THE FOOTBALL spotlight turns onto South Australia as all 18 clubs descend on the state for Gather Round.

Adelaide opens the round with Carlton on Thursday night as the winds of change swirl around the embattled Blues.

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Collingwood faces a red-hot Fremantle the following night, while the clash between current top-three sides Sydney and Gold Coast on Saturday looms as the match of the round.  

Gather Round wraps up with Port Adelaide and St Kilda meeting on Sunday night with the visitors already at risk of losing touch with the finals contenders even after its off-season spending spree.

Here is who and what to look out for across round five as well as a tip for each match.

Adelaide v Carlton, Adelaide Oval
Thursday, April 9, 7.10pm ACST

Last time: Adelaide 16.14 (110) d Carlton 7.8 (50), R8 2025

What it means

Adelaide (1-3) is at risk of falling off the pace after a heartbreaking defeat to Fremantle was its third narrow loss in as many matches against fellow finals contenders. The Crows are still to prove that they can consistently match the top sides but should have little trouble accounting for an under-fire Blues outfit that they have beaten in all four of their meetings at Adelaide Oval by an average 50 points.

Carlton (1-3) is stuck under the blowtorch after yet another painstaking defeat, this time to North Melbourne, with history repeating as it continues to lose to even less fancied sides in all too familiar ways. The Blues once again opened up a handy lead before being overrun by the Roos in the final term, as opposition sides grow in confidence that they can beat the fast-fading side in transition when the game is on the line. 

Game shapers

James Peatling is making the most of his opportunities as the Crows look for their second string of midfielders to add greater depth to the side and ease the load on the likes of captain Jordan Dawson. The 25-year-old is averaging career-highs for 20 disposals and 5.3 clearances a game and helped lead the late rally against the Dockers last week, while continuing to improve his kicking especially when hitting up targets near goal. 

Mitch McGovern needs to take on extra responsibilities as the Blues regenerate much of their side but remains most important as a focal point in support of spearhead Harry McKay. The 31-year-old has always been an aerial weapon with sticky hands but since settling into the forward half is now adding more goals to his game while averaging a career-high 1.8 a game ahead of reaching 150 matches against his former side.

Early tip: Adelaide by 11 points

Collingwood v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval
Friday, April 10, 7.10pm ACST

Last time: Fremantle 12.7 (79) d Collingwood 11.12 (78), R19 2025

What it means

Collingwood (2-2) was outclassed in a heavy defeat to Brisbane as an undermanned side hit by injuries to key players was unable to match the reigning premiers. The Magpies continue to be exposed for a lack of forward firepower after failing to reach the 100-point mark in their past 13 matches across two seasons before coming up against a Dockers outfit that has started to consistently score heavily. 

Fremantle (3-1) pulled off what could in hindsight become a season-defining win when it built then gave up a healthy lead over Adelaide before steadying late to snatch a rousing victory on the road. The last-gasp triumph was a further sign that the Dockers are a different beast this year as they find a way to claim the four points whether piling on bigger scores or when faced with adversity.  

Game shapers

Ned Long has cemented his place in the Magpies' midfield since the start of last season as they have been screaming out for more ball-winners yet were dismantled around the stoppages by the Lions last week. The 23-year-old is a tackling machine and able to use the ball well on the outside but could add more clearances to his game after only averaging 1.8 in four matches this year. 

Alex Pearce might not win a heap of the ball as a linchpin in the Dockers' defence but has proven time and again that he can step up at just the right time when the game is on the line. The captain did it again with a match-saving smother in the dying stages to seal a win over the Crows but could be just as critical this week in ensuring his side keeps the Magpies' under-fire forward group on a tight leash. 

Early tip: Fremantle by 17 points

North Melbourne v Brisbane, Barossa Park
Saturday, April 11, 12.05pm ACST

Last time: North Melbourne 10.11 (71) drew with Brisbane 10.11 (71), R9 2025

What it means

North Melbourne (3-1) took another step forward in its long-running rebuild as it booted the last five goals of the game against Carlton to snatch a rare victory in the Good Friday clash. The Kangaroos' win was just the second time they have claimed the four points in consecutive matches in more than six years, and they can take on the reigning premiers with some confidence after surprising in a draw when the two sides met last season.

