IF you can remember the old days when the MCG used to host games ... THEN

WITH the AFL season in full swing, Sliding Doors is hitting its straps.

>> See more Sliding Doors here

So what's Damo saying about your club? What's he saying about the AFL? Check it out.

Adelaide Crows

IF ...

Brad Crouch is a Crow in 2021 ...

THEN ...

I will be almightily surprised. Tried to get out last year, has been trying to get out this year.

Brad Crouch during Adelaide's official 2020 team photo shoot. Pictures: AFL Photos

Brisbane Lions

IF ...

ever a team has needed a bye ...

THEN ...

it is this one. Fell in by two points against St Kilda last weekend, one point against North the previous match. Belted by the Tigers in round 10. Surely, its forwards are spending the break practising their goal kicking. Will ruin another fine season if they don’t learn to kick goals under pressure.

  • 05:03

    Ratten: 'Looked like we were going to find a way'

    Brett Ratten says his side's 'endeavour and never-say-die attitude' impressed him despite not managing to steal a close victory against the wasteful Lions

    AFL
  • 06:11

    Highlights: Brisbane v St Kilda

    The Lions and Saints clash in round 13

    AFL
  • 07:45

    Full post-match: Lions

    Watch Brisbane's press conference after round 13's match against St Kilda

    AFL
  • 01:18

    Membrey's five minutes of admirable pressure

    Tim Membrey earns plenty of plaudits after exhibiting some outstanding pressure late in the third term

    AFL
  • 01:00

    Bend it like Billings taken to new level

    Jack Billings conjures an amazing goal over his shoulder to keep the Saints' hopes alive

    AFL
  • 00:29

    Look at the spring on Max King, what a stunner

    Max King shows off his unbelievable marking potential with a staggering grab over the top

    AFL
  • 01:14

    Pride surrounds Lion cub after first goal

    Lions debutant Tom Fullarton gets pounced on by teammates after notching his first ever AFL goal

    AFL
  • 00:54

    Saints speedsters serve up gift for Butler

    The Saints link up beautifully through the middle of the ground and feed goalsneak Dan Butler for a cool finish

    AFL
  • 00:24

    Could Lincoln be in trouble for this bump?

    Lincoln McCarthy may attract attention from the MRO after collecting St Kilda's Ben Paton high

    AFL
  • 00:43

    McCarthy turns Charlie's crumbs to gold

    Lincoln McCarthy chimes in with a beautiful snap after Charlie Cameron contests the mark

    AFL
  • 00:25

    Hipwood hanger gets Gabba rocking

    Eric Hipwood reels in a beautiful speccy to create a huge buzz around the ground

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Marshall's GOTY contender denied by own teammate

    Does Tim Membrey accidentally ruin Rowan Marshall's chances to bag Goal of the Year?

    AFL

Carlton

IF ...

you can remember the old days when the MCG used to host games ... 

THEN ...

a round 14 game involving a finals-bound Carlton against a finals-bound Collingwood would have attracted 80,000-plus spectators. Strangely, there's still as much intrigue in this one being played at the Gabba on Sunday.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 05:44

    Full post-match: Suns

    Watch Gold Coast's press conference after round 13's match against Carlton

    AFL
  • 09:14

    Full post-match: Blues

    Watch Carlton's press conference after round 13's match against Gold Coast

    AFL
  • 00:25

    WATCH: Betts, Rankine in special jumper-swap moment

    Eddie Betts and Izak Rankine show respect in Sir Doug Nicholls Round

    AFL
  • 06:15

    Highlights: Gold Coast v Carlton

    The Suns and Blues clash in round 13

    AFL
  • 00:28

    Bowes' blunder gifts Newnes

    Jack Newnes takes full advantage after Jack Bowes fumbles deep in defence

    AFL
  • 00:28

    Swarming Suns too much for Blues to handle

    Lachie Weller the beneficiary of Gold Coast's high pressure down the corridor

    AFL
  • 00:34

    Betts beguiles Blues fans in the Top End

    Carlton star Eddie Betts delights the crowd after hard running from Fisher

    AFL
  • 00:32

    Newnes returns the favour with the cleanest of hands

    Carlton's Michael Gibbons kicks precisely from Jack Newnes' terrific goal assist

    AFL

 Collingwood

IF ...

the Pies can hang in there, and beat at least one of Carlton or Brisbane (next Friday) ...

