Hawks slumping, Swans facing rare uncertain times
KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR IN ROUND 13 OF THE AFL SEASON
HOLLYWOOD HAWKS BECOMING HORROR HAWKS
Premiership favourites after backing up an impressive finish to 2024 with an Opening Round win, Hawthorn have stumbled to three-straight defeats. After losing to top-four sides Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Collingwood, it doesn't get any easier for Sam Mitchell's team as they face the Western Bulldogs followed by Adelaide in the next fortnight.
IS FREMANTLE'S RESURGENCE REAL?
The Dockers head to their mid-season bye at 7-5 after upsetting Gold Coast and have a huge chance to cash in over the next month, with four straight games against teams in the bottom half of the ladder. Justin Longmuir's men can set themselves up for a huge run towards September if they're good enough.
THIS MAY WELL BE THE END OF A GREAT AFL CAREER
Scans are expected to confirm that former GWS co-captain Callan Ward has another ACL tear, ending his season. At 35 and after 327 games, it looks like his dream of playing in a premiership will not come true.
TIGERS SMELL BLOODS
The Swans were awful at home against Adelaide and their season is in free fall. Where has their Bloods Culture gone? Now they head to the MCG for a dangerous assignment - the only thing Richmond did wrong against GWS was goalkicking.
CROWS ON THE CHARGE
As embarrassing as Sydney were, the Crows were ultra impressive as they continue their rise under Matthew Nicks. A blockbuster home match awaits against reigning premiers Brisbane this Friday night. If Adelaide can knock off the Lions then the lid will be off at West Lakes.
JACK DARLING TAKES ON HIS MATES IN WOODEN SPOON SHOWDOWN
Jack Darling will be the centre of attention on Sunday when North Melbourne take on West Coast in a bottom-of-the-table clash in Bunbury. Darling won a premiership at West Coast during his 298-game career with the Eagles, and he still has plenty of friends at the club despite joining North Melbourne at the end of last year.
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