Round 5 is here. Last weekend was an exceptional weekend of footy in Adelaide for Gather Round. This weekend should be no different as we return to the rest of the county, with it anticipated to be another huge round. We will see eight games across Thursday to Sunday where 16 teams will battle it out, some clubs still searching for their first win of the season. Sydney Swans and Collingwood have a bye this weekend.
Must-watch games this weekend include the first clash of the round when Melbourne host Brisbaneย at the MCG. This will be the first time the Lions have played at the MCG since their grand final loss last year.
Another blockbuster is set for Saturday night, when Port Adelaide host Fremantle at Adelaide Oval, every time these two play each other it's expected to be a fierce and fiery match.
Saturday afternoon will see GWS Giants host St Kilda, as the Giants try to remain undefeated with five wins, but can the Saints get in their way?
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: Willem Drew
Willem Drew has had a great start to the season and is flying under the radar as he is amongst a talented midfield group.
The competition has been focused on the power forces of Connor Rozee, Jason Horne-Francis and Zak Butters in the Power's midfield but Drew has been equally as good with his high pressure and ability to win contested possession. Last week he led his side for contested possessions and has been one of the most improved players in the competition.
He is a real danger for any opposition and again this weekend he will fly under the radar when Port Adelaide take on Fremantle. Drew will be a huge threat in stoppages again his weekend and if he can keep winning contested possession he will be damaging.
Needs to step up: Aaron Naughton
There is a need for Aaron Naughton to step up this weekend when the Bulldogs take on Essendon. Naughton has had an inconsistent start to the season and is struggling to get his name on the scoreboard.
The 24-year-old has only managed four goals his year. The forward is not the Dogs' desired target inside 50 anymore, ranking equal third at the moment for targets inside 50, with only being targeted ten times this year. Key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been targeted 27 times, Cody Weightman 11 times and Rhylee West 10 times.
There is a need for the key forward to start demanding the ball more, he is capable of being their number one target in their forward line but he seems to be lacking confidence in 2024.
This weekend Naughton has a chance to redeem himself and have a strong performance on Friday when the Dogs take on the Bombers at Marvel Stadium.
This is a great opportunity for Naughton to step up and get his confidence back, as the Bombers' backline is all over the place at the moment. This is a chance for Naughton to get his form back be a predominant target in the Dogs' forward line and have a greater impact on the scoreboard.
All eyes are on... Harley Reidย
All eyes will be on Harley Reid this weekend and if he can continue his form from Gather Round. Reid showed last weekend why he was the No.1 draft of 2023 and his performance has been regarded as being similar to how Dustin Martin plays.
This week Reid will line up against Martin, when West Coast host Richmond at home. All eyes will be on the 18-year-old to see if he can continue his impressive form after his display last weekend at Mount Baker against the Swans. He managed 18 disposals, four clearances, seven tackles, six score involvements and two goal assists.
His performance last week was referenced to how Dusty plays with Reid's ability to brush off tackles, just how Martin does it.
The first-year player has arguably had the most media attention and pressure on him than any other draft pick has had, and now being referenced with similar characteristics as Martin, this weekend will show how he can handle the pressure.
Round 5 looms as a great opportunity for the youngster to take his form from last week and help his club to their first win of the season on the Eagles' home soil and for the 18-year-old's first senior-level AFL win.
The big matchup: Steven May and Joe Daniher
The biggest matchup for Round 5 will be on Thursday night between Steven May and Joe Daniher.
Each time these two have played on each other it has been a fierce match and at the 'G this week it's anticipated to be another huge matchup.
Whoever gets on top early in this matchup is going to play a huge role in the momentum of the game as both of these players are big match stars.
A new role? Luke Jackson
Sam Walsh is set to return this weekend after getting through the Blues' final training session.
The midfielder has missed the first month of the season after experiencing some back soreness in the pre-season.
The club took a cautious approach given his history of back issues. The 23-year-old will be a huge in for the Blues this weekend and he will be eager to get his 2024 campaign off and running so he can get back to his form from last year.