THEN ...

with De Goey back for games against Gold Coast and Port Adelaide, and maybe Howe back after that, don't write them off just yet.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 06:15

    Shaw: 'We're just not good enough'

    Rhyce Shaw says his players are capable of competing with the best, but at the present are not quite up to the level required

    AFL
  • 09:34

    Bucks on Sidey: 'He's 95 per cent pumped'

    Nathan Buckley says while Steele Sidebottom is thrilled to be heading back home, he is also disappointed to be missing a string of important games

    AFL
  • 06:50

    Highlights: Collingwood v North Melbourne

    The Magpies and Kangaroos clash in round 13

    AFL
  • 00:29

    Roo left red-faced after trying to fool Cox

    Jy Simpkin pays the full penalty for trying to run around Mason Cox

    AFL
  • 00:57

    Xerri with a very snazzy one-armed pluck

    Tristan Xerri earns plenty of plaudits after managing to complete a tough grab with just one arm

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Big Pie in agony after hard fall

    Darcy Cameron is left in a lot of pain after crashing down awkwardly in a ruck contest

    AFL
  • 01:04

    Simpkin scores without even realising it

    Jy Simpkin is delighted after finding out his toe-poke was given the all clear by the score review

    AFL
  • 00:46

    Daicos down, but definitely not out

    Collingwood goalsneak Josh Daicos finds himself a little sore after managing to conjure a ripping goal

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Pies needed a spark and Thomas answered the task

    Josh Thomas burns off Todd Goldstein with some super pace to deliver a much-needed goal for Collingwood

    AFL
  • 00:30

    Returning Pie inflicts crunching tackle on young Roo

    Former North Melbourne midfielder Levi Greenwood delivers a vicious tackle on youngster Jack Mahony

    AFL

Essendon

IF ...

I allow myself to get carried away in the moment of big Joe's incredible comeback on Thursday night ...

THEN ...

I'm going to Perkins in the '96 Olympics, Agassi in the '99 French Open, Foreman in regaining a world heavyweight boxing title in '94, 21 years after his first. OK, even with the required dose of heavy perspective, big Joe's efforts against the Hawks will still forever be one of the AFL highlights of 2020. Loved it. More, please Joe.

03:12

Daniher dazzles in crazy comeback

Returning Bomber Joe Daniher was the catalyst in his side's remarkable fightback against the Hawks

Fremantle

IF ...

Dustin Fletcher was 40, Craig Bradley nearly 39, Brent Harvey 38, Michael Tuck 38 and Paul Salmon 37 when they played their final matches (Shaun Burgoyne is 37) ... 

THEN ...

David Mundy might be 42 when his time is up. Still as smooth and impactful as ever at 35.

00:27

Don't argue with Mundy, 'Tabs' bags another

Fremantle key forward Matthew Taberner continues his excellent season and gives the Dockers an early goal in the second half

Geelong Cats

IF ...

the Cats can keep winning without Joel ...

THEN ...

I wouldn't play him again until the second-last round. Just get him physically bullet-proof. The premiership is there for the taking if they do.

00:33

Massive blow as skipper Selwood done

Geelong have been dealt a huge setback with captain Joel Selwood finished for the game after appearing to injure his hamstring

 Gold Coast Suns

IF ...

the Suns don't beat North on Sunday night ...

THEN ...

the early gains of 2020 will mean nothing. The Roos haven't been trying too hard to win in recent weeks (and yes, I know got close against Brisbane in round 12).

