Round 19 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.
Saturday afternoon between Hawthorn and Collingwood at the MCG is one of the games of the round. This is a huge game for both sides and will determine the remainder of their seasons. Both teams are on equal points and a loss will make it very hard to make the top eight. Hawthorn have won their last four out of five games, whereas Collingwood have lost their past three games. Collingwood, if they want to have any chance to defend their premiership, must win on Saturday, otherwise it will mean they can not lose any more games. This game is set for a huge showdown on Saturday and is a must-watch game.
Another huge game this weekend is on Sunday afternoon which will feature Fremantle vs Melbourne at Optus Stadium. This clash is crucial for both teams' 2024 seasons. A win for either side could help them cement a position in the top four as the crunch end of the season approaches. The Dockers and Dees have had a loss in recent weeks but this a big top eight clash and has huge stakes on the line as both teams will be eyeing off a finals finish.
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 19.
Under the radar: Lewis Melican
Lewis Melican is having a great 2024 season, playing all available games for the leading premiership contenders.
The 27-year-old's work rate often goes unnoticed, yet the defender consistently delivers what's required of him each week.
This season, the key backman has faced some of the top forwards in the competition. Melican has embraced the challenge, making it look effortless with his defensive pressure and smooth ball movement, effectively clearing the ball out of the defensive 50.
After previous years of struggling with injuries and not being able to break into John Longmire's senior side, Melican has become a surprising regular in Sydney's lineup this season. Flying under the radar, he simply gets on with the job and delivers consistently.
Melican is a significant threat to any key forward he lines up against, thanks to his ability to read the game with precision and put his body on the line.
This weekend, when the Swans travel north to face Brisbane, Melican will have his hands full with the Lions' dangerous forward line. However, his calm head and defensive skillย make him a key forward's worst nightmare.
Needs to step up: Darcy Moore
Darcy Moore must step up as captain of Collingwood this weekend. The Pies have lost their last three matches and their premiership defence is in jeopardy. Moore is doing uncharacteristic things on the football field and there has been talk about whether the All-Australian defender should spend some time in the VFL to get his form back.
The key defender is not being clean, looks lost in the defensive 50 and isn't managing nearly as many intercept marks as normal.
This weekend is a huge match for Collingwood and will determine their season. There is a need for Moore to lift not only for his own performance but as captain of the club. The 28-year-old requires a solid performance to help get his team back on track.
A loss this weekend for the Pies will make it incredibly hard for them to defend their premiership.
Moore must step up this weekend and the MCG is the perfect opportunity for him to have a more character-like performance and put his critics to sleep.
All eyes are on... Jack Ginnivan
All eyes will be on Jack Ginnivan this weekend as he returns to face his former side after recovering from a fractured fibula.
Ginnivan is a huge in for the Hawks who are now in contention for making finals and this is a big game for them.
The youngster will draw attention to himself as he takes on his former side Collingwood, which is likely to see extra morale and physicality as he takes on some of his best mates. This will likely see a lot of friendly banter also.
Ginnivan will be eager to have a big performance and get one back on his former side, who got the upper hand in Round 4 with Collingwood claimed a five-point win.
All eyes will be on the 21-year-old and if he can have a strong performance this weekend, bringing his elite forward pressure, and helping get his side the win as they push towards September.
The big matchup: Lachie Neale and James Jordon
The biggest matchup this weekend is between Lachie Neale and James Jordon. Whether or not the in-form Swans recruit can take last year's Brownlow medallist out of the game with a strong tag remains to be seen.
Jordan has had an impressive first season at the Swans and is playing an important role as a tagger, taking some of the biggest names out of the game when Sydney go up against them, making big-name players have little impact.
This weekend will be a huge test for the 23-year-old to see if he can take on the role of keeping star midfielder Neale out of the game.
Neale has been averaging 29 disposals this season and has never hardly been tagged out of a game. While there have been a number of attempts, the two-time Brownlow medallist seems to be too good.
Though the class of Jordon and his ability to already do it this year with many highly respected players such as Sam Walsh and Lachie Whitfield could work.
This week is a big challenge but if Jordon can get to work early on Neale and take him out of the game will be a big win for the Swans and likely play a huge shift in the game.
This will be a must-watch matchup, and as we head into September, it will be a great test for Jordon to see if he is capable of taking on the tagging role against the best in the competition.
A new role: Jeremy Howe
Jeremy Howe is expected to return this Saturday after missing last week's loss to Geelong to hamstring awareness if he gets through training.
Howe's versatility allows him to play anywhere on the field from forward to defence due to his exceptional athleticism.
The 34-year-old may return by playing a new role in his return, potentially playing in the forward line to help fill the injury gap in the Pies' attack and aid their inability to score inside 50.
Howe kicked two goals in Round 17 and could be the best option in helping lift the Pies' forward line, which looks lost at the moment.
Craig McRae's side is desperate for a win and assigning Howe a new role in their forward half might be the spark they need to turn their season around.
On the comeback: Alex Pearce
Alex Pearce is expected to return this weekend if the key defender can pass a fitness test. Pearce has missed the past three games for the Dockers after fracturing his left forearm against Gold Coast in Round 15.
Fremantle's skipper has been cleared by club medical staff and will more than likely line up on Sunday afternoon against Melbourne at Optus Stadium.
This is a huge boost for the Dockers to welcome back their captain, who is having an exceptional year.
This clash against Melbourne is a huge match in determining if Fremantle are a genuine top four side and if they want to cement their place.
Coach Justin Longmuir will be pleased to have one of his key defenders back to help shut down Melbourne's forward line.
