Round 15 of the 2024 AFL season is here.
This weekend sees six games from Friday to Sunday in the final round of the mid-season byes with Adelaide, Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, St Kilda and Richmond having a break.
Friday night will features Carlton vs Geelong at the MCG, the blockbuster battle of the round. The last time these two faced off was in round seven with the Cats winning a shoot-out. On Friday the stakes are high as both teams look to cement their top four credentials.
Another blockbuster game this weekend is on Saturday afternoon between GWS Giants and Sydney Swans. The second Sydney Derby for the year, the Giants are seeking revenge for their 29-point loss in round eight. Each time these two play each other it's guaranteed to be a fierce, highly pressured match, with new stories written each time. The Giants hope to win and stop the momentum of the current Premiership favourites.
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 15.
Under the radar: Jordan Ridley
Jordan Ridley has flown under the radar in his three games since returning in Round 11 from a pre-season quad injury, but his last month of footy has been exceptional.
Since coming back into the side, the defender has been averaging 25 disposals and has played role in the Bombers' defence.
The 25-year-old won the 2024 Yiooken Award at Dreamtime at the 'G for his first game back and has been dominating since.
If West Coast do not treat the former best and fairest with respect he will cause serious damage and make it very difficult for the Eagles to hit the scoreboard.
Needs to step up: Harrison Petty
Harrison Petty needs to step up this weekend, in what is a good opportunity against North Melbourne to have a strong performance.
Petty has been lacking this season, only managing three majors from his 11 games. Playing in the forward line came as a new role for him in 2023 when he was shifted from defence, and the 24-year-old has struggled to find form this season.
While coach Simon Goodwin is still backing Petty as a forward, he needs to lift and start providing a potent forward-50 threat if the Dees are any hope in 2024.
This weekend is a great chance for Petty to have a huge game and step up, slotting a few goals and performing the way did with his bag of six against Richmond last year.
All eyes are on... Patrick Dangerfield
All eyes will be on Patrick Dangerfield this weekend and how he handles returning to senior football after being sidelined for nearly two months. The veteran returns in what is a blockbuster match against Carlton on Friday night.
The 34-year-old was subbed out in round seven against the Blues due to another hamstring strain. The midfielder has only played four games this year as he has suffered two separate hamstring issues.
Dangerfield will return on a big stage and all eyes will be on the fitness of the star and how impactful he can make Chris Scott's midfield.
Will he be eased back by having some spells up forward or is the champion ready to get right back in the thick of things in the middle?
The big matchup: Sam De Koning and Tom De Koning
The biggest match-up for this weekend is between the De Koning brothers. On Friday night it's expected these two will line up against each other and battle it out for family bragging rights.
The last time they played on each other was in round seven with Sam holding Tom goalless, though Tom was inaccurate with three behinds. Tom was clearly the better performer on the night but couldn't convert.
Both brothers will be eager for a big performance come Friday night and there is that little bit of extra motivation for bragging rights.
Friday night will be a must-watch when the De Koning brothers battle out on the holy turf of the MCG.
On the comeback: Oscar Allen
Oscar Allen is expected to return this weekend when West Coast travel east to face Essendon on Sunday afternoon if he gets through main training on Thursday.
The tall forward has not played since round one after he suffered cartilage damage and bone bruising that required minor surgery.
The 25-year-old had a stand-out year last year kicking a career-best 53 majors for the year and playing all 23 games for the Eagles.
Allen returning this weekend will be a huge in for West Coast, boosting their forward line alongside Jake Waterman who is having a stand-out year of his own.
The forward will be eager to return to the senior side this weekend and have a strong second half of the year.
