ALL 18 clubs are in action for just the second time this season as the competition descends on South Australia for Gather Round.

Four early pacesetters are undefeated with three wins, while Adelaide is among five clubs still searching for a breakthrough victory and will open the round against Melbourne on Thursday. 

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Port Adelaide hosts Essendon in a Friday night blockbuster, but arguably the matches of the round will be part of the Fremantle-Carlton and Western Bulldogs-Geelong double-header at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Here is what to look out for across Gather Round, as well as a tip for each match.

Adelaide v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval
Thursday, April 4, 7:10pm ACDT

Last time: Melbourne 13. 13 (97) d Adelaide 13.15 (93), R19 2023

What it means
It is now or never for Adelaide (0-3) as it kicks off Gather Round after three consecutive defeats that have its hopes of returning to finals on the brink of collapse. Playing their feature round match on home turf might give the Crows a much-needed boost, but the Demons showed last week against the Power that they have few fears of running out on Adelaide Oval.

Melbourne (3-1) found a way to get over the line even as Port Adelaide was in command for long periods in their round three clash. The Demons will be buoyed by their forward group firing and especially with Ben Brown booting three critical goals as they take on a Crows outfit with issues at both ends.

Game shapers
Captain Jordan Dawson needs to lead the way for an under-fire Adelaide searching for a spark around stoppages and for slicker ball movement on the outside. Dawson can have an influence in both areas but will want to tidy up his kicking efficiency that has dropped to 49 per cent after being above 70 per cent across two previous seasons at the club.

It has been a while since Alex Neal-Bullen could be found flying under the radar but he has rarely had a more impactful outing than against Port Adelaide last week. The reliable Neal-Bullen has had 24 disposals in each of the past two weeks but added two goals against the Power as a livewire inside the forward 50 to again prove he is a well-rounded weapon for the Demons.

Early tip: Melbourne by 11 points

Brisbane v North Melbourne, Norwood Oval
Friday, April 5, 4:40pm ACDT

Last time: Brisbane 22.20 (152) d North Melbourne 12.5 (77), R5 2023

What it means
Brisbane (0-3) faces perhaps the ideal match-up against North Melbourne as it looks to get its floundering campaign back on track after three defeats including two at the Gabba. Last year's runners-up simply must win against a Kangaroos side that they have beaten in all six clashes going back to 2018, with three matches against top-four contenders and a QClash to follow.

North Melbourne (0-3) was always likely to find the going tough as it started its season with three matches against last year's preliminary finalists in the opening four rounds. But the Roos should still be aiming to tidy up their ball use if only to protect their undermanned and undersized defence that is struggling to contain opposition key forwards. 

Game shapers
Brisbane's key forwards failed to grasp their opportunities against Collingwood but have a chance to make amends – and find form – against North Melbourne. Joe Daniher was far from the Lions' worst against the Pies but can now lead the way with his athleticism up the ground and long kicking sure to be a weapon at Norwood Oval.

While North Melbourne is still coming to terms with problems in its defence it must also tackle new issues at the other end with ruck-forward Callum Coleman-Jones sidelined with an Achilles injury. All-Australian Nick Larkey is now the one genuine key forward and will need to compete hard in the air against the Lions' defence to bring the Roos' goalsneaks into the game. 

Early tip: Brisbane by 33 points

Port Adelaide v Essendon, Adelaide Oval
Friday, April 5, 7:40pm ACDT 

Last time: Port Adelaide 11.12 (78) d Essendon 10.14 (74), R16 2023

What it means
Port Adelaide (2-1) did a lot right against Melbourne in having more shots on goal and an additional 21 inside 50s without clinching the statement win it arguably needs against a top-four contender. The Power must now make the most of their second of three consecutive matches on home turf against a Bombers side they have beaten in all of their seven meetings going back to 2018.

Essendon (2-1) turned to effort as much as an 'edge' in its rousing come-from-behind victory over St Kilda as its midfield won the battle at the coalface and around the ground. The Bombers are still a work in progress but can put themselves in a strong early position with a second consecutive win over a finals hopeful.

Game shapers
Zak Butters battled hard without having his usual influence against Melbourne after starting the season with a pair of dominant displays. The Power will need Butters to quickly bounce back to his best especially against a Bombers midfield building on their balance and strength around the contest.

Essendon needed a forward to step up when the game was on the line against St Kilda and it was little surprise when Jake Stringer was the one to do just that. The 'Package' delivered another match-turning performance against the Saints to add to a powerful start to the season that has already produced 10 goals. 