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 05:44

    Full post-match: Suns

    Watch Gold Coast's press conference after round 13's match against Carlton

    AFL
  • 09:14

    Full post-match: Blues

    Watch Carlton's press conference after round 13's match against Gold Coast

    AFL
  • 00:25

    WATCH: Betts, Rankine in special jumper-swap moment

    Eddie Betts and Izak Rankine show respect in Sir Doug Nicholls Round

    AFL
  • 06:15

    Highlights: Gold Coast v Carlton

    The Suns and Blues clash in round 13

    AFL
  • 00:28

    Bowes' blunder gifts Newnes

    Jack Newnes takes full advantage after Jack Bowes fumbles deep in defence

    AFL
  • 00:28

    Swarming Suns too much for Blues to handle

    Lachie Weller the beneficiary of Gold Coast's high pressure down the corridor

    AFL
  • 00:34

    Betts beguiles Blues fans in the Top End

    Carlton star Eddie Betts delights the crowd after hard running from Fisher

    AFL
  • 00:32

    Newnes returns the favour with the cleanest of hands

    Carlton's Michael Gibbons kicks precisely from Jack Newnes' terrific goal assist

    AFL

GWS Giants

IF ...

this club doesn’t beat the Dockers in Perth on Saturday afternoon ...

THEN ...

it may as well start its 2020 review on Saturday night. Yes, there have been injuries. But the worry for me is a distinct lack of urgency or dare.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 08:13

    Cameron: 'I can't question our effort'

    Leon Cameron says he was pleased with his side's determination to keep pressing the Eagles but believes their execution early ultimately cost them

    AFL
  • 07:24

    Highlights: West Coast v GWS

    The Eagles and Giants clash in round 13

    AFL
  • 07:41

    Simpson: 'We knew we were in for a fight'

    Adam Simpson says his side were prepared for a competitive GWS outfit and were relieved to hold on for a gutsy win

    AFL
  • 01:55

    McGovern, the intercept king at frightening best

    Jeremy McGovern cuts off just about everything the Giants throw at him in an truly freakish performance

    AFL
  • 00:20

    Stadium gasps after hard Kelly tackle

    Tim Kelly takes down Adam Kennedy in a very strong tackle that may attract further attention

    AFL
  • 01:03

    Tempers flare after Shuey caught high

    Tim Taranto is penalised for catching Luke Shuey high in a tackle and remonstrates further with a push

    AFL
  • 00:50

    Eagles soar towards 'X-factor' after first AFL major

    Elation for West Coast as first-gamer Xavier O'Neill dribbles through his first ever AFL goal

    AFL
  • 01:05

    Giants march in on debutant after first goal

    GWS first-gamer Jake Riccardi manages to get under the radar in the forward line and notches his first ever AFL goal

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Small Giant conjures long-awaited opener

    Brent Daniels finds plenty of space out the back and earns GWS a much-needed first goal

    AFL
  • 00:21

    McGovern hangs for an eternity, some screamer

    Jeremy McGovern hauls in a huge speccy that will surely go down as a contender for Mark of the Year

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Nic Nat catches a snap and sends one of his own home

    Nic Naitanui delights the West Coast faithful with a beautiful snap at goal

    AFL

Hawthorn

IF ...

you hear Jeff Kennett in his capacity as Hawks president say something publicly ... 

THEN ...

don't always believe it. So often he's said one thing, and done the opposite. Of course, he wants another three years in charge now, having said all season he didn't. Clarko will be furious. One of 'em won’t be standing in three years' time.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett and coach Alastair Clarkson. Pictures: AFL Photos

Melbourne

IF ...

Alex Neal-Bullen knows the words to Moving Pictures' and Shannon Noll's 'What About Me' ... 

THEN ...

he may as well belt 'em out. After this week's inexplicable AFL softening on sling tackles, Neal-Bullen, who copped four weeks for a tackle on Will Hamill, is officially the unluckiest player of 2020. By a very long way.

00:24

Demon's dangerous tackle leaves young Crow stunned

Adelaide youngster Will Hamill is in bad shape after being slung in a tackle by Melbourne's Alex Neal-Bullen

North Melbourne

IF ...

the Roos are to be fair to a person they chose to hunt and bring into their club ... 

THEN ...

Polec deserves to play. He made a decision to become a Roo, based on a hard and financial sell. He has upheld his end of the deal, he's no different to the player he was when the Roos recruited him.

