Paul Curtis could be in hot water after his ugly tackle left West Coast gun Hamish Davis concussed.

Paul Curtis could be in hot water after his ugly tackle left West Coast gun Hamish Davis concussed.

Essendon are dealt a new cruel injury blow after Archie Roberts was forced off the field with a dislocated shoulder.

Essendon are dealt a new cruel injury blow after Archie Roberts was forced off the field with a dislocated shoulder.

The Magpies and Tigers – both viewed as trailing the Western Bulldogs and Geelong, in the race for Butters – have held face-to-face meetings with the Port Adelaide superstar.

The Magpies and Tigers – both viewed as trailing the Western Bulldogs and Geelong, in the race for Butters – have held face-to-face meetings with the Port Adelaide superstar.

After Melbourne and North Melbourne recorded key wins, the Swans are clashing with the Power under Saturday night lights. Follow along live.

After Melbourne and North Melbourne recorded key wins, the Swans are clashing with the Power under Saturday night lights. Follow along live.

Melbourne crushed a sorry Bombers outfit at the MCG, but Essendon’s interim coach insists they are not being affected by the spectre of James Hird.

Melbourne crushed a sorry Bombers outfit at the MCG, but Essendon’s interim coach insists they are not being affected by the spectre of James Hird.

Bailey Smith tossed in a little jab at the Western Bulldogs on Friday night after beating Gold Coast.

Bailey Smith tossed in a little jab at the Western Bulldogs on Friday night after beating Gold Coast.

Fans want hope. Boards want credibility. The media wants a headline. But the most important question any club looking for a new coach should ask is, what are their players looking for?

Fans want hope. Boards want credibility. The media wants a headline. But the most important question any club looking for a new coach should ask is, what are their players looking for?

We quizzed about a dozen Essendon supporters outside the MCG if they wanted James Hird to return as coach. Their answers differed vastly to our poll findings.

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick was visibly frustrated by this free kick given to Geelong.

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick was visibly frustrated by this free kick given to Geelong.

Geelong’s unbeaten streak against the Suns at GHMBA Stadium stretched to 10 as the Cats embarrassed Gold Coast’s big-name midfielders to strengthen their hold on a top-four spot.

Geelong’s unbeaten streak against the Suns at GHMBA Stadium stretched to 10 as the Cats embarrassed Gold Coast’s big-name midfielders to strengthen their hold on a top-four spot.

Recruiters will be out in force to try to unearth the AFL’s next stars when the under-18 championships begin this weekend across the country.