Round 20 of the 2024 AFLย season is here.
This weekend sees nine games from Friday to Sunday, with several huge clashes to shape the remainder of the season.
It is coming to the crunch end of the season so everything counts from wins, losses, draws and percentages.
Friday night between Carlton and Port Adelaide atย Marvel Stadium is one of the games of the round. This is a huge game for a top eight clash, with a lot on the line for both sides. With the competition from second to 11th on the ladder split by only two games, a win for both sides would help them cement a place in the top four, but a loss puts both sides in danger of missing. This game is set for a huge showdown for Friday night footy and is a must-watch game.
Another huge game this weekend is on Sunday afternoon which will feature Sydney vs Western Bulldogs at the SCG. While the Bulldogs are just outside the top eight, that is only due to percentage and they are having a strong finish to the season - winning four out of five of their past games.
The Dogs will be looking to disrupt premiership favourites the Swans' run to September and hope to put their name down as a true contending this year. This match is expected to be tough and a big match for both sides, as the Swans have only won two out of their five last matches and will be looking to get a win to give them some consistency as they push towards the latter end of the season and 2024 final series. The Dogs though won't make it easy for them.
Also, there are two derbies this weekend, which always brings extra motivation for clubs to get bragging rights in their respective states. On Saturday afternoon Gold Coast hosts Brisbane for the QClash, and Saturday night sees the Western Australian Derby between Fremantle and West Coast.
Below we have focused on a player who is going into the weekend under the radar, a player who needs to step up, one who's sure to gain plenty of attention, a big matchup, a player who could potentially look at a new role and another who is on a comeback in Round 20.
Under the radar: Robbie Fox
Robbie Fox is flying under the radar, a player that may not always be in the Swans' best 23 but when selected is a player that can play any role that is required of him, from forward to back, and be dangerous.
In recent weeks, Fox has been flying under the radar while playing quality football and had a strong performance last week despite the Swans losing by two points.
Fox gathered 26 disposals after starting forward, but coach John Longmire moved him back to help fill the gap after Dane Rampe was subbed out of the game, showing his ability to play anywhere on the field. This is a huge asset for the Swans to have someone like Fox where they can rely on his versatility when needed.
Fox will play his 100th game this weekend for the Swans at the SCG and will be a huge threat for the Western Bulldogs as he can be a dangerous forward, or has defensive craft and knows how to shut down players.
Needs to step up: Jake Stringerย
Jake Stringer needs to step up this weekend. In the past few matches the Dons forward has been lacking. The Bombers have now lost their past two matches and have put their finals series in jeopardy, and a player like Stringer will be critical in helping them lift this week and get a win to keep their season alive.
Stringer has only kicked two goals in the Dons' past three matches and must have a greater impact on the scoreboard this weekend against St Kilda.
The 30-year-old has 200 games under his belt and should act as a leader in the Bombers' forward line by better guiding his younger teammates.
This weekend's match is crucial for Essendon and their 2024 season. It's essential for Stringer, as a senior player, to step up, fulfil his role, and excel in what he does best -scoring.
All eyes are on... Dustin Martin
All eyes will be on Dustin Martin, who is a chance to return this weekend after being sidelined for three weeks.
The 33-year-old will draw attention as fans wait to see the condition of the three-time premiership player, to give an indication of the star's future.
Speculation at the moment is on Martin and what the rest of his career will look like, if he will remain at the Tigers, move north to be with ex-coach Damien Hardwick's side on the Gold Coast, or retire.
All eyes will be on the veteran and how he plays this weekend and the condition his body is in. Martin has only played 12 games this season, battling injury throughout the season.
Sunday afternoon against Collingwood will give a huge indication of the physical shape Martin is in and what the rest of his career may be.
Martin's return will bring a lot of attention to the Brownlow medallist.
The big matchup: Steven May and Jesse Hoganย
The biggest matchup this week is between key defender Steven May and key forward Jesse Hogan.
Two-time All-Australian May will have his hands filled with Hogan, who is having a stellar season, sitting second on the Coleman Medal leaderboard. Both of these players have physicality in their game and often like to get into their opponent's heads, and there is no doubt this will be the case on Saturday night.
Out of the two, Hogan is probably having the better season but do not undermine May who is a premiership player and one of the best defenders in the game who gets put on the best key forwards each week.
This matchup is expected to be fiery with an extra bit of morale with Hogan as a former Demon, and both players will want to get on top early as will play a huge shift in the momentum for their respective sides.
On the comeback: Sam Taylor
Sam Taylor will return this weekend after more than a month on the sidelines.
Taylor has missed the past five games with a groin injury after having to undergo surgery due to rupturing his testicle in Round 14 against Port Adelaide.
The All-Australian has had a few setbacks this year after suffering a significant head knock early in the year and then this injury, and the key defender will be eager to have a more consistent run as the season draws to a close and the final series nears.
Taylor's return is a huge in for the Giants as they have to travel to Melbourne to take on the Demons.