Early tip: Port Adelaide by 14 points

West Coast v Sydney, Adelaide Hills
Saturday, April 6, 1:00pm ACDT

Last time: Sydney 31.19 (205) d West Coast 5.4 (34), R15 2023

What it means
West Coast (0-3) has plummeted to historic lows but it is not about to get any easier as it faces a wounded Sydney outfit that won this clash by 171 points last year. The Eagles have become just the sixth team in AFL/VFL history to fail to win a quarter from their opening three matches but must hope to at least snap that streak for their young group to take a small step forward.

Sydney (3-1) had placed itself firmly among the frontrunners with a scintillating start to the season until dropping back to the pack with a shock loss to Richmond. The Swans fielded a younger side than the Tigers but they should now be well-aware that in an even competition it is essential to avoid complacency and expect an under-siege opposition to rise to the occasion. 

Game shapers
Tim Kelly is too often found playing a lone hand in the West Coast midfield but the 29-year-old showed no signs of frustration with 28 disposals against Western Bulldogs. Kelly lacks the support to be at his most damaging but will be crucial for the Eagles in containing the Swans' young onball outfit and testing them the other way.

Sydney is still without skipper Callum Mills and is set to face West Coast without former co-captains Luke Parker and Dane Rampe, leaving Jake Lloyd as its most experienced player. Lloyd has warmed into the season but with 32 disposals against the Tigers sent a reminder that he can set up the Swans transitions as well as being a composed presence across the defence.

Early tip: Sydney by 67 points

Fremantle v Carlton, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, April 6, 3:50pm ACDT

Last time: Carlton 14.14 (98) d Fremantle 6.9 (45), R17 2023

What it means
Fremantle (3-0) could hardly have been more impressive in its undefeated start to the season but can no longer claim to be the hunter even as it faces the red-hot Carlton. The Dockers have been able to overcome injuries in their defence with an imperious midfield group that is now flowing into the forward half. 

Carlton (3-0) will be out to extend its bright start to the season as well as brush aside a 0-7 record at Adelaide Oval. The Blues look more settled following the return of Jacob Weitering to their backline, but are most ominous in the forward half with Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow already combining for 21 goals.

Game shapers
Captain Alex Pearce was a commanding presence in defence as Fremantle restricted Adelaide to only four goals but is set to face a tougher test against McKay and Curnow. The in-form Pearce can mind one of the Blues' twin towers but will also need to support young key defender Josh Draper as well as intercepting gun Luke Ryan if the Dockers are to claim a fourth straight win.

Adam Cerra has reminded his former club of what it once had with 59 disposals in his two previous matches against Fremantle, but this time faces a midfield looking at the top of their game. Cerra has been valuable on the outside in recent wins over Brisbane and North Melbourne but will likely need to help match the Dockers onballers around the stoppages to help the Blues get over the line. 

Early tip: Carlton by 13 points

Western Bulldogs v Geelong, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, April 6, 7:40pm ACDT

Last time: Western Bulldogs 16.8 (104) d Geelong 11.13 (79), R24 2023

What it means
Western Bulldogs (2-1) did what it had to do with a resounding victory over last year's tormentor West Coast, but now need to make a statement against a top-four contender like Geelong. The Bulldogs still allowed the Eagles to match them for inside 50s in an area of their game they will want to tighten up against the more potent Cats. 

Geelong (3-0) is setting itself up for another top-four tilt with a flawless start to the season although tougher tests are set to come. The experienced Cats know the importance of making the most of a winning streak and banking early-season victories, while young guns such as Tanner Bruhn are blossoming nicely to refresh the line-up.

Game shapers
Marcus Bontempelli was hardly needed against the hapless West Coast but it was still a surprise to see the Western Bulldogs skipper restricted to only 16 disposals – his fewest tally in nearly two years. Bontempelli still made an impact with three goals and nine tackles, but will be out to put in a typically robust performance against the Cats' more mature midfield. 

Mark Blicavs has shown across 12 seasons that he can influence a game from any position on the field. The versatile Blicavs will be equally important for the Cats in his 250th match whether minding the Dogs' tall forwards or competing with last year's All-Australian ruck Tim English. 

Early tip: Geelong by nine points

Gold Coast v GWS Giants, Adelaide Hills
Sunday, April 7, 12:00pm ACST

Last time: GWS Giants 15.15 (105) d Gold Coast 9.7 (61), R1 2023

What it means
Gold Coast (2-1) has had a week off to lick its wounds after a disappointing display against Western Bulldogs ended the glittering start to life under Damien Hardwick. The Suns are likely to remain inconsistent as they learn to play under their new coach's guidance but the emerging side should be primed to lift and test themselves against the high-flying Giants.

