Welcome back, everyone! Round 24 of the 2024 AFL season is almost upon us. Our footy experts have put their heads together to help you out. So open your ESPNfootytips app, take notes, and get ahead of the game!
The final round of the home-and-away season is upon us, and it could be the most enticing round of all. This season has been a whirlwind, and it's still not over, with the top eight yet to be decided. This weekend could bring either elation or misery for footy fans and teams... bring it on!
Proceedings get underway at the MCG, where Melbourne takes on Collingwood. The Dees are eliminated, but the Pies have the slimmest of hopes if a mathematical miracle occurs. Honestly, it won't, but this game could still be fiery.
On Saturday night, Sydney hosts Adelaide at the SCG. The Swans currently sit on top of the table, and despite winning two in a row, some of the footy world remains unconvinced that they are genuine premiership threats like they were earlier in the season. The Crows are looking to bounce back from a Showdown loss and have the chance to derail Sydney's finals momentum.
On Sunday, Fremantle plays for their season against a high-flying Port Adelaide. The Dockers are desperate to make the eight; a few weeks ago, they were known as 'Flagmantle.' However, two consecutive losses by less than two goals have nearly ended their premiership hopes. Despite being second on the ladder, the Power seem criminally underrated. They have a chance to break the hearts of Dockers fans in the west and at the same time send a warning to the rest of the the competition.
This weekend is going to be big, but don't worry we've got your back!
EXPERT TIPS:
Jake Michaels
Last week: 5
Season total: 126
Certainty and why: The Eagles have checked out and the Cats will be looking to return to winning ways ahead of finals. This one could get ugly.
Upset and why: I'm not going to be surprised if the Bulldogs win, but they are a considerable favourite against the Giants this week in what really feels like a coin flip type game. I could easily see GWS getting up.
Tips for the week:
Melbourne vs. Collingwood
Geelong vs. West Coast
Richmond vs. Gold Coast
Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne
Brisbane vs. Essendon
Sydney vs. Adelaide
Western Bulldogs vs. GWS
Carlton vs. St Kilda
Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide
Matt Walsh
Last week: 6
Season total: 127
Certainty and why: Cats to lock up top four with a big win over West Coast.
Upset and why: The Bulldogs are favourites against the Giants in Ballarat, but I feel the visitors may have the edge here.
Tips for the week:
Melbourne vs. Collingwood
Geelong vs. West Coast
Richmond vs. Gold Coast
Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne
Brisbane vs. Essendon
Sydney vs. Adelaide
Western Bulldogs vs. GWS
Carlton vs. St Kilda
Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide
Jarryd Barca
Last week: 4
Season total: 122
Certainty and why: Don't overthink it. The Cats. Comfortably.
Upset and why: It could depend on what happens earlier in the round; if the Dockers are out of the race completely, only Port would have something to play for and my tip would likely change. The Bulldogs-Giants game could also go either way.
Tips for the week:
Melbourne vs. Collingwood
Geelong vs. West Coast
Richmond vs. Gold Coast
Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne
Brisbane vs. Essendon
Sydney vs. Adelaide
Western Bulldogs vs. GWS
Carlton vs. St Kilda
Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide