With just six weeks left of the regular season, the AFL is on the cusp of locking in the Round 24 fixture.
As has been custom in recent years, head office has waited until just weeks before the final round of the season to ensure the final make-up of the top eight hangs in the balance until the latest possible moment.
Who could forget the events of the final round in 2022, where Collingwood came from behind to defeat Carlton on the final day of the home and away season and sensationally knock the Blues out of the top eight. The Bulldogs also had an Elimination Final of sorts, beating Hawthorn to qualify for finals.
The current season remains as close, if not closer than last year so it now seemingly inevitable that the final places in the top eight will remain up in the air.
We’ve had a crack at predicting the Round 24 fixture, with a sentence on each match:
Friday 25 August
Brisbane Lions v St Kilda (Gabba) – 7:50pm AEST
In a sentence or two: Friday night footy with a likely top two place on the line for Brisbane. As for the Saints, will they have to win this to make the eight? Popcorn.
Saturday 26 August
Hawthorn v Fremantle (MCG) - 1:45pm AEST
In a sentence or two: A final Saturday afternoon outing for Hawks fans at the ‘G to cap off what’s been a largely successful season of development.
Sydney Swans v Melbourne (SCG) - 2:10pm AEST
In a sentence or two: An incredibly disappointing season for the Swans comes to an end on a Saturday for us … will this have consequence for the Dees and their place in the top four? This will likely also be Lance Franklin's final game.
Carlton v GWS Giants (Marvel Stadium) - 4:35pm AEST
In a sentence or two: This is going to be a cracker and deserves a standalone timeslot and a frenzied Carlton home crowd at Marvel. Could this game determine who makes the eight and who misses out?
Geelong v Western Bulldogs (GMHBA Stadium) - 7:25pm AEST
In a sentence or two: Another match which just screams blockbuster, with the Cats likely locked into the top eight by this point and a Dogs side probably needing to win. This could have huge 5-8 ramifications.
Port Adelaide v Richmond (Adelaide Oval) - 7:40pm AEST
In a sentence or two: Where will Port Adelaide be placed at this point? These matches tend to always be fun. The Tigers might also still be alive.
Sunday 26 August
North Melbourne v Gold Coast (Blundstone Arena) - 1:10pm AEST
In a sentence or two: Will Clarko be back at this point? If not, two interims coaches go head-to-head in the Apple Isle.
Essendon v Collingwood (MCG) - 3:20pm AEST
In a sentence or two: This is totally stacked on every possible level … Collingwood’s grim reaper at the ready to take down another victim in the final round. Imagine Collingwood knocking out Carlton and Essendon in back to back years.
West Coast Eagles v Adelaide (Optus Stadium) 4:40pm AEST
In a sentence or two: This could have finals implications – could Adelaide have to win by a certain amount to sneak in?
