Round 22 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. It is coming to the crunch end of the season so everything counts from wins, losses, draws and percentages.
Friday night between Sydney and Collingwood at the SCG is one of the matches of the round. This game is huge for both of their seasons, Collingwood still chasing a spot in the top eight and Sydney is in desperate need of finding form as the previous premiership favourites have lost the past five out of six games. The competition is wide open this year and no team is yet to stand out, from first to 12th any team is beatable. This clash is a huge match for Friday night football and will set the tone for the weekend, and with only two more rounds to go after Round 22 every match for both teams is a must-win to build form towards September.
Another huge game this weekend is on Saturday afternoon featuring Brisbane Lions and GWS at the Gabba. This a huge top eight clash, with both teams building form in recent weeks with the Lions looking like the new premiership favourites. This match will tell us a lot about the legitimacy of the form both teams are producing and the winner will become a genuine contender for the premiership. This match is expected to be a blockbuster for Saturday afternoon footy and will give a big indication of form as they track toward finals.
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 22.
Under the radar: Darcy Wilmot
Defender Darcy Wilmot is flying under the radar, having a great year as he approaches his 50th game this weekend.
Wilmot has become one of the Lions' most reliable players and just gets on with the job. Playing alongside Harris Andrews, Wilmot stands on his own and is impactful.
The 20-year-old is averaging 20 disposals each game this season, he can take the game on from half-back breaking through to get the ball moving forward for the Lions.
Wilmot's consistency and work rate go unrewarded each week as he is among an A-class group in the Sunshine State.
It's likely in a few years the youngster may see a shift into the midfield due to his dynamic game and when he gets the ball he does something with it.
Wilmot is dangerous to every opponent and is not getting the awareness he deserves, flying under the radar each week. This weekend when the Giants travel north to take on Brisbane, if they are not mindful of his quick ball movement and ability to get the ball out of the Lions' defensive 50, Wilmot will be a huge threat.
The Giants need to invest some time in Wilmot, or it could prove costly. Despite being just 20 years old and relatively inexperienced, he consistently makes an impact every time he gets the ball. If they overlook him, he will continue to fly under the radar.
Each of Wilmot's disposals usually leads to something impactful which is the most dangerous part of his game.
Needs to step up: Jack Viney
Jack Viney needs to step up this weekend as an important leader and mature player of the Dees. Melbourne is looking unlikely to make finals this year.
Last week, Viney only managed 13 touches against the Bulldogs, his worst performance this year. After having a dominant season last year averaging 25 plus disposals, Viney is a much better player than being a 13-touch per-game player.
Viney has been under-performing in recent weeks and with Christian Petracca out, the 30-year-old needs to be helping fill his absence and lead the midfield.
The midfielder is known for his second efforts, being first to the ball, courageous plays and exceptional work rate, this has been lacking a lot this season in these areas. For Melbourne to finish off their season strong they need Viney to be performing and be the player he is capable of.
This week will be a huge test for the Dees when they face in form Port Adelaide at the MCG. This an opportunity for the midfielder to step up and lead by example, increasing his pressure around the ball and playing the way he is capable of. Viney having a strong presence around the midfield will likely help lift the Demons on Saturday night.
All eyes are on... the Sydney Swans
All eyes will be on the Sydney Swans this weekend when they host Collingwood at the SCG. Six rounds ago the Swans were the premiership favourites after only dropping one game, however since then the Swans have lost five out of their six matches, raising huge questions.
Before the past two games, the Swans had only lost by under a goal, but they lost against the Western Bulldogs by 39 points and then their worst loss under coach John Longmire - losing to Port Adelaide by 112 points.
This weekend is a huge clash to see if the Swans have just had some lapses in recent weeks or if there are bigger problems at the club.
Collingwood has just come off a big win against rivals Carlton and hoping to sneak their way into the top eight for finals, so this match will not be easy and if the Swans show up again not bringing their A-game the same result could happen.
The Swans are a high-pressure team and in recent weeks they have been performing with some of the worst numbers they have recorded in recent times and it all starts with their midfielders. To win the ball they must want to and it looks like they have lost the drive to compete.
This will be a huge test for Longmire and his coaching team, if the Swans can have a strong performance this week it would be one of the best coaching efforts to turn things around after their 112-point loss last week.
If the Swans lose again this week there will be serious questions asked and they could be out of the top four by the end of the 2024 home and away season.
The big matchup: Taylor Adams v ex-teammates
The biggest matchup this weekend will be between Taylor Adams and his ex-teammates at Collingwood.
Adams did not play in the opening round due to injury so this will be the midfielder's first time playing against his former side.
This battle is expected to be fierce and has a lot on the line for both teams. Adams will be hoping to have a strong performance and show the quality player the 30-year-old player can be.
A new role: Beau McCreery
Beau McCreery may have a new role this weekend, with a chance we see him spend more time in midfield to help fill the gap of star Jordan De Goey, who is out with injury.
McCreery trained in the midfield during pre-season and has similar characteristics as De Goey with his pressure and physicality.
This is a huge game for Collingwood on Friday night when they travel to Sydney, so coach Craig McRae must getย his lineup right.
McCreery may be the answer and giving him a new role may see him emerge as a left-field De Goey replacement.
On the comeback: Josh Kelly
Josh Kelly will return this weekend after recovering from a calf injury the midfielder sustained in Round 16.
The 29-year-old has missed the Giants' last five games and has been given the green light this weekend to return after fully recovering.
Kelly is a huge in for GWS as they travel north to face in-form premiership favourites Brisbane.
The All-Australian had a great start to the season but has battled a few injuries since then so he will be looking for some consistency as GWS pushes towards finals.
This weekend will be a real test for Kelly physically and mentally.
