It's another massive round of footy this weekend and it already feels like there is so much to play for - even though we are only in Round 4. The reigning premiers Geelong are sitting at the bottom of the ladder as the only team without a win, whilst the Saints and Pies are flying at 3-0.
We've chosen another five players to focus on this weekend, some off the back of strong performances last weekend and some who have failed to fire so far this season.
Frampton was on the cusp of playing in Round 1 but missed out. However, a sickening injury to Jeremy Howe has opened the door for Frampton, and it appears as though he is slotting into the side very well.
Impressive in his second game for the Pies last week, Frampton kept Richmond's Tom Lynch to one goal and seven disposals to be named amongst Collingwood's best.
However, he faces a massive challenge this week as the Pies go up against Brisbane's Oscar McInerney without a recognised ruckman.
Frampton will be rotating through the ruck duties alongside Ash Johnson and Dan McStay, and will be hoping to keep Joe Daniher's impact on the game limited.
Frampton originally started his career as a ruckman at Port Adelaide, and its looking like the Pies have made a smart choice in signing him.
Liam Baker
Amidst an array of injuries to key players last week, Liam Baker stood up in defence against the Pies and was one of Richmond's best.
Baker had 32 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six marks and four tackles, with his defensive pressure contributing to Collingwood's inaccuracy in the forward half. It was also the first time this season that a team had held Collingwood to under 100 points.
Baker was also impressive in his side's win against Adelaide the week before, with 25 disposals, eight contested possessions, seven score involvements and a goal.
Baker is the Tigers' most consistent player, having played 66 consecutive games since Round 4, 2020.
Hopefully Baker continues his strong form this week, with Dustin Martin and Jacob Hopper returning from injuries.
Harry McKay
It will be the eighth season in a row where North Melbourne and Carlton clash and only one McKay is playing.
Carlton's Harry McKay will be lining up for the game and will be hoping to find some form this week.
The Coleman Medallist has kicked only two goals so far this season, compared to last year where he had already kicked 7, including a four-goal haul. McKay has had eight shots on goal for only 25 percent accuracy, whereas his counterpart up front in Charlie Curnow, already has ten goals to his name.
Hopefully, some structural changes from the Blues may assist him, as the Curnow McKay dynamic does not currently appear to be working as well as it did last season.
Buddy Franklin
It's been an interesting start to the season for superstar Buddy Franklin. Suspended after Round 1 for a hit on Sam Collins, Buddy missed the Swans first home game at the SCG against the Hawks. As a result, Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald were brought into the team and haven't missed a beat since, putting Buddy under a little bit of pressure.
However, as was evident in their huge loss to Melbourne last weekend, the Swans are still over-reliant on using Buddy as the main target, even when he isn't firing.
Despite kicking two goals last weekend, the Swans looked a stronger side when Buddy was moving up the ground more and Amartey or McDonald was the deeper forward. This allowed Buddy to be free of May and have more of an impact on the game.
Maybe a positional change will be in order for Buddy against Port Adelaide this weekend.
Patrick Dangerfield
Who would have thought last year's premiers would be sitting 0-3 at the bottom of the ladder, as the only team without a win in the competition? The Cats' traditional Easter Monday game against the Hawks looms as a golden opportunity for their first win.
Newly appointed skipper Dangerfield has faced media scrutiny over his side and his leadership so far, and will be looking to have a big game, having played below his usual best this year.
Dangerfield often has a dominant outing in the Easter Monday game, having had 28 disposals, five tackles and two goals back in 2019.
