Round 18 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.
Friday night will feature Collingwood vs Geelong at the MCG, a blockbuster for Friday night footy. This clash is crucial for both teams for their 2024 season. The Pies have dropped out of the eight after consecutive losses and this game comes as a huge match if they want to contend their premiership defence. Geelong are back on track with three wins in a row, and another could put them in the top four at the end of the round. This game is anticipated to be a must-watch game, with huge stakes on the line for both teams.
Another huge game this weekend is on Sunday afternoon between West Coast and Brisbane at Optus Stadium. West Coast will have all eyes on them to see if they can lift and get the win for their former coach Adam Simpson. This won't be made easy by an in-form Brisbane making it a very difficult task. All attention will be on the Eagles come Sunday afternoon and if they can show they have the guts and determination to play a strong brand of footy to get the win and pay tribute to everything Simpson has done for the club.
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 18.
Under the radar: Callan Ward
Former captain Callan Ward is having a great year of football, playing 11 games for GWS and is in great form for his age.
Ward is known for his selfless football acts and gutsy efforts each week, with many of his recent performances going unnoticed.
The 34-year-old is flying under the radar this season with 24 and 30 disposal performances in the past two weeks, averaging 20 disposals this year, and was crucial in the Giants' win last weekend against the Blues.
Ward will likely fly under the radar this weekend when GWS takes on Richmond at the MCG, but his experience and courage will act as a huge threat to the Tigers, and if they aren't mindful of the veteran he will do some serious damage with his elite work rate.
Needs to step up: Tom Papleyย
Tom Papley must step up this weekend when the Swans host North Melbourne at the SCG, as a senior player at the football club he must lift for his teammates.
Sydney has lost the past two matches and has been very inconsistent when inside their forward 50. They have had more scoring shots and inside 50s in both of their past two losses against Fremantle and St Kilda, but are having difficulty converting, with 14 behinds and 16 behinds respectively in the past two weeks.
Papley himself is missing shots the 27-year-old wouldn't normally miss. Papley is part of a young forward line at the Swans, and the likes of Papley, who has 284 games of experience, must help guide and lead the younger players.
This weekend is a great opportunity for Papley to step up and guide his side, helping the forward line to a strong all-rounded performance.
All eyes are on... West Coast's playing group
All eyes will be on the West Coast playing group this weekend and if they can win for their former coach Adam Simpson.
Earlier in the week, former coach Adam Simpson was sacked immediately after 11 years at the club. While Simpson was allowed to coach one more time he declined the offer, however he will be present at the match.
This is a great opportunity for the West Coast playing group to thank their coach of 11 years and all the hard work he has given to the club, by putting in a gusty and courageous performance against Brisbane on Sunday.
All attention will be on the players to see if they have the heart and determination to show their appreciation to their former coach. However, if the team suffers a heavy defeat to the Lions, questions will be raised about their performance.
The senior players must step up this weekend and lead their team to a brave performance on Sunday afternoon. They should channel their emotions into motivation and deliver a strong performance on the pitch at Optus Stadium for Simpson.
The big matchup: Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelliย
The biggest matchup this weekend will be between superstar midfielders Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli on Saturday afternoon.
These are two of the highest-regarded players in the competition, they are both known for their exceptional work rate, athleticism and craft.
Saturday afternoon will be a huge matchup between the best in the competition, with both players doing whatever it takes to put their team in the best position to win. This a must-watch match-up that you won't want to miss.
A new role: Luke Jackson
Luke Jackson this weekend will find himself playing a new role. While it's not entirely new, the 22-year-old will be the sole ruckman this weekend with Sean Darcy out.
Jackson and Darcy usually share ruck duties with Darcy being the primary ruckman at Fremantle and Jackson playing a more forward position and will have a few spells in the ruck during a game to rest Darcy.
This week will see Jackson as the number one ruck and spend the majority of the time in that role due to Darcy being out with a concussion.
The young gun however has had experience this year at the Dockers, being the leading ruck at the start of the season due to Darcy being out injured.
Though Darcy has now played most games since Round 6 as the number one ruckman, this weekend against Hawthorn will be a real test for Jackson.
On the comeback: Callum Mills
All-Australian Callum Mills will return this week for the Swans, playing his first game of the season since recovering from two injuries.
The Sydney captain missed the first half of the season due to damaging his rotator cuff in his left shoulder while wrestling with a teammate during a Mad-Monday celebration last September.
The midfielder's return was delayed due to Mills suffering a calf strain in April. The Swans have opted to return the gun straight back into the AFL this weekend rather than him having a game in the VFL.
Mills is a huge in for the Swans, to have their captain back is a big boost and after two losses in the past two weeks, this comes as an important match for Sydney, especially with superstar Isaac Heeney potentially unavailable due to a one-match suspension.
Mills will be eager for a strong performance on the weekend to start his 2024 campaign on Saturday afternoon against North Melbourne at home on the SCG.