Brisbane (2-2) put the foot down and blew away an undermanned Collingwood to level its win-loss record even while it is largely still short of top gear. The Lions have not been beaten by the Kangaroos in their past eight matches though will be wary of the improving side after needing the last goal of the game to snatch a draw at the same venue during Gather Round last year.   

Game shapers

Luke Davies-Uniacke has gradually become the undisputed leader of the Kangaroos' emerging midfield but has rarely had an opportunity to lift his side to victory as he did against the Blues. The 26-year-old had eight of his 22 disposals - including seven contested possessions and six clearances - when the game was on the line in the final term, to spark the Roos to back-to-back victories for just the fifth time in his career. 

Kai Lohmann has proven himself to be a big-game performer most notably with four goals in the Lions' Grand Final victory over the Swans in 2024. The 22-year-old goalsneak continues to add more consistency to his game with at least one major in his past 13 matches, while booting four goals to be the spark against the Magpies last week for his biggest haul since winning the first of two premiership medals. 

Early tip: Brisbane by 22 points

Essendon v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, April 11, 12.45pm ACST

Last time: Essendon 15.6 (96) d Melbourne 8.9 (57), R5 2025

What it means

Essendon (0-4) was always unlikely to give the Western Bulldogs much of a scare last week and quickly lost touch with its in-form opponents before showing signs of improvement after the main break. The Bombers might have been able to take positives from the game but must turn attention to finding a way to beat the Demons if only to avoid an unwanted slice of club history as the first group to lose 18 consecutive matches.   

Melbourne (3-1) has quickly turned into one of the more eye-catching teams under new coach Steven King with blistering ball movement from the back half while boasting one of the most electrifying players in the competition. The transformation has brought about a change of fortune with the upset win over the Suns perhaps the first real indication that the Demons are ready to return to finals contention.

Game shapers

Jye Caldwell remains one of the Bombers' more consistent and reliable performers even as their midfield has been outplayed too often in recent times. The 25-year-old has shown in the past that he is adept at winning his own ball, and averaged 26 disposals with 5.3 clearances last season, but was just as important in the Bombers ramping up their pressure against the Bulldogs as he set the tone in clamping down on Marcus Bontempelli.

Jake Melksham wound back the clock with a match-turning display in the Demons' upset win over the Suns as he booted four goals, pulled down a Mark of the Year contender and was the most dangerous forward on the ground for large parts of the game. The 34-year-old has enjoyed a rollercoaster career across two clubs that has included serious injury, suspensions and stints in the reserves, but can still make an impact as he reaches 250 matches. 

Early tip: Melbourne by 42 points

Sydney v Gold Coast, Norwood Oval
Saturday, April 11, 3.45pm ACST

Last time: Gold Coast 17.15 (117) d Sydney 12.7 (79), R7 2025

What it means

Sydney (3-1) again showed that its scintillating ball movement can help it blow away the lesser lights as well as any team in the competition when it piled on 24 goals against a hapless West Coast for a 128-point victory. The Swans have already laid down a marker against the Lions earlier in the season but have another opportunity to prove that they belong among the premiership fancies in a top-three clash against the rising Suns. 

Gold Coast (3-1) burst out of the blocks with a trio of wins from its opening three matches as it settled into top spot before heading off for an early-season bye. The Suns were unable to pick up where they left off as they were stunned by the Demons in a surprise defeat and now face a genuine test of where they are at with a clash against a Swans outfit that they have matched up well against over the past five years.  

Game shapers

Brodie Grundy was forced to live in Max Gawn's shadow during a single ill-fated season at Melbourne but the ruck has been the ideal pick-up since moving to Sydney ahead of the 2024 season. The 31-year-old almost did as he pleased with a game-high 28 disposals and a goal as the Swans humiliated the Eagles last week, while he is again putting himself in All-Australian contention with an average 34 hitouts a game.  

