Tip: Collingwood to win, and secure a top-four berth.
Greater Western Sydney (Sixth, 15 wins, 7 losses) v St Kilda (11th, 9 wins, 13 losses)
Sunday, 12.20pm, Engie Stadium
Season definer: The Giants took care of business against the Suns, and should now play finals.Credit: via Getty Images
What’s on the line: While at face value this is a low-key clash, there is much riding on it for the Giants. Win, and they are guaranteed a September berth, potentially even finishing fourth. Lose, and they are likely to slip as far as eighth, with other results to determine their fate. Missing Jake Stringer, Josh Kelly, Jack Buckley, Brent Daniels and Jesse Hogan, the Giants had arguably their best win of the season, over the Suns, on Saturday. We initially had them losing to the Suns and missing September.
Tip: Giants to win and finish sixth.
Western Bulldogs (Eighth, 14 wins, 8 losses) v Fremantle (Seventh, 15 wins, 7 losses)
Sunday, 3.15pm, Marvel Stadium
Work to do: Marcus Bontempelli and his Bulldogs face a crunch clash against Fremantle.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
What’s on the line: Everything. This is a classic “early elimination final”. The Bulldogs are finally back in the top eight – but can they remain there? Win, and a finals berth should be within keeping, particularly as they have plentiful percentage. Fourth spot is still not out of the question. Lose, and their September hopes are likely erased. The Dockers, meanwhile, also have plenty on the line. A humbling defeat to the Lions on Friday hurt not only their double-chance hopes, but left them susceptible to missing the finals if they lose to the Bulldogs and other results go as expected. However, so tight is at the top that a win on Sunday could mean the double chance is alive.
Tip: The Dockers’ have the defensive height to match the Bulldogs, but we expect the Dogs to win and snatch seventh spot.
Brisbane Lions (Third, 15 wins, six losses, 1 draw) v Hawthorn (Fifth, 15 wins, 7 losses)
Sunday, 7.20pm, Gabba
What’s on the line: This is another round 24 beauty, with both sides having so much to play for. If the Lions win, and the Cats suffer a shock loss, the Lions will finish second, guaranteeing two home finals. Lose, and they are likely to slip out of the top four, and could finish as low as eighth. Not that it should be a major worry, for they won the flag last year from fifth. For the Hawks, a win could secure a top-four finish, but that will also depend on how the Magpies go. The Dockers could also draw level on points, but their percentage is low. Lose, and the Hawks could slip as low as eighth.
Tip: Lions to win and finish third.
Turning back the clock: Jack Gunston has been instrumental in the Hawks’ push to September.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
And don’t forget …
Gold Coast (Ninth, 14 wins, 7 losses) v Essendon (15th, 6 wins, 15 losses)
Wednesday, 7.20pm, People First Stadium
What’s on the line: While the immediate focus will be on next weekend, the Suns will have final say on the final eight when they host the Bombers in this rescheduled clash from opening round. If our projection goes to script, they could finish as high as third (if they defeat the Power this weekend, then the Bombers, and the Lions lose to the Hawks). However, if they were to lose both games, they could finish ninth.
Tip: Suns to beat the Power and Bombers, and finish fourth or fifth.
Rest of round 24
Thursday night: Essendon v Carlton, MCG
No finals implications
Friday night: Port Adelaide v Gold Coast, Adelaide Oval
The Suns need to win to retain hopes of a top-four finish
Saturday afternoon: North Melbourne v Adelaide, Marvel
A Crows victory will secure top spot. A shock loss, and the Cats could pounce.
Saturday twilight: Richmond v Geelong, MCG
Cats need to win to retain hopes of top spot, but a top-four finish appears locked in.
Saturday night: West Coast v Sydney, Optus Stadium
No finals implications
Who misses out: Fremantle 60 (on percentage)
Over the past month, we have had Hawthorn and then Greater Western Sydney missing the finals. We’re now tipping the Bulldogs to get the job done against Fremantle next Sunday, eliminating the Dockers, who, heading into round 23, could have finished top four. Should the Dockers miss, it will be their second-straight season of despair.
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