Week two of the 2024 AFL Finals is here with only two matches this weekend. These games are likely going to be fierce and physical with a lot on the line for four teams. A preliminary final or a semi-final exit are the only outcomes after this weekend for all four sides.
Friday night our attention turns to the Adelaide Oval for the first semi-final. There are no lifelines this week for Port Adelaide, it's do or die. They will host Hawthorn on their home soil. The Power are expected to have a much stronger performance and bounce back after their thumping loss to Geelong last week, but it won't be easy with the in-form Hawks hoping to ruin their September campaign. There is a lot of anticipation building about this game, especially with Jack Ginnivan's cheeky social media post. This game is expected to be physical and fierce, a must-watch clash.
The final match of the weekend will be at the Engie Stadium when GWS host Brisbane in the second semi-final. The last time these teams played was in Round 22, with the Giants winning by 18 points. The level has lifted since, it's finals football with a lot on the line and there is no next week for the losing team. The Giants played a great brand of footy last weekend for three quarters and just couldn't hold on, with Sydney running over the top of them late. The Lions dominated the Blues on Saturday night but it's hard to get an estimate of how well they are playing as they weren't challenged early. This game is expected to be a blockbuster with a lot of big-name players on both sides, it's likely to go down to the wire and whatever team is prepared to keep grinding away and continually putting in back-to-back efforts will get the win and be on their way to a preliminary final against Geelong.
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, and another who is on a comeback in week two of this year's finals series.
Under the radar: Callan Ward
Callan Ward has been flying under the radar and last week in the Giants' loss to the Swans in the qualifying final Ward was critical and nearly helped the Giants secure the win.
Ward kicked two goals and recorded 20 disposals last Saturday. The 314-game veteran has kicked 13 goals this season from 19 matches while averaging 18.3 disposals per game. Ward's experience often goes underrated, but he remains a crucial player for coach Adam Kingsley in pivotal moments, especially in finals.
The 34-year-old knows how to be composed under pressure and will be a key asset for the Giants in their upcoming Semi-Final.
With a wealth of experience and a clear understanding of what it takes to win big games, the former captain could fly under the radar again on Saturday. If the Lions aren't mindful of his expertise and craft, Ward could make them pay.
Needs to step up: Charlie Dixon
Charlie Dixon must step up on Friday night if the Power want to beat Hawthorn. Dixon only managed three disposals and one behind last Thursday night and had no impact on the game.
Dixon is a much better player than those figures and must have a greater influence on the game this week, if he does make the selection cut.
The 33-year-old was beaten by Geelong's defence last week and he must stand on his own this Friday night. This is a huge match for Port Adelaide and with over 200 games and 300 plus goals, Dixon has the maturity and experience to step up and help lead his side to a preliminary final.
If Dixon has a similar performance to last week, he will make it very hard for the Power to win. With Sam Frost out, Dixon has an advantage as he likely lines up on a player with less experience and he must use this to his advantage to help lift his team and guide them to a win.
All eyes are on... Jack Ginnivan
All eyes will be on Jack Ginnivan this weekend. The youngster never fails to put himself in the spotlight. Last week he commented on Brodie Grundy's Instagram post 'see you in 14 days', ultimately saying the Hawthorn will beat Port Adelaide.
This did not sit well with a few critics and he will not be a fan favourite at Adelaide Oval on Friday. The Power playing group might use this as extra motivation to come out firing in the hope of securing a spot in the preliminary final.
Ginnivan may have caused a distraction and it remains to be seen how much of an impact this will have on Friday.
All eyes will be on the 22-year-old and how he performs after making such comments. Ginnivan will be eager to deliver a big performance, ideally with some goals, to back himself up.
Power fans are known for being hostile, and with comments like those, Ginnivan should brace for a tough reception.
The big matchup: Harris Andrews and Jesse Hogan
The biggest matchup this weekend will be between Brisbane defender Harris Andrews and Coleman Medal winner Jesse Hogan.
These two are arguably the best in their respective positions and will play a huge role for their sides on Saturday night.
When they last played in Round 22, Hogan won this matchup with three goals and 16 disposals. Though the game goes up a notch now as its final footy, the Lions now have to win in September after making the 2023 AFL Grand Final.
Andrews and Hogan are both All-Australian players quality players and it's expected this matchup will be physical.
The pair are crucial players for their respective sides so whoever can get on top early in this matchup will play a huge role in the momentum of the game.
On the comeback: Toby Bedfordย
Toby Bedford is expected to return this weekend for the Giants' do-or-die match on Saturday night.
The former Demon missed last week's qualifying final and Round 24 with a calf injury. Bedford has not completed full training but did declare himself fit on Monday.
"I'll be playing," said the 24-year-old via AAP.
"I've got to get to the training and everything like that, then team selection's got to go my way, but that's the plan."
Bedford has been an elite tagger this year and would likely go to Neale again when they last met in Round 22. The 24-year-old was able to keep the two-time Brownlow medallist to 19 disposals, well below Neale's average of 29.4 touches.
Bedford's return will be a huge boost to Adam Kingsley's side, and if he can lock down Neale and take his impact out of the game it will work as a big advantage for the Giants.
