Round 17 of the 2024 AFL season beings with a huge Friday night clash between old foes Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG.
Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.
FRIDAY, JULY 5
Collingwood vs. Essendon
Team news: Collingwood will be forced into at least one change with John Noble entering concussion protocols, while Beau McCreery (calf) is also likely to miss Friday night's contest with the Bombers. In better news, pressure forward Lachie Schultz is expected to return after missing Round 16 with illness. Meanwhile, Harrison Jones was subbed out of Essendon's match with Geelong with ice on his calf, but it's uncertain whether it will keep him sidelined. A few inclusions could also be on Brad Scott's mind, with Elijah Tsatas (38 disposals), Dylan Shiel (33), and Will Setterfield (26 and six tackles) all performing strongly in a VFL win.
ESPN tip: Magpies by 8 points
Pointsbet odds: Pies $1.50, Bombers $2.60
Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!
SATURDAY, JULY 6
North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast Suns
Team news: Colby McKercher spent another week in the VFL but should be in the mix to return to the senior lineup after his 26-disposal, two-goal effort against Footscray.
ESPN tip: Roos by 10 points
Pointsbet odds: Roos $2.95, Suns $1.40
Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs
Team news: Willie Rioli (calf) should be right to go after he was held out of Round 16's win over St Kilda, in what would be a handy inclusion to Ken Hinkley's forward mix. For the Dogs, Nick Coffield made his return from a shoulder injury in the VFL, with Caleb Daniel (22 disposals, two goals and eight tackles) performing well against North Melbourne's reserves.
ESPN tip: Dogs by 12 points
Pointsbet odds: Power $2.00, Bulldogs $1.80
Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn
Team news: Cam Guthrie (Achilles) is edging closer to a return to the Cats' lineup and could return this week, unless Chris Scott opts for the more conservative rout. Meanwhile, Chad Wingard (calf tightness) will work his way back through the VFL, where Henry Hustwaite picked up 34 disposals, and Mitch Lewis booted two goals in a close loss to Port Melbourne.
ESPN tip: Cats by 16 points
Pointsbet odds: Cats $1.55, Hawks $2.45
GWS Giants vs. Carlton
Team news: Carlton midfielder is awaiting scan results but is expected to spend some time on the sidelines after injuring his knee against Richmond, but both Jack Martin (calf) and Matt Cottrell (foot) are closing in on a return. Both Harry Perryman and Stephen Coniglio made successful returns for the Giants last week.
ESPN tip: Blues by 19 points
Pointsbet odds: Giants $2.05, Blues $1.77
Fremantle Dockers vs. Richmond
Team news: Freo livewire Michael Walters is still at least a week away with a hamstring injury, but Brennan Cox got through his return via managed minutes in the WAFL, collecting 18 disposals, nine intercepts and eight marks.
ESPN tip: Dockers by 38 points
Pointsbet odds: Dockers $1.10, Tigers $7.00
SUNDAY, JULY 7
Melbourne vs. West Coast Eagles
Team news: TBC
ESPN tip: Demons by 41 points
Pointsbet odds: Demons $1.17, Eagles $5.00
St Kilda vs. Sydney Swans
Team news: Could Ross Lyon swing the axe after another loss? Young gun Mattaes Phillipou picked up 31 disposals and two goals in the VFL to put his name back in the mix, while Tim Membrey (20 touches and one goal), and Zak Jones (24 four clearances) could be additional options.
ESPN tip: Swans by 24 points
Pointsbet odds: Saints $3.50, Swans $1.30
Brisbane Lions vs. Adelaide Crows
Team news: Adelaide tall Riley Thilthorpe returned from a knee injury in the SANFL, slotting three goals as he works his way to AFL-level fitness.
ESPN tip: Lions by 19 points
Pointsbet odds: Lions $1.20, Crows $4.50