All eyes on a Magpie, a must-watch matchup, the Dees star needing to step up: The AFL players to watch for Round 13

We’ve named the players to keep an eye on this weekend.

STAFF WRITER | June 6, 2024 - 2:32pm

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Round 13 of the 2024 AFL season is here.

This weekend sees many huge clashes across the fixture, with eight games from Thursday to Monday, with the traditional King's Birthday clash on Monday afternoon. This weekend is the second round of the mid-season byes with Port Adelaide and Fremantle having a break.

Sunday afternoon will see Sydney vs Geelong at the SCG, which is expected to be close to a sell-out. A top-four clash, this game is anticipated to be one not to be missed with both teams in form.

Another must-watch game this weekend is on Sunday night between Carlton and Essendon at the 'G. The McKay twins will play their first-ever match against each other, with both teams having a strong 2024 season and looking to cement their places in the top four, this game is expected to be fierce.

The clash of the round is Melbourne v Collingwood, a blockbuster for the traditional King's Birthday clash. There is a big rivalry between these clubs and after last year's qualifying final where the Pies got a seven-point win. This match on Monday is anticipated to be a huge clash on what is a big occasion. Monday also marks the 10th Big Freeze.

Below we have focused on a player who is going into the weekend under the radar, a player who needs to step up, a player who's sure to gain plenty of attention, a big matchup, a player who could potentially look at a new role and a player who is on a comeback in Round 13.

Under the radar: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is having an excellent 2024 season and is flying under the radar as he records career-high performances.

The 21-year-old is averaging 25.8 disposals and was a key component in the Saints' 14-point win last week against West Coast. The defender was electric off half-back and managed 24 disposals, seven rebound 50s and 618 metres gained.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera during the AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda in Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

This weekend when the Saints take on Gold Coast, the 21-year-old might again fly under the radar and is expected to tally up another high disposal count, and with his exceptional ball movement and pace, will be a significant threat to the Suns.

If Gold Coast don't treat the third-year player with respect, Wanganeen-Milera will cause serious problems and make it very difficult for the Suns to score.

Also, if the young Saint keeps performing the way he is, it won't be long till Ross Lyon may consider moving him into the midfield.

Needs to step up: Kysaiah Pickett

Kysaiah Pickett needs to step up. He has had an average start to the season but the forward is known for his match-winning forward craft. Though the Pickett everyone knows has been lacking in recent weeks.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Kysaiah Pickett of the Demons celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 05 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Melbourne Demons at Adelaide Oval on April 15, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Pickett has only kicked 15 goals this season and has only managed three goals in the past four games. The 23-year-old needs to have a better game and put on a performance that he is capable of, with his elite forward pressure and ability to have a strong scoreboard presence, this weekend.

After Melbourne's 92-point loss to Fremantle they are now out of the top eight. Monday is a massive clash for the Dees and they require Pickett to step up and have a huge game on what will be on a big stage.

All eyes are on... Brayden Maynard

All eyes will be on Brayden Maynard when his side faces Melbourne for a huge King's Birthday clash.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Brayden Maynard of the Magpies and Jack Viney of the Demons clash during the 2023 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 07, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The last time the Pies and Dees clashed was last year during the qualifying final. The game was heated and exhilarating. In the first quarter, Maynard crashed into Angus Brayshaw, causing Brayshaw to be knocked out and suffer his sixth major concussion. This head knock ultimately forced Brayshaw to retire in February this year.

All eyes will be on Maynard on Monday afternoon at the 'G and what the response will be from the Dees, as there is no doubt the Melbourne players will get into the defender early on, with some revenge and anger still from last year.

However, Melbourne's captain Max Gawn said they have put the incident behind them and the rivalry between these two clubs is not fuelled by last year's qualifying final incident.

Though it's difficult to not expect there won't be some sort of confrontation between the Dees and Maynard, all eyes will be on Maynard and how Melbourne goes about it.

The big matchup: Ben and Harry McKay

The biggest matchup this weekend will be between twin brothers Harry and Ben McKay. They are expected to play against each other for the first time but also most likely will line up against each other.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 03: Harry McKay of the Blues
and Ben McKay of the Bombers pose during an AFL media opportunity at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 03, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The pair have never played against each other despite ten opportunities over the past eight years, with one of them out due to injury or suspension.

However, on Sunday evening, the time has arrived when the twins will play against each other for the first time and most likely even be playing on each other.

This is a much-watched matchup. With both players in great form this season, all focus will be on this battle and who will win the sibling bragging rights.

A new role? Mason Wood

Mason Wood could have a new role this weekend when the Saints take on Gold Coast. After an impressive game last week, playing a lot of time in attack kicking four goals, Ross Lyon may consider playing the midfielder in a more forward role this week.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Mason Wood of the Saints during the round three AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 01, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

The 30-year-old has spent most of his career on the wing but after his performance last week, could Wood's new role be playing forward for St Kilda?

This week with St Kilda hosting the Suns, will Wood have a new role that sees him shift from his usual wing position and play more forward?

On the comeback: Tim Taranto

Tim Taranto will return this week on Thursday night when the Tigers travel to South Australia to face the Crows.

Taranto has been out injured since Round 4 after fracturing his wrist which required him to have surgery. The 26-year-old has had two months on the sidelines, so he will be eager to return Thursday night.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 28: Tim Taranto of the Tigers celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 11 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Yartapuulti / Port Adelaide Power at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 28, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The midfielder is a huge in for the Tigers and he will be joined by teammates, Shai Bolton and Dion Prestia, who also return this week.

Taranto is an influential player for the Tigers and it will be a huge relief for coach Adem Yze to have an experienced player return as they face another hard battle when they travel to take on the Crows at home.