AFL’s ‘biggest challenge’ ripping comp apart; ‘too much sameness’ contender grilled: Blowtorch

It’s the final week of the byes in huge acid tests for several clubs including key contenders.

But of course, there’s still one side head and shoulders above the rest.

Every club’s burning question ahead of Round 15, as well as the commentators for every Fox Footy game, in our ultimate weekly preview: The Blowtorch!

How to watch on Fox Footy: Channel 504 from 7pm on Channel 504 with Garry Lyon, Jack Riewoldt, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Cameron Mooney & Jon Ralph

Blues’ burning question: Do we get the same version as pre-bye?

Last year was of course a tale of two halves for Carlton, winning eight straight games after its bye to look a completely different team following the break (though it did technically begin its winning streak before the bye with a victory over Gold Coast). And so the Blues will hope they can emulate their form from the first half of the campaign, particularly in the weeks leading into their bye, and not do a reverse of last season ahead of a battle with a Geelong side that beat them eight weeks ago. Consistency has been a key theme for the Blues’ rise – both within games and week-to-week – so it’s a key acid test for Michael Voss’ side to show it very much belongs second on the ladder. A win would consolidate the No. 2 seed and importantly fend off a rival top four contender in Geelong, who could leapfrog the Blues in second place with a win. Such an important four points on the line.

Cats’ burning question: Just how important is Dangerfield?

Geelong will be boosted by the return of Patrick Dangerfield on Friday night in a reprieve Chris Scott will be very thankful for after multiple hamstring setbacks to the star skipper. Dangerfield has played in just four games this season for the 8-5 Cats for four wins – meaning they’re 4-5 without him and not even a .500 team (to steal a US sports term). Some players bring more than what they tangibly bring on the field and simply make their team better, with Dangerfield clearly one of those, but he’s also such a vital cog to a relatively inexperienced midfield. You sense if Geelong is going to be a legit premiership threat this year, it needs Dangerfield up and firing, plus he compliments and makes his fellow on-ballers better. He’ll get a big test first up against Carlton’s star-studded midfield in the ideal time for the 34-year-old to return. The Cats have other reinforcements coming back too in Zach Tuohy and Ollie Henry.