The final week of the 2024 AFLย home and away season is here.
As we approach the final round of the home-and-away season, there's a lot at stake. With wins, losses, draws, and percentages all playing a crucial role, nine teams still have a chance to make the finals. It might come down to the last game of the round between Fremantle and Port Adelaide, which could determine who advances to the finals and the matchups for Week 1 of the 2024 Final Series.
A huge game is set for Sunday afternoon, featuring the Western Bulldogs and GWS at Mars Stadium in Ballarat. This top-eight clash has a finals-like atmosphere, with the Bulldogs needing a win to avoid relying on other results to secure their spot and the Giants must win if they want to finish top 2 and have a home final week 1. This game will set the tone for what is a huge Sunday of footy.
Another major clash this weekend takes place on Sunday afternoon, featuring the final match of the home and away season between Fremantle and Port Adelaide. Fremantle must win to secure a spot in the finals. Just weeks ago, they were sitting third on the ladder, but now they find themselves in 9th place, with their finals hopes on the line.
The AFL couldn't have scheduled this match any better as the final game of the weekend could determine who makes it to the finals. Port Adelaide is in great form and will be tough to beat, but Fremantle have a group to step up if they want to play in September. This will be a must-watch game and is likely to shape the first week of 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 24.
Under the Radar: Darcy Jones
Darcy Jones is an under-radar player and - having played just 11 AFL games - this 20-year-old is a huge threat to the rest of the competition.
The second-year player debuted in round 7 this year, kicking two goals in his first AFL game. The youngster became a mainstay in the side till suffering a hamstring injury in round 11 which saw him out for six weeks.
Since returning the 20-year-old has been having a huge influence and a real danger for any opposition. Jones is averaging a goal a game, displays explosive speed, agility and ability to break tackles. The forward can also play in the middle, making him a diverse player.
In recent weeks, Jones has been quietly making his mark, and while his football experience may be limited, this shouldn't be a reason to let him roam freely.
Jones is quickly emerging as a serious small forward and will be a threat to any opponent. By September, this young talent will be ready to soar, and if the team's defence doesn't keep an eye on him, they risk being hurt on the scoreboard or outplayed in the middle of the ground.
Needs to step up: Joe Daniher
Joe Daniher must step up this weekend and for the rest of the year as he plays a major role in the Lions' success.
While the forward kicked four goals and two behinds on the weekend, he missed a critical one in the last quarter at the 21-minute mark which would have put the Lions up by four goals.
There were other moments in the game where the obvious target was to kick it to a teammate who was in a better position.
These are errors and mistakes that will cost teams in September, Daniher can be one of the best forwards in the competition but decision-making and execution in critical moments is letting the 30-year-old and his team down.
This weekend when the Lions host the Bombers in their last game of the home and away season, Daniher needs to lift by playing his role for the team and help them gain some momentum as his team goes into the Finals.
All eyes are on... Western Bulldogsย
All eyes will be on the Western Bulldogs this weekend and to see if they secure themselves a spot in the top 8.
The Bulldogs have one of the best lists in the competition though have failed to succeed when the stakes were high.
Everything is on the line this weekend; a win will secure them a spot, while a loss will have them waiting till Sunday evening, holding their breath hoping Port Adelaide can beat Fremantle.
This weekend will be a huge test for the Dogs against in-form Giants. All eyes will be on the Dogs as they travel down to Ballarat and see if they can stay cool under intense pressure.
The big matchup: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Sam Taylor
The biggest matchup for this weekend is between in form Bulldog Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and All-Australian defender Sam Taylor.
Ugle-Hagan has kicked at least one goal in every game he played this year except in Round 17 for their loss to Port. This is a huge game for the Bulldogs, they must win to secure their place in the top 8 otherwise they run the risk of missing out.
Taylor has had a rough year with a few injuries but the defender has now had some consistent footy in the past month and is back in his best shape.
This matchup will be fierce and both players will be hard to stop. Taylor will need to get on top early and stop Ugle-Hagan from getting on the scoreboard, otherwise the 22-year-old will be hard to stop.
It's expected this matchup will play a huge role in the momentum of the game, both players will need to be at their best as any lack of concentration from either will be costly and the other will jump at the opportunity.
On the comeback: Dyson Heppell
Dyson Heppell will return this weekend to play his final game for the Bombers, after not being given a farewell match last week in front of his home crowd. This week he will be given that chance when the Bombers travel north to face the Lions.
Brad Scott announced on Wednesday the former skipper will play his 253rd game this week and his final game this weekend.
Heppell is one of the Bomber's most loyal players who lead them through a very difficult period at the club and in his 14th-year career never played in a winning final for the Bombers.
Although the game is not in Melbourne, Heppell will have one more opportunity to don the red and black guernsey on Saturday night, allowing the entire AFL community and Essendon to express their gratitude for his dedication and loyalty to the game.