Matt Rowell was made to wait to play his first game for the Suns since winning last year's Brownlow Medal after injuring a finger while taking part in the return of Origin. The 24-year-old looked underdone as he only gathered 13 disposals for his lowest count in more than three years, but will surely be better for the run and primed to lead the onball battle in the top-three clash with the Swans. 

Early tip: Gold Coast by 13 points

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, April 11, 7.05pm ACST

Last time: Hawthorn 12.9 (81) d Western Bulldogs 8.11 (59), R13 2025

What it means

Hawthorn (3-1) rose to the occasion to snatch victory from Geelong in an Easter Monday classic to make it three wins on the trot after beginning its campaign with a misstep against GWS in Opening Round. The Hawks have since shown that they should be among the top-four contenders with back-to-back victories over sides with similar goals, and could make a huge statement this week against the undefeated Bulldogs.  

The Western Bulldogs (4-0) are the last side to remain undefeated for the first time since 1961 after it blew Essendon away early and then putting the cue in the rack with tougher challenges to come. The Bombers perhaps gave hints of how other sides can slow the Dogs down, as they tried to make uncontested possession harder to obtain, though the clash with the in-form Hawks will give the ladder leaders a better idea of where they are at.

Game shapers

Jarman Impey delivered another polished performance for the Hawks with 26 classy disposals and a key role in critical plays late in the game to help his side over the line in a thriller against the Cats. The 30-year-old remains crucial to his side's finals hopes with his versatility across the field and reliability in crunch moments increasingly important even as he just reached 150 matches for his second club.  

Sam Darcy has not had everything go his way even as the Bulldogs have made a mouthwatering start to the season as the young key forward has come in for extra attention from the opposition and booted 10 goals from the opening four matches. The 22-year-old threatened to tear the Bombers apart before Ben McKay clamped down on him after the main break, but Darcy might have a point to prove against the Hawks in his 50th match.

Early tip: Western Bulldogs by eight points

Geelong v West Coast, Norwood Oval
Sunday, April 12, 12pm ACST

Last time: Geelong 17.14 (116) d West Coast 11.7 (73), R12 2025

What it means

Geelong (2-2) came out on the wrong side of an Easter Monday classic as it paid a huge price for a string of mistakes as the heat rose in the dying stages to lose by the narrowest margin against the Hawks. The Cats will be eager to immediately bounce back and perhaps even boost an underwhelming percentage in their first game of the season against a team widely expected to fall short of finals contention.

West Coast (2-2) has taken several leaps forward during a promising start to the campaign but took a step back in a listless defeat on home turf to Sydney. The Eagles were perhaps always likely to be outclassed by the Swans but will be disappointed to be blown away before half-time before they have an opportunity to make amends with a more competitive performance against last year's runners-up.

Game shapers

Mark Blicavs has rightly been lauded as one of the most versatile players to play the game but appeared to add being a match-winner to the long list of accolades across his career. The 35-year-old's goal in the last term against the Hawks might not have quite ended up as the sealer but that should take little shine off the celebrations this week as the Cats' one-time project player reaches 300 matches.

Tim Kelly appeared to be on the way out as he was overlooked for West Coast's season-opener but has reminded the selectors of the influence he can have across the field since returning to the side. The 31-year-old might not be able to recapture the form that made him one of the most well-rounded and damaging midfielders in the game but is now having a different impact as he shows the young Eagles the way before coming up against his former side. 

Early tip: Geelong by 37 points

Greater Western Sydney v Richmond, Barossa Park
Sunday, April 12, 2.45pm ACST

Last time: GWS Giants 12.8 (80) d Richmond 10.17 (77), R12 2025

What it means

GWS (1-3) has found it hard to get its season going with several stars and key players sidelined but will have few excuses for not fronting up after a weekend to rest and recover across a bye. The Giants have largely failed to match the fellow finals contenders since their Opening Round win over the Hawks, but now have a golden opportunity to get their campaign back on track against the winless Tigers. 