GWS (3-0) has had the better of Gold Coast in recent times, with 11 wins from their past 12 meetings going back to 2014. But the ladder-leading Giants will have no room for complacency especially knowing that the Suns' only triumph in that time came when the sides last met on neutral turf at Mars Stadium in 2021.

Game shapers
Gold Coast co-captain Touk Miller is looking back to his ball-winning best around the stoppages after an injury-hit 2023. Miller can be trusted to turn it on again where his hard-nosed graft will be critical against the Giants' battle-hardened midfield.

Lachie Whitfield has been shifted around in recent seasons as GWS look to make the most of his sublime foot skills in areas where he is needed most. Whitfield has mostly settled across half-back again this year and is averaging a career-high 33 disposals a game as a key to the Giants turning defence into attack.

Early tip: GWS Giants by 17 points

Richmond v St Kilda, Norwood Oval
Sunday, April 7, 2:50pm ACST 

Last time: St Kilda 14.9 (93) d Richmond 8.9 (57), R22 2023

What it means
Richmond (1-3) has been quickly brought crashing back to Earth after its stirring victory against Sydney was soured by injuries to Tom Lynch and Noah Balta. The Tigers built their win on intense pressure but after losing two key pillars will likely have to also find a strength around stoppages to upset a shaky St Kilda.

St Kilda (1-2) was left to rue not making the most of its early dominance and putting Essendon away last week as another defeat has left clouds hanging over a promising start to its campaign. The Saints can hardly afford to let another game slip when they face a wounded Richmond especially with a clash with GWS coming up after that.

Game shapers
Richmond might be in a state of transition but some familiarity remains with Nick Vlastuin a reliable presence in defence. The three-time premiership player was a key to cutting off Sydney's offensive threats with 15 intercepts among 29 disposals, and will again be pivotal as the Tigers attempt to stifle the Saints.

Jack Steele has rediscovered his consistency after an unusually up-and-down 2023, but will now be out to make amends for St Kilda giving up their ascendancy at stoppages as it was overrun by Essendon. The Saints captain might need more support but can still lead the way with clearances and tackles on the tight confines of Norwood Oval. 

Early tip: St Kilda by 14 points

Collingwood v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval
Sunday, April 7, 4:40pm ACST 

Last time: Hawthorn 16.9 (105) d Collingwood 11.7 (73), R21 2023 

What it means
Reigning premier Collingwood (1-3) kickstarted its season with a win over Brisbane at the Gabba but now needs to back it up at another victory away from home. The Magpies withstood the Lions' early onslaught then turned up their own pressure to surge home in ominous signs for the rest of the competition.

Hawthorn (0-3) stayed in the contest against the white-hot Geelong even as stormy weather and lightning put a dampener on the match. But honourable losses should be well short of enough for the Hawks as they look to find ways to win and perhaps even repeat their upset of the Pies last year.

Game shapers
Jack Crisp paid the price for a slow start to the season while Collingwood lost its opening three matches to start as sub for this first time in his 230-match career. Crisp played little more than a quarter against Brisbane but made an immediate impact with 13 disposals and a goal to help turn the contest and press his claims to return to the starting line-up.

Hawthorn stunned Collingwood late last season as the eventual premier was outplayed and lost young gun Nick Daicos to injury. Finn Maginness had ensured Daicos had minimal impact even before injury struck, restricting the star midfielder to only five disposals in 60 per cent game time with a defensive diligence that sets up an enthralling return bout. 

Early tip: Collingwood by 27 points

THAT'S how you put a pin in the Gather Round balloon.

If the Adelaide city centre was bubbling with excitement a couple of hours before Thursday night's Gather Round opener, the walk back across the River Torrens later in the evening would have felt markedly different after the winless Crows were dismantled by a superior Melbourne side.

CROWS v DEMONS Full match coverage and stats

The Demons, having spent the entire week in Adelaide after also beating Port last Saturday night, looked like a team well acclimatised for the occasion. They silenced the early atmosphere, burst clear when they got the game on their terms, then stayed composed amid a late onslaught to secure a crucial 15-point win.

Melbourne's gritty 10.18 (78) to 8.15 (63) victory wasn't always pretty, but ensured a fourth consecutive triumph for Simon Goodwin's men and condemned Adelaide to yet another defeat amid a troubled start to its campaign.

Christian Petracca (29 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles, one goal) was a difference-maker from the midfield, while Bayley Fritsch (eight disposals, three goals) turned the game with his second-half performance.

Adelaide, led by youngster Jake Soligo (27 disposals, seven clearances, eight tackles) in midfield, were improved on previous weeks but still looked a shadow of the side expected to challenge for finals in 2024.

