Round 10 of the 2024 AFL season is here.
This weekend sees many huge clashes across the fixture. We will see nine games from Thursday to Sunday where 18 teams will battle it out, with North Melbourne still looking for their first win of the season.
Friday night will see Sydney vs Carlton, a sell-out clash at the SCG. If Carlton loses they could finish the round outside the top 8.
Another must-watch game this weekend is on Saturday afternoon between Collingwood and Adelaide at the MCG. The Pies will be looking to cement their place in the top 8, whereas the Crows need a win to keep their season alive.
Below we have focused on a player who is going in under the radar, a player who needs to step up, a player who's sure to gain plenty of attention, a big matchup, and a player who could potentially look at a new role and a player who is on a comeback in Round 10.
Under the radar: Aaron Cadman
Aaron Cadman has played all nine games in the 2024 season and is becoming more comfortable in senior-level football as he enters his second year.
Cadman has already surpassed the amount of goals he kicked last year, already kicking 13 goals for the season, higher than Giants star Toby Greene. The youngster is flying under the radar and has kicked a goal in every round besides Round 9.
This week when the Giants host the Bulldogs on Saturday night. The 2022 number 1 draft pick will fly under the radar, as the 20-year-old is already part of a strong forward, the Dogs will have their hands full.
Cadman's goal-kicking ability and overhead marking will be a huge danger for the Dogs if they are not mindful.
Needs to step up: Toby Nankervis
Toby Nankervis needs to step up as Captain of Richmond. Nankervis has had an inconsistent start to the season and at a time when the Tigers are struggling with form they need their captain to step up.
The Tigers are 1-8 after nine rounds which is one of their worst starts of the season and it's not helping have their captain not in form.
This weekend is another tough clash on the road for the Tigers against the Lions at the Gabba, but it's vital that Nankervis steps up and leads his team. While the Tigers will have the odds against them there is a need for them to have a more consistent performance and this starts from their captain.
Nankervis needs to get around his teammates, especially the younger players helping set a positive attitude, it's not about winning but rather about effort and the growth of the team each week.
As captain, he needs to step up and act as a role model to his teammates by setting an example that while they may be out 1-8, they are still capable of winning games and the importance of putting 100% in each week.
The 29-year-old needs to step up not just for himself but for his club and it starts this weekend by having a more all-rounded performance.
All eyes are on... Jordan De Goey
All eyes will be on Jordan De Goey this weekend as he returns to football much earlier than previously anticipated.
De Goey only ended up missing two games after sustaining a groin injury in the Pies ANZAC day clash, so all eyes will be on the star's fitness this weekend and how he will perform.
The focus will be on the midfielder and whether he will be able to produce a De Goey-type of performance with his explosive and powerful characteristics.
Also, attention will be on Craig McRae and where he decides to play the 28-year-old, will he play prominently in the midfielder or will he be eased back by having some spells in the forward line?
The Premiership player is known for his power and speed in the midfield, breaking out of stoppages, making him a dynamic and valuable player for the Pies.
The Pies take on the Crows this Saturday with everyone focused on De Goey and how he manages against a fast-paced Crows and if his groin will hold up.
The big matchup: Charlie Curnow/Dane Rampe
The biggest matchup for Round 10 will be on Thursday night between Charlie Curnow and Dane Rampe.
It's likely with Tom McCartin out due to concussion, which is a huge loss given he won the battle with Charlie Curnow last year, that Rampe will be the player to go to the two-time Coleman Medal winner.
This matchup will be fierce with a player like Rampe who will be trying to get in Curnow's head all night. Both these players are big game players and the stage is set for a blockbuster on Friday night.
If Rampe can keep Curnow off the scoreboard early this will play a huge role in the momentum of the game but if Curnow can get on top of this matchup and be damaging on the scoreboard, Rampe will have a tough night ahead of him.
You won't want to miss this matchup on Friday night at a sold-out SCG.
On the comeback: Shane McAdam
McAdam will play his first game for Melbourne on Sunday afternoon after struggling with injury since arriving at the club in October following the trade period.
McAdam comes into the Dee's forward line to replace Jacob van Rooyen who will miss the clash due to concussion.
The 28-year-old struggled with calf injuries in the pre-season and then sustained a hamstring injury at the start of the season sidelining him for a month.
McAdam comes into the side with 50 senior games under his belt, has plenty of pace and skill and will play a strong role in Dee's forward line on Sunday in Perth.