Richmond (0-4) was handed a reality check last week as it followed a pair of forgettable defeats to top-four contenders Gold Coast and Fremantle by failing to keep pace with a Port Adelaide outfit that is widely expected to be fighting in a similar weight division. The Tigers might take something from giving the finals-bound Giants a huge scare late last year as they aim to at least stay in touch with their opponents until the dying stages.

Game shapers

Finn Callaghan was widely expected to be the icing on the cake of a Giants onball brigade centred around ball-winners Tom Green and Clayton Oliver. But with Green suffering a serious knee injury in the pre-season, Callaghan has had to carry much more of the load on his heavily-strapped shoulders while averaging career-highs for 30 disposals and 6.3 inside-50s as the prime mover in the Giants midfield.

Jacob Hopper has had an up and down start to the campaign while being the experienced battering ram in a young Tigers midfield before coming up against his former side. The 29-year-old has seen his impact drop as his averages of 21.5 disposals and five clearances nudge lower, while the number of clangers has grown, but will be out to remind the Giants of what they have missed since he switched clubs ahead of the 2023 season.

Early tip: GWS Giants by 26 points

Port Adelaide v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval
Sunday, April 12, 6.45pm ACST

Last time: St Kilda 13.11 (89) d Port Adelaide 10.12 (72), R4 2025

What it means

Port Adelaide (2-2) avoided adding to mounting concerns with its win over Richmond that ensured new coach Josh Carr begins his reign with at least an even win-loss record while starting the season with four matches against last year's bottom four sides. The new-look Power are perhaps rebuilding on the run but will like their chances against a Saints outfit that they have beaten in 14 of their past 16 meetings.   

St Kilda (1-3) has had an opportunity to lick its wounds during an early-season bye that has come after a sluggish start to a season that promised so much. The Saints are yet to gel after bolstering their best 23 with some ambitious off-season moves but can now lay down a marker against a Power side that is widely expected to fall short of finals contention this year. 

Game shapers

Aliir Aliir has enjoyed many standout games and memorable moments across 182 matches with Port Adelaide and Sydney but has rarely been allowed to dominate like he did last week against Richmond. The 31-year-old was all but impassable as he reeled in eight intercept marks and 23 disposals while using all of his experience to help lead a young side take early steps in its transition. 

Jack Higgins has made a consistent if not glorious start to the season with seven goals in four matches while St Kilda bed in new additions to its side. The 27-year-old has become an increasingly reliable performer even in the at times difficult small forward role with 211 majors at the Tigers and Saints as he reaches 150 games across the two clubs.  

Early tip: St Kilda by nine points

SPORTING its '90s-inspired throwback guernsey for Gather Round, Sydney has produced a clinical performance that would have pleased the era it honoured, handing Gold Coast a 32-point defeat at Norwood Oval in a critical top-four test.

Consolidating their top-two spot, the Swans built on last week's four-quarter masterclass against West Coast with a clinical 14.16 (100) to 9.14 (68) victory over the Suns.

SWANS v SUNS Full match coverage and stats

Sydney dominated field position with 62 entries to Gold Coast’s 56, while the clearance battle proved far tighter, with the Swans edging the contest 42-39.

Sydney’s pressure was particularly impressive, nearly doubling Gold Coast in the tackle count (96-52) and stifling their opponents in the air, limiting the Suns to not a single contested mark.

The Swans won the midfield battle, led by Isaac Heeney (33 disposals and 10 clearances) and Chad Warner (22, 5) to silence Noah Anderson (20, 5) and curb the influence of Matt Rowell (32, 8).

Heeney had his fingerprints all over the game, delivering a dominant performance through the midfield as the clear best player on the ground. He hit the scoreboard in both the first and second terms and finished with a game-high 12 score involvements.

