Round 24 Preview

The Magpies need a win to clinch the Minor Premiership, with the Lions hot on their tails, while the Bombers will be playing for pride despite the fact that they can’t make it into the finals. The two teams always produce so expect a close game.

Although he is the oldest player in the league, Scott Pendlebury has still reached amazing feats and was even the leading ball-getter last week. Having kicked a goal in the Pies past three, he is a favourite to do it once more.

Massive wins against the Magpies and Bulldogs in the past three weeks has given Hawks’ fans something to celebrate. As both teams have nothing to play for it could go either way, but the Hawks are favourites.

Surprisingly, the Fremantle Dockers have lost the first quarter in 12 of their last 13 away games, and it is something they have struggled with throughout the season.

The Kangaroos have lost their last 20 matches in a row, and it can’t get any worse for them. With multiple players out, unfortunately, the same result can be expected against the Suns.

Gold Coast veteran Brandon Ellis has managed to kick at least one goal in the club’s past four games. After missing the early stages of the season, Ellis will be looking to put in a good performance to cement his spot for 2024.

Recruited from the Western Bulldogs, Josh Dunkley has been impeccable this season and has kicked at least one goal in each of his last four games against the Saints.

In contention for the Minor Premiership, the Lions are unbeaten at home this year, but the Saints won’t make it easy, as a victory guarantees them a home qualifying final.

While the Cats have a number of marquee stars out, especially in their forward line, the Bulldogs are in horrific form. While the Dogs are considered the favourite, an upset could be on the cards.

With Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins and Gary Rohan all unavailable, the goals need to come from somewhere for the Cats. Enter Norm Smith Medallist Isaac Smith, who will appear in his final AFL game.

Coming off a win against the Western Bulldogs, in what is considered the upset of the year, could the Eagles do it again? The Eagles will also regain veterans Shannon Hurn and Luke Shuey as they look to create another upset.

Eight of the last ten matches at Optus Stadium have gone under the total match points line. With both teams playing mainly in the midfield, the same result can happen again.

The Tigers will make several changes from last round’s team this weekend with multiple injuries and retirement. Due to the disruption of the team and that the game will be at the Adelaide Oval, the Power will be hoping to get off to a good start ahead of the finals.

The retirement of Jack Riewoldt makes Shai Bolton the number-one target in the forward line for the Tigers. His skill and attacking ability in the forward 50 is unmeasurable and will easily be able to grab a bag of goals.

While the Swans will be giving Lance Franklin a big farewell, Christian Petracca will be looking to ruin the part. The experienced Demon will be eager to get his side off to a quick start and has done so in Melbourne’s last two games when playing at the SCG.

The Sydney Swans will be looking to continue their incredible run against the Demons this weekend. Considering the game is at home and they will farewell Tom Hickey and Lance Franklin they should have the upper hand.

The Blues have been led in the front by star forward Charlie Curnow. He has also been the first goal-scorer in the Blues’ past two home games this season.

The Blues are the most in-form team in the competition as of now – bar Brisbane Lions – but will go head-to-head with the Giants, who need to win to clinch a top-eight position. In the most watched game of the round, a tough contest will happen between the two sides.