry McKay kicked the winning goal for the Blues last week to beat the Lions by one point at the GABBA.

McKay has had issues with his goal-kicking and accuracy over the years so it was pleasing to see him stand up and kick goals when needed.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Harry McKay of the Blues looks dejected after a loss during the 2023 AFL Round 06 match between the Carlton Blues and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on April 23, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

All eyes will be on him tonight at the MCG if he will be able to deliver in front of goal and take his form from last week.

McKay's career average is 1.9 in front of goals and for the money he is on, the Blues need to be getting more out of him.

The big matchup: Christian Petracca/ Marcus Bontempelli

The biggest matchup for Round 1 will be on Sunday afternoon between Christian Petracca and Marcus Bontempelli, battling it out in the midfield.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Christian Petracca of the Demons under pressure from Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs during the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Gary Day/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Arguably two of the best midfielders in the competition will go head-to-head on Sunday in the middle of the MCG.

The last time these two met was Round 1 last year, where the Dees thumped the Dogs by 50 points, and Petracca took home the chocolates.

This Sunday afternoon is no doubt going to be a fierce game and whoever gets on top out of these two, it's fair to say their team will have the upper advantage.

A new role? Robbie Fox

Robbie Fox had a new role to fill for the Swans last week, with a move down into the forward line. He managed to kick one goal and adapted well to the new position.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Robbie Fox of the Swans in action during the 2022 AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 2, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Fox in the last few years has played down in the backline for the Swans, but this year coach John Longmire has shifted Fox up to the forward line.

Fox has had a full pre-season down in the forward line learning new crafts and patterns. It's anticipated we will see the 30-year-old spend a lot more time down forward this year for the Swans.

However, Longmire does have the added benefit of moving Fox all around the ground due to his versatility.

On the comeback: Zac Williams

Zac Williams made his AFL comeback last week at the GABBA after a long 18-month stint on the sideline due to injury.

Williams was clinical for the Blues and now that he has played his first game back, it's predicted he will be back to his best form in no time.

He will be a player to watch against Richmond as he works his way back to playing at the highest level and his best with his run and carry-off half-back.

It's hard to not agree that all AFL fans are pleased to see Zac Williams back playing at the AFL level, after a difficult two years.