Heading into the season, I have identified 15 games during the home-and-away season that will be the highlights of the season. For their own reasons, these are the contests not to be missed in 2014.
Whatever else you have got on, make sure to cancel it and be by the sidelines or in front of the TV for these clashes.
Round 2 – Richmond v Carlton (MCG)
The first look at footy at the G in 2014 is here. And after last year’s final loss, Richmond will be hungry to account for Carlton early in the year.
Round 2 – Essendon v Hawthorn (Etihad Stadium)
Matches between these two sides don’t need any promotion, but this one will have a bit of extra spice given Alastair Clarkson’s comments in the past few days. And as we know, these are two sides who don’t like each other.
Round 3 – Hawthorn v Fremantle (MCG)
Hawthorn again, this time, the grand final replay of 2013. The Hawks won the replay in 2013 against the Swans, and this looms as a mouthwatering Friday night contest.
Round 3 – Adelaide v Sydney (Adelaide Oval)
The next day, battle lines will be drawn at the newly-developed Adelaide Oval. The return of Kurt Tippett against his old club and a spectacle to be seen. Sorry Kurt, but there’s no hiding from this one.
Round 4 – Richmond v Collingwood (MCG)
Both got a taste of finals last year, but each were bundled out unexpectedly in the first week. Traditional rivals, expect a huge crowd and tremendous atmosphere when they meet on a Friday night.
Round 5 – Sydney v Fremantle (SCG)
These two played out the only draw in 2013, both also went deep into the finals, and is was Fremantle who defeated the Swans in the preliminary final.
Two of the best in the business who will be eager to claim a flag this year. A game to look forward to.
Round 5 – Geelong v Hawthorn (MCG)
Easter Monday football, and we know the quality of games these two normally produce. The Hawks finally broke the ‘Kennett Curse’ in last year’s preliminary final. The Cats will want to start another curse, beginning here.
Round 7 – Carlton v Collingwood (MCG)
Last year it was Mick returning against the old mob, this year it’s Daisy. There has never been much love between these sides, none more so than this occasion. Expect a big one under the Friday night lights.
Round 8 – Sydney v Hawthorn (ANZ Stadium)
Yes speaking of players against their old side, is there a bigger one than this? 2012 grand finalists hit out on a Friday night in Round 8, and of course Buddy will be playing. This time, in a red and white jumper.
Round 10 – Geelong v North Melbourne (Etihad Stadium)
Another Friday nighter. These sides generally produce high scoring, electric contests under the roof. Both striving for top four honours, the Scott brothers will go at it again.
Oh, and can we make sure we close the roof this time?
Round 11 – Sydney v Geelong (SCG)
A big Thursday night contest between these two. Prelim finalists last year who will consider themselves a chance. Not bad viewing for a Thursday night.
Round 13 – Richmond v Fremantle (MCG)
Bit of a left-field choice, but I’m sticking my neck out now and saying it will be a ripper. Massive game in it’s own right.
Round 15 – Geelong v Essendon (Etihad Stadium)
Mark Thompson and Paul Chapman team up to tackle the Cats in what will be a hot Friday night encounter. Expect a full house for this mid-season grudge match.
Round 18 – Hawthorn v Sydney (MCG)
Buddy’s second hitout against his former club. Yes, I did include their first game, but this is at the MCG, so expect a less than warm reception from the Hawthorn fans.
Round 22 – GWS Giants v Collingwood (Giants Stadium)
You’d expect the Pies to win, and they probably will. But this clash will carry some real nastiness as Heath Shaw faces his former teammates sporting the orange and grey.
I’d reckon Collingwood will show no mercy.
Well they’re my 15 matches that go in the ‘must watch’ category for this season.
Many of them early on, in the first half of the year, and also many on the big stage that is Friday night football.
Happy viewing!
haydos
Guest
Where is Geelong v Freo??
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Merely pointing out that those matches, and the one against Hawthorn too, qualify as big clashes ahead of any perceived grudge match against Gold Coast.