Lacking any surging presence going forward, the Crows are now 0-4 on the season and staring at another campaign without finals having been beaten by a Demons outfit versed in how to flip the Gather Round script.

It was a script that Adelaide wrote on this weekend last year, when they kicked eight of the first nine goals to batter Carlton in front of a raucous crowd. But, this time, Melbourne weathered that storm.

While the hosts led the contest 19-8 for inside 50s, 16-9 for clearances and 7-2 for scoring shots to the first change, they hit the target just twice and could only generate a slender five-point advantage to show for their dominance.

Ultimately, Adelaide was fortunate the roles soon reversed when it became Melbourne's turn to kick towards the scoreboard end. With the Dees clawing back the territorial advantage, they mustered five points in an inaccurate six-minute spell to start a second quarter where the game hung delicately in the balance.

It wasn't until Kade Chandler made a mockery of both teams' early profligacy with a lovely set-shot finish from deep inside the pocket that Melbourne eventually shook free of its wasteful opponents.

Kysaiah Pickett darted from a contest and snapped truly just seconds later to ensure the first combination of successive goals for the match, before Jacob van Rooyen made the most of a 50m penalty to carve open a 17-point lead at half-time.

That set the scene for the Fritsch show in the third term. Having not had a single kick at half-time, Melbourne's spearhead took advantage of a Clayton Oliver intercept for his first, pulled off an audacious one-step finish from long-range for his second, then made the most of some Adelaide indiscipline for his third.

It was part of a Demons surge where the visitors compiled four unanswered goals on either side of the long break, ensuring the loftier 28-point advantage they had manufactured by three-quarter time was perhaps more reflective of the side's all-round dominance.

But, as Adelaide showed on this weekend 12 months ago, Gather Round momentum is real. One otherwise nondescript goal from Jordan Dawson led to another from Josh Rachele just minutes later, and all of a sudden the margin was a couple of kicks and the vocal Adelaide Oval support was back invested in the contest.

But, just as it did early, Melbourne stood firm when the heat was on. The Demons didn't kick a goal in the final quarter, but they didn't need to. Their earlier industry proving enough, with the Crows simply running out of time to mount a comeback.

Crow carnage for winless Nicks
It might be starting to feel like déjà vu for Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks. Not since his first season in 2020 have the Crows started a campaign 0-4, with this year's winless start bringing about its own set of unique disappointments. Adelaide lacked surge and forward-half dare on Thursday night, highlighted by the fact the Crows once again managed a low score of just 8.15 (63). For the AFL's highest-scoring team in 2023, it must be an incredibly frustrating experience. While Adelaide was rightfully tipped to struggle in Nicks' first campaign, where they ultimately went 13 games without a win, this year was meant to be different. Any lingering finals aspirations are now up in smoke, and expectant supporters are understandably getting restless.

Clearly the May-n man
The last thing Steven May needed on Thursday night was a big hit from Taylor Walker in the opening minutes. Having missed last week's win over Port Adelaide with broken ribs, May spent a long period on the sidelines in clear discomfort as the issue reared its head again. Not that you'd have known it. Once again, the Melbourne defender was among the game's most influential players. He had seven disposals, five marks, three contested marks and four intercepts midway through the opening term when he was hobbled again, showing the early stamp he made on the contest. He continued that throughout the night, finishing with 19 touches and nine important grabs to emerge as one of the game's best and most influential performers.

Will star Demon face nervous wait?
Kysaiah Pickett was among Melbourne's best on Thursday night, kicking two classy goals in the first half as the Demons built upon their early dominance. But a moment just before half-time might have the livewire forward facing Match Review scrutiny. Pickett left the ground and braced to bump Jake Soligo, collecting the Adelaide midfielder in the head. Only a 'medium impact' grading would see Pickett suspended, given it will likely be graded as 'careless conduct' and 'high contact'. But, given Soligo was up moments later to take his free kick, perhaps a fine appears a more likely outcome. The Match Review will meet on Friday to deliver its verdict.

ADELAIDE           2.5      3.8        6.9         8.15 (63)
MELBOURNE     2.0      6.7     10.13     10.18 (78)

GOALS
Adelaide: Fogarty 2, Rankine, Laird, Walker, Keays, Dawson, Rachele
Melbourne: Fritsch 3, Pickett 2, van Rooyen 2, Petty, Petracca, Chandler

BEST
Adelaide: Soligo, Dawson, Laird, Keane, Rankine
Melbourne: Petracca, May, Fritsch, Gawn, McVee, Viney

INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Adelaide: Berry (replaced Burgess in the third quarter)
Melbourne: Woewodin (replaced Brown in the fourth quarter)

Crowd: 48,020 at the Adelaide Oval