00:38

Running Roo does what he does best

Jared Polec receives the handball on the burst and sails through a superb goal from 50m

Port Adelaide

IF ...

I've given big Charlie a whole lotta love this year ...

THEN ...

I'm still sending it his way. But Charlie, you've been quiet the past couple of weeks. The Swans without Rampe on Saturday might be the proverbial "easy kill" that seems so desperately needed.

01:18

Why Dixon should 'go and watch some videos of Hawkins'

Access All Areas looks at the form drop of Charlie Dixon, and how he could turn things around

Richmond

IF ...

you're capable of having 11 players kick a goal in a 14-goal winning scoreline, as the Tigers did in a crushing win against the Eagles on Thursday night ... 

THEN ...

you're absolutely cruising. But Riewoldt's left-foot, across-body, set shot late in the match was the work of someone not fully in sync with "team".

00:57

Jack's choice of kick too fancy for Dimma's liking

Jack Riewoldt surprisingly attempts to go with a left-foot snap from an easy position and ends up missing

St Kilda

IF ...

an 8-5 score line is a good one ...

THEN ...

it could easily have been 11-2. Three of the four losses have been by a goal or less (Brisbane last weekend by two points, Freo by six and North by two). And yet, reckon the Saints are vulnerable against the Dees on Saturday.

  • 05:03

    Ratten: 'Looked like we were going to find a way'

    Brett Ratten says his side's 'endeavour and never-say-die attitude' impressed him despite not managing to steal a close victory against the wasteful Lions

    AFL
  • 06:11

    Highlights: Brisbane v St Kilda

    The Lions and Saints clash in round 13

    AFL
  • 07:45

    Full post-match: Lions

    Watch Brisbane's press conference after round 13's match against St Kilda

    AFL
  • 01:18

    Membrey's five minutes of admirable pressure

    Tim Membrey earns plenty of plaudits after exhibiting some outstanding pressure late in the third term

    AFL
  • 01:00

    Bend it like Billings taken to new level

    Jack Billings conjures an amazing goal over his shoulder to keep the Saints' hopes alive

    AFL
  • 00:29

    Look at the spring on Max King, what a stunner

    Max King shows off his unbelievable marking potential with a staggering grab over the top

    AFL
  • 01:14

    Pride surrounds Lion cub after first goal

    Lions debutant Tom Fullarton gets pounced on by teammates after notching his first ever AFL goal

    AFL
  • 00:54

    Saints speedsters serve up gift for Butler

    The Saints link up beautifully through the middle of the ground and feed goalsneak Dan Butler for a cool finish

    AFL
  • 00:24

    Could Lincoln be in trouble for this bump?

    Lincoln McCarthy may attract attention from the MRO after collecting St Kilda's Ben Paton high

    AFL
  • 00:43

    McCarthy turns Charlie's crumbs to gold

    Lincoln McCarthy chimes in with a beautiful snap after Charlie Cameron contests the mark

    AFL
  • 00:25

    Hipwood hanger gets Gabba rocking

    Eric Hipwood reels in a beautiful speccy to create a huge buzz around the ground

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Marshall's GOTY contender denied by own teammate

    Does Tim Membrey accidentally ruin Rowan Marshall's chances to bag Goal of the Year?

    AFL

Sydney Swans

IF ...

 I held a lot of Swans players in lofty regard on entering 2020  ...

THEN ...

I'm a tad disappointed in some of them. They've all been OK, but I have expected more of Mills, Hayward, Blakey, Dawson, even Florent.

00:19

Hard nut Swan bulldozes Docker with massive hit

James Aish would be sore after being on the receiving end of this collision with Callum Mills

West Coast Eagles

IF ...

the Eagles at Optus Stadium in 2020 have looked as comfortable as Brian Lara driving any bowler he ever faced on any deck through covers ... 

THEN ...

they have also looked like Daryll Cullinan against Shane Warne when they're playing in south-east Queensland. All four losses there, Thursday night's to the Tigers the equivalent of an eight-wicket Test Match loss in the final session of day four.

  • 06:11

    Highlights: Richmond v West Coast

    The Tigers and Eagles clash in round 14

    AFL
  • 06:29

    Simpson: 'Losing, nothing to do with Queensland'

    Adam Simpson refuses to attribute the shift from home as a factor in tonight's loss, stating they were simply 'beaten by the better side'

    AFL
  • 06:54

    Dimma: 'Just kick it Jack'

    Damien Hardwick shared his thoughts on Jack Riewoldt's uncanny decision to snap on his left from a 15m set shot

    AFL
  • 00:57

    Jack's choice of kick too fancy for Dimma's liking

    Jack Riewoldt surprisingly attempts to go with a left-foot snap from an easy position and ends up missing

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Noah lets rip from outside the arc

    Tiger utility Noah Balta gets mobbed by teammates after unleashing an absolute pearler from around 60m out

    AFL
  • 00:34

    Shai step and snap just pure genius

    Improving Tiger Shai Bolton showcases some exquisite skill to notch this stunning goal

    AFL
  • 00:54

    Dusty bender sends everyone berserk

    Dustin Martin conjures an outrageous banana on the boundary to light up the stadium

    AFL
  • 00:32

    Nic Nat pushes traffic aside and drives through

    Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui does brilliantly to conjure space in the forward line and complete a clever snap

    AFL
  • 00:34

    Kennedy off after nasty knee connects

    Josh Kennedy cops a painful blow to his head after Noah Balta catches him in a marking contest

    AFL
  • 00:30

    When the skipper forgets how to kick the footy

    West Coast captain Luke Shuey has one of the stranger moments of his footy career by completely squandering a standard kick

    AFL

Western Bulldogs

IF ...

the Dogs can play an explosive, great-to-watch style at times ... 

THEN ...

their impact on the comp is tempered by the fact that their seven wins, upon entry to round 14, have all been against teams outside the top eight, and that six of those wins have been against teams in the bottom eight.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 06:28

    Highlights: Western Bulldogs v Melbourne

    The Bulldogs and Demons clash in round 13

    AFL
  • 04:50

    Goodwin slams third-quarter defensive effort

    Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the Demons 'defended as poorly as we have all year for about 20 minutes'

    AFL
  • 07:00

    Beveridge instructed Dogs to 'make better decisions'

    Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge explains how the Dogs needed to pick smarter options to overcome Melbourne

    AFL
  • 00:24

    Cavarra's Carrara special seals it for Dogs

    A nice dribbler from Ben Cavarra effectively ends the contest

    AFL
  • 00:56

    Out-of-form tall clunks to give Demons a sniff

    Tom McDonald shows his aerial prowess and converts an important set shot

    AFL
  • 01:08

    Dee in strife after huge hit, Wallis capitalises

    Melbourne onballer Tom Sparrow went straight to the bench after being crunched by Marcus Bontempelli

    AFL
  • 00:51

    Clever underground handball and Dogs get another

    An intelligent piece of play from Lachie Hunter is followed up by a great kick from Marcus Bontempelli, and Mitch Wallis does the rest

    AFL
  • 01:01

    Clarry bursts from congestion and snaps it through

    The Dees get one late in the second half thanks to gun onballer Clayton Oliver

    AFL
  • 01:23

    Late inclusion with head of steam, sets up goal

    Mitch Hannan showed his clean hands with a great pick-up and created a chance for Sam Weideman

    AFL
  • 01:17

    Comedy of errors but Toby McLeans it up

    Three shanks in a row but the Western Bulldogs end up finishing the play with their first of the afternoon

    AFL

AND THIS ONE'S FOR THE AFL

IF ...

the AFL's match incidents system was able to send clear messages about sling tackles and staging between rounds three and 12 ...

THEN ...

normal transmission resumed in the past week. Mess and confusion, again, about what will, and won't be allowed. And another full-on breakdown between the Match Review Officer and the Tribunal. Time for the Tribunal to be ditched.

01:50

Monster Tribunal: Watch the six cases challenged on Tuesday

A busy night ahead with Langdon, Powell-Pepper, Grimes, Vlastuin, Dahlhaus and Murphy all fighting their sanctions

IN AFL ON DEMAND NOW