Round 3 of footy is here, with many clubs looking for their first win of the season. We will once again see eight games, where 16 teams will battle it out as GWS and Gold Coast have a week off.
Must-watch games this weekend include the first clash of the round when Brisbane Lions host Collingwood at the GABBA for the Grand Final rematch.
Another blockbuster is set for Saturday when Port Adelaide host Melbourne at Adelaide Oval.
Monday afternoon will see the traditional Easter Monday clash when Geelong takes on Hawthorn at the MCG for Tom Hawkins' 350th game,
Below we have focused on a player who is going in under the radar, a player who needs to step up, a player who's sure to gain plenty of attention, a big matchup, and a player who potentially could look at a new role and a player who is on a comeback.
Under the radar: Harry Sheezel
2023 Rising Star winner Harry Sheezel has had a great start to his 2024 season. Sheezel has been flying under the radar dominating his role as halfback.
The second-year player is averaging 33.5 disposals through two games in 2024. The 19-year-old is a clean ball user and already one of the game's smartest players.
Sheezel has flown under the radar in the opening fortnight and if he continues his form, he will cause issues for the Blues on Friday.
Needs to step up: Darcy Moore
Darcy Moore has had an inconsistent start to 2024 and there is a need for him to step up tonight when the Pies head to the GABBA for the Grand Final rematch.
Moore needs to step up as captain of the club and as a key defender.
In the past three weeks, Moore has been making uncharacteristic errors that suggest he is slightly off.
Tonight Brisbane will have a dangerous forward line with the likes of Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher proving to be tough tasks.
At his best, Moore is one of the game's elite intercept markers and decides when to leave his direct opponent to help out his teammates.
The Pies need their captain to rise to the occasion, otherwise face a 0-4 start.
All eyes are on...ย Dustin Martin
All eyes will be on Dustin Martin this weekend when the Tigers host the Swans at the MCG. Martin has had an inconsistent start to the season, only managing to kick two goals so far this year.
Martin has the ability of being that dangerous, game-winner in the Tigers forward line but he has struggled to get his game going.
The Tigers are struggling and they need someone like Martin to show what he is capable of.
The big matchup: Josh Dunkley and Jordan De Goey
The biggest matchup for Round 3 will be on tonight between Josh Dunkley and Jordan De Goey.
Dunkley and De Goey will both be eager for a strong game after having inconsistent starts to their seasons. Both players will be fierce and want to get on top at the start.
Dunkley and De Goey will start in the middle and are both influential players for their teams; whoever has the better game and wins the match-up is likely to play an important role in how their teams go tonight.
The former Dog has previously been given the task of quelling the Pies' match-winner's influence and this is likely to happen again.
A new role? Nick Daicosย
Should Nick Daicos be moved out of the midfield and returned to half-back?
Daicos' strength is his run and carry and in recent weeks he has been seen to not be strong enough around the ball.
Will Craig McRae consider moving Daicos? Or keep him in the midfield?
If the 2022 Rising Star stays in the guts, he will have to get his tackle count and metres gained up tonight.
If Daicos can't perform tonight McRae might have to consider moving Daicos to half back so he can get the best out of him.
It will not only benefit Daicos's game but also Collingwood as he can help them get out of defence with his exceptional run and carry, helping Collingwood transfer the ball from defence to their attacking half quickly.
In the past three weeks, the Pies have had issues with this and moving Daicos back could help solve this problem.
On the comeback: Jacob Weitering
Weitering will play this first game of the 2024 season on Good Friday when Carlton take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Weitering missed the first three rounds of the season after recovering from a significant calf injury he suffered following the Christmas break.
The 26-year-old is one of the Blue's most important players and plays a critical position for them in their backline.
Weitering will play a vital role in defence when they take on North on Good Friday and hopefully, it will help him continue building and get back to his best form in the weeks to come.
