Round 16 of the 2024 AFL season is here.
This weekend sees nine games from Friday to Sunday, with all clubs playing again this weekend following the mid-season bye period.
Friday night will feature Brisbane vs Melbourne at the GABBA, a must-watch game. This clash is crucial for both teams, helping to set up a potential run to September. Brisbane have come off three wins on the road, where Melbourne have lost three of their last five games. Melbourne and Brisbane sit respectively 9th and 10th on the ladder, just outside the top 8 and whoever wins on Friday will likely secure a spot in the top 8 at the end of the round.
Another blockbuster game this weekend is on Saturday night between Geelong and Essendon at the MCG. Both of these teams are in form and the last time they met was in March when the Cats got the win by 12 points, so the Bombers will be out for revenge. The game should be a blockbuster.
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 16.
Under the radar: Dyson Heppell
The former captain Dyson Heppell has been flying under the radar for most of the season. Heppell will play his 250th match this weekend and will be one to watch for the Cats. In recent years the 32-year-old has been considered too slow for the modern game and no longer part of the Dons best 22. This year he has proven those critics wrong.
The versatile veteran has been a consistent performer this year, averaging 20+ disposals and gathering more than 25 five times. Heppell's work rate goes unrewarded as does his reliability to play any role that is required.
His maturity and experience is essential for the Bombers and if the Cats aren't mindful of Heppell's intercepting and decision-making, he'll be a big threat.
Needs to step up: Zak Butters
Zak Butters needs to step up this weekend for the Power. Butters has had some inconsistent weeks struggling with a tag against him and charges for rough conduct, the 23-year-old must stand up and respond with ball in hand.
The All-Australian has been frustrated in recent weeks, being kept him to 19, 24, 17, and 35 disposals respectively in the past four weeks, provoking some ill-disciplined acts that have him in hot water, being sanctioned and reported for high contact on numerous occasions.
While still young, Butters has emerged himself as one of the leaders at Port, he must lead their midfield brigade back to the top of the competition when they take on St Kilda this Sunday.
Port Adelaide and coach Ken Hinkley have been under significant pressure this week so there is no better way for Zak Butters to respond than with a quality performance against a potential Windhager run-with.
All eyes are on... Jordan De Goey
All eyes will be on Jordan De Goey this weekend as he returns from his abdominal injury in Round 10. The premiership midfielder has only played eight games this year due to two separate injuries impacting his 2024 campaign.
All eyes will be on the star and how well his body is moving on Saturday when Collingwood travels north to face Gold Coast.
Having played a limited amount of games this year, what does it mean for De Goey's role and where will he play most of his minutes? Will Collingwood coach Craig McRae play De Goey up forward to freshen him up or will the 28-year-old play go straight to the guts?
Attention will be on De Goey on Saturday how the superstars body goes through the full four quarters.
The big matchup: Joe Daniher and Steven May
The biggest matchup in Round 16 is between forward Joe Daniher and defender Steven May.
The pair are both big game players and thrive playing on a big occasion. Friday is a huge showdown for both clubs and their 2024 campaigns. Daniher and May will both be eager for huge games.
The last time these two played was in April with Brisbane getting the 22-point win and Daniher kicking 2.3 with 15 disposals, arguably winning the matchup.
On Friday, May will want to get onto top early to try and slow down Daniher. If he can restrict the tall forward in the first term it will be a huge win for the defender and Melbourne. But if Daniher gets on the scoreboard early he will become hard to stop.
Both of these players have a strong presence and aren't afraid to get stuck into their opponents. As footy fans, let's hope it happens when they face off on Friday.
On the comeback: Will Ashcroft
Young lion Will Ashcroft will return this weekend after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Round 19 last season.
The 20-year-old has been sidelined for 342 days and will make his long-awaited return on Friday night at the GABBA.
This will be a huge boost for the Lions' midfield, Ashcroft making a name for himself last season by slotting straight into a stellar midfield alongside Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley. There is no doubt the youngster will be doing the same as he kicks starts his season on Friday.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said Ashcroft will have no restriction on his minutes or role in his return and deserves to come straight back into the senior side.
Ashcroft will hope to have a strong first game back and set himself to have a strong second half of the season.