South Australian native Brodie Grundy continued his strong form, flexing his muscles in the midfield with 20 disposals, seven clearances, and a bruising 12 tackles.

Ben Long led the way for Gold Coast with three majors, while Mac Andrew provided a strong presence in the ruck.

It was a scrappy start on the narrow confines of Norwood Oval, with little rhythm to the play, however, Sydney quickly established itself as the far superior team. 

To open the scoring, Warner burst through the middle and curled a shot from outside 50 off the outside of his right boot, sending the ball dribbling through for a major.

Up forward, marquee recruit Charlie Curnow struggled with his radar, uncharacteristically missing three set shots he should have converted given the wind advantage.

The Suns finally hit the scoreboard in the 17th minute following a chaotic sequence. After a clever finish on the run at one end, Riley Bice handed the momentum straight back by conceding a 50-metre penalty, gifting Jed Walter a goal after he was caught playing on following a clear push in the back. 

The Swans picked up exactly where they left off in the second term, with Justin McInerney slotting a goal to extend the lead to 29 points.

With the margin becoming troubling for the Suns, Walter kicked his second before Ben King slotted another to make it two in a row inside two minutes. Long then added his second shortly after, completing a rapid three-goal surge that trimmed the deficit to just 11 points. 

Sydney managed to steady the ship late, ensuring it took a 16-point lead into the main break.

Heeney continued his dominant afternoon by kicking the opening goal of the second half to stretch the margin.

However, Gold Coast refused to go away as Long proved dangerous at ground level, snapping his third major shortly before King converted his second. 

In contrast, Curnow's struggles in front of goal continued; adding to a frustrating afternoon, he missed another gettable set shot from in front before shanking his next attempt out on the full.

Papley slotted his second and third goals in quick succession to extinguish any hope of a Suns comeback, extending the margin to a game-high 32 points.

Note: An earlier version of this story referred to Sydney as the 2025 runner-up. This error was made in the post-match production process and not by the reporter.   

Anderson shackled by Jordon's defensive masterclass
In the last meeting between these sides, James Jordon locked down Noah Anderson, restricting him to a season-low 22 touches. Jordon reprised that role on Saturday, shutting down the Gold Coast skipper by restricting him to 20 disposals and one mark, while limiting his impact at the clearances. Fresh from taking the scalp of Harley Reid last week, Jordon is quickly building his resume as one of the league's premier shut-down taggers. The contest took on an extra edge in the second quarter when feelings boiled over following a moment where Anderson dropped Jordon behind the ball.

Double injury concern
Both teams weathered early injury scares during the opening term. Swans skipper Callum Mills suffered a lower back issue following a heavy collision with Ben King, whose knee caught him mid-contest. Despite being hampered by restricted mobility and briefly coming off for treatment, Mills managed to play out the game. The Suns faced a similar concern when defender Daniel Rioli limped off with a rolled left ankle suffered while attempting to spring for a marking contest. Fortunately, Rioli recovered to retake his place on the field for the start of the second quarter.

Rosas Jnr haunts former side with boundary-line brilliance 
Malcolm Rosas Jnr haunted his former club by hitting the scoreboard in both the first and third terms. His second major was a contender for goal of the afternoon — a snap on his left from the boundary line that perfectly threaded the big sticks. To celebrate the moment, he turned to the crowd and gave them a cheeky ‘fanning himself’ gesture.

SYDNEY           5.6    7.9    10.13    14.16 (100)
GOLD COAST    2.1    5.5     8.8      9.14 (68)

GOALS
Sydney: Papley 3, Heeney 2, Rosas 2, Chad Warner 2, Bice, McInerney, Corey Warner, Cunningham, McDonald
Gold Coast: Long 3, Walter 2, King 2, Davies, Graham

BEST
Sydney: Heeney, Grundy, Papley, Mills, McInerney
Gold Coast: Rowell, B.Uwland, Andrew, Long, Miller

INJURIES
Sydney: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil

Crowd: 9,228 at Norwood Oval