Reigning premier Collingwood provides a glimmer of hope after a disappointing year,while Simon Goodwin has his say on the futures of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.
Follow along for all the major moments and post game reactions as Collingwood and Melbourne look to end their respective seasons with a win.
See the selected teams as they’re announced for AFL round 24 and check out what the expert tipsters think.
Jake Lever rejected suggestions players had been “pissed off” with Christian Petracca for taking extended leave from the club but said he “absolutely” had a clearer understanding now why the gun midfielder had been away.
The AFL Tribunal has ignored an emotional plea from Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston and suspended him for five matches. Meanwhile,Carlton are perilously close to needing special dispensation to field a squad this weekend.
This week in key takeouts,we take a look at Alastair Clarkson’s change of heart on player movement discussions,Jack Viney’s stellar performance on the weekend and Essendon’s decision not to play Dyson Heppell in their last home game of the season.
Melbourne stared down their critics to thrash Gold Coast on Saturday before Petracca addressed his teammates on Monday following a series of reports suggesting he’s frustrated with the club.
The frenetic push for AFL finals spots hit fever pitch on Saturday. Collingwood came from the clouds to beat Brisbane and,remarkably,keep their flag defence alive. Geelong might have sabotaged their top four spot by slipping up against St Kilda.
The Blues will have a second debutant against West Coast on Sunday,while Alastair Clarkson has a few rival stars in mind.
Three years after a drought-breaking AFL premiership,Christian Petracca is concerned about the direction of the Demons as a review of a disappointing season starts with two rounds remaining and a finals spot beyond them.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said his whole club was frustrated with its performance this season. Meanwhile,the data backs up Sam Mitchell’s hope that his surging Hawks play a brand of footy that will stand up in September,and Carlton will blood at least one debutant this week.