WITH the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership season up and running, naturally, Damian Barrett's Sliding Doors is also up and about.

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

IF ...

he was given an AFL lifeline by the Crows via the NAB AFL Rookie Draft after the 2019 season ...

THEN ...

fair to say Ben Keays has grasped it. Always love the second-chance stories.

00:38

Keays unlocks path to halt Swans' storm

Adelaide's Ben Keays finally finds an answer to stop a long run of Sydney goals

Published on Mar 27, 2021

IF ..

I was slightly concerned about this mob in the first four rounds ...

THEN ...

not any more. Forget the opposition (Essendon) in round five, the Lions of 2019-20 were officially back.

05:44

Highlights: Brisbane v Essendon

The Lions and Bombers clash in round five

Published on Apr 17, 2021

IF ...

the training wheels on the Teague Train were removed some time ago ...

THEN ...

maybe they're being screwed back on. Woosha bobbing up out of nowhere on the club's books as a paid mentor, five weeks into a new season, is an interesting move.

Carlton assistant coach John Worsfold speaks to his players in round 22, 2000. Picture: AFL Photos

IF ...

it took Mark Korda two-and-a-half months and a whole lot of negative publicity to finally be identified as Eddie's replacement ...

THEN ...

don’t for a minute think this presidency thing has been resolved. Cue the Jaws music for Jeff Browne's next move.

Collingwood president Mark Korda outside Magpies HQ in April, 2021. Picture: collingwoodfc.com.au

IF ...

the Pies have their injury concerns for the big Anzac Day game ...

THEN ...

so too the Bombers. Ridley, arguably the best player at the club and last season's best and fairest winner, the latest to be sidelined after a concussion last week.

00:30

Ridley out of game with concussion

Jordan Ridley has been subbed out of the game with concussion after copping this accidental elbow from Eric Hipwood

Published on Apr 17, 2021

IF ...

Nat Fyfe doesn’t have anything more to prove as a footballer ...

THEN ...

he will anyway. Looming as a very dangerous permanent forward. Kicked 0.6 two weeks ago. Against North this weekend, that could easily by 6.0.

00:37

Freakish Fyfe still making things look easy

Nat Fyfe creates a superb goal out of nothing after a terrific gather and snap

Published on Mar 7, 2021

IF ...

the Danger Show is unfortunately off the airwaves for a while ...

THEN ...

the Geelong storyline is in desperate need of a new hero. Perfect timing for Jeremy Cameron's Cats' debut on the home stage, provided he is fully fit.

00:42

New Cat Cameron creates two Gary goals

Star Geelong recruit Jeremy Cameron gets involved in two early Gary Rohan majors

Published on Mar 6, 2021

IF ...

the inaugural AFL win for the Suns came on this very day – April 23 – 10 years ago ...

THEN ...

the fact that just 52 victories have followed it is concerning for the Suns and the entire industry. Of more immediate worry is the 1-4 scoreline of 2021.

05:08

On This Day: The first win in Suns' history, 2011

Gold Coast were 40 points down late in the third quarter at Football Park and managed to pull off a historic win

Published on Apr 22, 2021

IF ...

the Giants were going to take the Level 10 Belt-'Em-Up attitude into Friday night's game against the Bulldogs ...

THEN ...

they would've left big Mummy in the 22. Maybe it'll only reach Level 9.

06:06

When Dogs and Giants collide: The AFL's most explosive rivalry

These bitter rivals have contested in several fiery clashes since the 2016 preliminary final

Published on Apr 23, 2021

IF ...

you've won just one match, by just one point, in 2021 ...

THEN ...

there won't be many better opportunities than the Crows in Launceston on Sunday.

00:54

Wingard wizardry on his right foot

Chad Wingard conjures a brilliant snap on his non-preferred foot to inch the Hawks one step closer

Published on Apr 11, 2021

IF ...

the comparisons with Dusty have been coming fortnightly if not weekly for a season and five matches now ...

THEN ...

no better way for Trac to make it a daily consideration than a massive performance in the Anzac Day eve match. Backing him in.

00:32

Petracca secures milestone goal

Melbourne teammates get around Christian Petracca after he kicks his 100th career goal

Published on Apr 18, 2021

IF ...

the past two matches have at least been a form of OK ...

THEN ...

the sobering fact is this: the Roos have lost 19 of their past 20 matches.

IF ...

you add the actual style and energy of play to the scorelines of last season (15-4 in 2020) and this year (4-1) ...

THEN ...

this team is the most must-watch in the entire competition, every single game.

01:00

Charlie launches a low missile for full points

Port Adelaide's Charlie Dixon bangs through a blistering goal

Published on Apr 17, 2021

IF ...

Dusty takes his talents into the stratosphere seemingly every time the stakes are at their highest ...

THEN ...

watch him go there again in Saturday night's Anzac Day eve match against the Dees. It'll be the biggest AFL crowd since the 2019 Grand Final, the Dees think they're a chance, Trac is being compared with him. That's more than Dusty needs.

04:41

Tigers talking Grand Finals: Why Dusty sits above other superstars

Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin on their favourite flag from a golden era

Published on Apr 23, 2021

IF ...

Rowan Marshall returning is a major positive ...

THEN ...

only when Paddy Ryder joins him will the Saints be a proper chance of retrieving this seemingly already-doomed season.

IF ...

the Dangerfield injury news was a huge morale jolter ...

THEN ...

big Bud's latest breakdown sapped even more excitement from the 2021 season. Bud was building up to something very special. At least it wasn't a pre-existing problem, and should be fixed in a month.

01:53

Franklin puts past five in dominant performance

Lance Franklin put in a dominant outing with this five-goal display in his side's nailbiting loss

Published on Apr 17, 2021

IF ...

you're following the home-away-home-away-home trend ...

THEN ...

another loss coming the Eagles' way, this time against the Cats at the Cattery. The only way to stop the negative narrative they loathe is to win away from Optus Stadium.

00:29

Optus Stadium erupts for Oscar after opening chase

Oscar Allen snares the opening goal for the Eagles after running down Chris Mayne

Published on Apr 16, 2021

IF ...

the siren at the Giants' "home ground" at Manuka Oval on Friday night sounds more like the ding-ding-ding of a boxing bell ...

THEN ...

the Bulldogs won’t be surprised. They're ready.

06:06

When Dogs and Giants collide: The AFL's most explosive rivalry

These bitter rivals have contested in several fiery clashes since the 2016 preliminary final

Published on Apr 23, 2021

AND THIS ONE'S FOR THE AFL

IF ...

I was bored Thursday night ...

THEN ...

I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one. Desperately missed the Thursday night footy hit. Gonna be a looooong seven weeks before it returns.

03:02

Super Saturday is on: Round 9-10 details revealed

Head of broadcasting Marcus King explains decisions behind the latest fixture update

Published on Apr 22, 2021