Let’s talk about the emotional farewells. The end of the season is always a poignant time as veterans hang up their boots. Port captain
announcing his retirement has sent ripples through the league. These emotional final match scenes remind us that behind the statistics and the ladder positions are human stories that make the sport so compelling.
| Pos | Team | Pts | P | W | L | D | F | A | % | Stk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collingwood | 72 | 23 | 18 | 5 | 0 | 2142 | 1687 | 126.97 | 1W |
| 2 | Brisbane Lions | 68 | 23 | 17 | 6 | 0 | 2180 | 1771 | 123.09 | 4W |
| 3 | Port Adelaide | 68 | 23 | 17 | 6 | 0 | 2149 | 1906 | 112.75 | 3W |
| 4 | Melbourne | 64 | 23 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 2079 | 1660 | 125.24 | 2W |
| 5 | Carlton | 54 | 23 | 13 | 9 | 1 | 1922 | 1697 | 113.26 | 1L |
| 6 | St Kilda | 52 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 1775 | 1647 | 107.77 | 1L |
| 7 | GWS Giants | 52 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 2018 | 1885 | 107.06 | 2W |
| 8 | Sydney | 50 | 23 | 12 | 10 | 1 | 2050 | 1863 | 110.04 | 1L |
| 9 | Western Bulldogs | 48 | 23 | 12 | 11 | 0 | 1919 | 1766 | 108.66 | 1W |
| 10 | Adelaide | 44 | 23 | 11 | 12 | 0 | 2193 | 1877 | 116.84 | 1W |
| 11 | Essendon | 44 | 23 | 11 | 12 | 0 | 1838 | 2050 | 89.66 | 2L |
| 12 | Geelong | 42 | 23 | 10 | 12 | 1 | 2088 | 1855 | 112.56 | 3L |
| 13 | Richmond | 42 | 23 | 10 | 12 | 1 | 1856 | 1983 | 93.6 | 1L |
| 14 | Fremantle | 40 | 23 | 10 | 13 | 0 | 1835 | 1898 | 96.68 | 1W |
| 15 | Gold Coast | 36 | 23 | 9 | 14 | 0 | 1839 | 2006 | 91.67 | 4L |
| 16 | Hawthorn | 28 | 23 | 7 | 16 | 0 | 1686 | 2101 | 80.25 | 2L |
| 17 | North Melbourne | 12 | 23 | 3 | 20 | 0 | 1657 | 2318 | 71.48 | 1W |
| 18 | West Coast | 12 | 23 | 3 | 20 | 0 | 1418 | 2674 | 53.03 | 1L |
Now, shifting gears to the AFL Live Ladder, it’s been a rollercoaster. As of Sunday 3:20 pm, the ladder has been fluctuating like never before. Collingwood sits at the top with 72 points, but the battle for the remaining top-eight spots has been fierce. Teams like the Western Bulldogs and GWS Giants are fighting tooth and nail to secure their place, making every percentage point count.
Speaking of the Giants, their upcoming clash with Carlton is monumental. GWS needs to win to knock the Bulldogs out of the eight and secure their own finals berth. This match is not just a game; it’s a do-or-die battle that will determine the fate of two clubs and their passionate fanbases.
On the subject of do-or-die, let’s talk about the predicted Week 1 of the finals. Collingwood vs. Melbourne at the MCG is going to be a blockbuster. Both teams have shown incredible form this season, and this clash is set to be an epic showdown. On the other hand, Brisbane Lions hosting Port Adelaide promises to be an electrifying contest, with both teams having their eyes set on the ultimate prize.
St Kilda’s situation is also worth noting. After losing to Brisbane by 12 points, they’re in a precarious position. Their final standing depends on the outcomes of the Sydney sides. It’s a waiting game for them, and the tension is palpable.
The Western Bulldogs have also been in the spotlight. For the second straight year, they’ve done what they needed to do in the final round. Their win on the road has put immense pressure on the teams above them. If Carlton beats GWS, the Bulldogs will play in the finals, adding another layer of intrigue to the Carlton-GWS clash.
Melbourne’s win over Sydney was another highlight. Even though they were already locked into the 4th spot, they showed why they’re a team to be reckoned with. Their win ensures that Sydney will play an elimination final at the MCG, adding another twist to the finals narrative.
Finally, let’s not forget how Round 24 has played out. Collingwood clinching the minor premiership was a significant moment, effectively eliminating Essendon in the process. Brisbane’s victory over the Saints has set the hosts for the qualifying final, adding another layer to the complex finals puzzle.
In summary, the final round of the 2023 AFL season has set the stage for a finals series that promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. From emotional farewells to last-minute ladder changes, this season has had it all. The road to the Grand Final is paved with intrigue, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
