AFL

Brisbane will again be the team to beat as it chases a rare hat-trick of premierships, but look out for two outsiders to make an AFL charge this season, according to two leading footy experts.

Matt Rowell has been one of West Coast’s biggest torturers in recent times, but the Brownlow medallist is unlikely to get a chance to take down the Eagles in their season opener on March 15. Here’s why.

‘It doesn’t sit well with me. I think a lot of men don’t understand that decision.’

Channel 7 has added to an all-star crew with current stars and former greats, while The Agenda Setters expands to a new night.

Star defender Jacob Weitering was among several players hurt in State of Origin. Carlton have said when they believe he can play this season.

After Lachie Neale vacated the captaincy in the wake of off-field drama this summer, Brisbane have opted for an unusual path with their leadership.

Not only was Optus Stadium packed for the highly-anticipated return of AFL Origin, but viewers across Australia tuned in to watch  Western Australia battle Victoria on Saturday night.

Victoria held off a spirited WA comeback in the final term to run out 24-point winners in front of a passionate and heaving Origin crowd at Optus Stadium.

Western Australia have turned to one of their favourite footy sons for inspiration in Saturday night’s Origin epic. 

‘Trying to edit that out would have been tough.’

Get all the broadcast details as Victoria and Western Australia battle for supremacy.

It’s not just State v State on Saturday - there’s also individual pride on the line. Here are the showdowns that could define the game.

He is one of the stars fans will be lining up to see do battle on Saturday night, but it may not be how they expect.

It was a match that defined his career, but Brent Harvey had to make a big sacrifice to make it happen.