AREH
Roar Guru
Not a Tigers fan
slane
Guest
My mistake. Could have sworn they got one up on Freo in 2012.
joe b
Guest
Not true, freo beat richmond twice in 2012. Freo lost to richmond after the western derby last year...if you are familiar with the history of western derbies you will be aware how physical the game is and that both sides usually lose the following week...i don't mean to take anything away from richmonds performance but I personally do not read too much into it. Richmond do not have the wood over freo, but it will be an opportunity for them to make there mark. Yes, I am part of the purple haze.
Slane
Guest
Considering Richmond has had the wood on Freo the last few years that match is one I'm very keen to watch. Freo beat the Tigers by one point kicked in the last 30 seconds over in WA. They then flogged the purple haze in Melbourne in their other game last season. They seem to match up well against each other.
joe b
Guest
Settle petal. I did not say bad call on richmond...I said bad call on some of the richmond games (eg. Tigers v Freo), tigers v Suns is far more interesting given their recent history and progress imho. But your argument of "general afl scheme of things" as a measure between clubs is priceless. And imho richmond does not warrant 3 games in a list of 15 must watch games for this season, but I am not a tigers fan whereas the author appears to be. Fancy that, two people with differing views...probably why they have a comments section.
Avatar
Roar Guru
Round 2, Essendon vs. Hawthorn will be intriguing. Bomber Thompson and Paul Chapman oppose the club to whom they lost the 2008 Grand Final with the Cats, after which Chappy vowed that the Cats "should never lose to Hawthorn again" after that defeat. The Hawks may have ended their 11-match losing streak to the Cats in last year's prelim, but Chapman was missing due to suspension. I have a feeling that the effect of Chappy's pact may inspire the Bombers to an early season upset. I can sense it. Also remember that Essendon did beat Hawthorn not once, but twice, in 2009, a year where the Hawks were also defending premiers.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Bad call on Richmond?!! Thanks Joe, so Gold Coast warrants more interest than Richmond in the general AFL scheme of things? That makes no sense. I'd hazard a guess that Richmond JUST beats GC in attendances and general support. Maybe you see things that I can't.
alicesprings
Guest
The towns buzzing for the practice match up here…can't imagine what its going to be like when the real deal arrives up here! SA showdown top 5 game for the year.
Berrlins
Guest
Come on mate what about the Derbys, port v crows will be a classic, weagles v freo will be hard fought, dare I say it even the qclash will be a great game.
joe b
Guest
Bad call on some of those Richmond games...tigers are yet to warrant much interest imho. Whilst no weight should ever be given to the NAB cup games, the hiding west coast (with new coach and style) gave freo hints at a potentially exciting derby clash. The S.A. derby should also be good. No mention of gold coast...surprising given they have the wood over the tigers and they beat collingwood last year.
Floreat Pica
Guest
First ever home-and-away match at Traeger Park in Alice Springs will be a big local event- and arguably a must watch (on tv) for melbourne and port fans. But yeah, certainly first derby at adelaide oval and anzac day are massive oversights.
Kasey
Guest
yes, Rd2 Port v Crows was a very obvious miss by the author. the hype in rAdelaide has already begun and it looks like only those with Season Ticket memberships will get in. BIG game by any standard.
MFairPlay
Roar Guru
So I'm not the only one picking up the Victorian trend.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Theres not many AFL games worth watching nowadays with all the kick chasey that go's on id rather watch a country game on a satdy. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Port vs Adelaide, match of the season mate! There is footy outside of Victoria.
Alex
Guest
There's also some game they play on ANZAC Day that's supposed to be kind of popular.
Damien
Guest
Round 2 Port v Crows First game at Adelaide oval, first official game between the 2 teams after jumpergate, one of the best rivalries in the AFL. But yeah GWS v Collingwood or Nth Melbourne v Geelong are much bigger games! Zzzzzzz