| Pos | Team | Pts | P | W | D | L | For | Against | % | Stk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sydney | 56 | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 1934 | 1534 | 126.08 | 3L |
| 2 | Brisbane Lions | 54 | 20 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 1901 | 1519 | 125.15 | 9W |
| 3 | Port Adelaide | 52 | 20 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 1791 | 1576 | 113.64 | 3W |
| 4 | GWS Giants | 52 | 20 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 1790 | 1610 | 111.18 | 5W |
| 5 | Geelong | 52 | 20 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 1834 | 1684 | 108.91 | 2W |
| 6 | Fremantle | 50 | 20 | 12 | 1 | 7 | 1743 | 1494 | 116.67 | 1L |
| 7 | Western Bulldogs | 48 | 20 | 12 | 0 | 8 | 1863 | 1522 | 122.4 | 4W |
| 8 | Carlton | 48 | 20 | 12 | 0 | 8 | 1940 | 1730 | 112.14 | 2L |
| 9 | Essendon | 46 | 20 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 1680 | 1752 | 95.89 | 1W |
| 10 | Hawthorn | 44 | 20 | 11 | 0 | 9 | 1677 | 1611 | 104.1 | 1L |
| 11 | Collingwood | 44 | 20 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 1723 | 1719 | 100.23 | 2W |
| 12 | Melbourne | 40 | 20 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 1560 | 1593 | 97.93 | 3L |
| 13 | Gold Coast | 36 | 20 | 9 | 0 | 11 | 1681 | 1674 | 100.42 | 3L |
| 14 | St Kilda | 32 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 12 | 1466 | 1544 | 94.95 | 1L |
| 15 | Adelaide | 30 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 12 | 1647 | 1650 | 99.82 | 2L |
| 16 | West Coast | 16 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 1383 | 1975 | 70.03 | 1W |
| 17 | North Melbourne | 12 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 17 | 1434 | 2140 | 67.01 | 1W |
| 18 | Richmond | 8 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 1320 | 2040 | 64.71 | 7L |
AFL Round 21, 2024: Match Round-Up
Round 21 of the 2024 AFL season was filled with thrilling matches and surprising outcomes that have significantly impacted the race for the finals. Here’s a detailed summary of the key games:
Essendon vs. Fremantle
In a thrilling match at the MCG, Essendon kept their finals hopes alive with a dramatic one-point victory over Fremantle. Trailing by 19 points at three-quarter time, the Bombers staged a remarkable comeback to win 13.12 (90) to Fremantle’s 14.5 (89). Jake Stringer was pivotal, scoring four goals, while Jye Caldwell’s 32 disposals and Darcy Parish’s 34 disposals anchored the midfield. Despite the loss, Fremantle’s Hayden Young impressed with 28 disposals and two goals, while Jye Amiss kicked four goals. This win leaves Essendon just half a game outside the top eight, keeping their finals chances alive.
St Kilda vs. Brisbane Lions
Brisbane Lions demonstrated their dominance with an emphatic 85-point win over St Kilda at Marvel Stadium. The Lions, led by Lachie Neale’s 33 disposals and Joe Daniher’s four goals, overpowered the Saints from the start, finishing with a score of 19.10 (124) to St Kilda’s 5.9 (39). Cam Rayner also shone with 23 disposals and three goals, marking his sixth consecutive game with multiple goals. This victory marks Brisbane’s ninth consecutive win, solidifying their position as outright flag favorites and strengthening their chances of securing a home qualifying final.
GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn
GWS Giants executed a historic comeback to defeat Hawthorn by 10 points at Manuka Oval. Trailing by 28 points at the final break, the Giants surged with a seven-goal final term, securing a 12.12 (84) to 11.8 (74) victory. Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene were instrumental, combining for eight goals. The tactical move to push Brent Daniels into the midfield in the last quarter proved decisive as he contributed significantly to the Giants’ turnaround. This victory extends GWS’s winning streak to five games, positioning them strongly for the finals.
Port Adelaide vs. Sydney Swans
Port Adelaide delivered a crushing blow to the Sydney Swans with a dominant performance, winning 16.9 (105) to 5.6 (36). The Power’s seven-goal blitz in the first quarter set the tone, with Mitch Georgiades and Willie Rioli each kicking four goals. Darcy Byrne-Jones and Willem Drew were crucial in midfield, with Drew also limiting Sydney’s Chad Warner to 19 touches. This win moves Port into strong contention for a top-two finish, while Sydney’s form continues to falter, having lost five of their last six games.
Richmond vs. North Melbourne
Richmond secured a comfortable victory over North Melbourne, winning 14.15 (99) to 8.10 (58). The Tigers were led by Tom Lynch, who kicked five goals, and Dustin Martin, who accumulated 30 disposals. Richmond’s defense was solid, limiting North Melbourne’s scoring opportunities and effectively controlling the game. This win keeps Richmond in the race for a finals spot, while North Melbourne remains near the bottom of the ladder.
Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows
In a high-scoring affair, the Western Bulldogs defeated the Adelaide Crows 18.12 (120) to 16.8 (104). Marcus Bontempelli was outstanding for the Bulldogs, gathering 35 disposals and kicking three goals. The Bulldogs’ forward line was potent, with Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan each contributing four goals. Despite the loss, Adelaide’s Taylor Walker impressed with five goals, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Bulldogs’ dominance. This win boosts the Bulldogs’ finals prospects, while the Crows’ hopes are fading.
Geelong vs. Carlton
Geelong triumphed over Carlton in a closely contested match, winning 13.9 (87) to 11.12 (78). Patrick Dangerfield was influential for Geelong, amassing 32 disposals and a goal. Tom Hawkins was also a key player, kicking four goals. Carlton fought hard, with Sam Walsh gathering 30 disposals and Charlie Curnow kicking three goals, but ultimately fell short. This victory solidifies Geelong’s position in the top eight, while Carlton’s finals aspirations are in jeopardy.
Melbourne vs. West Coast Eagles
Melbourne cruised to an easy victory over West Coast, winning 20.15 (135) to 5.7 (37). Clayton Oliver was dominant in the midfield with 40 disposals, while Bayley Fritsch led the scoring with five goals. The Demons controlled the game from start to finish, leaving West Coast struggling to keep up. This win keeps Melbourne firmly in the top four, while West Coast remains at the bottom of the ladder, enduring a difficult season.
Collingwood vs. Gold Coast Suns
Collingwood secured a vital win against Gold Coast, triumphing 15.11 (101) to 12.9 (81). Jordan De Goey starred for the Magpies with 28 disposals and three goals, while Brody Mihocek also contributed four goals. Gold Coast showed resilience, with Ben King kicking four goals and Matt Rowell gathering 27 disposals, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Collingwood’s intensity. This win strengthens Collingwood’s finals position, while Gold Coast’s season remains inconsistent.
These results have had significant implications for the AFL ladder, with Brisbane and Port Adelaide consolidating their positions in the top four, while Essendon remains in the hunt for a finals berth. Fremantle and Sydney face tougher roads ahead as they try to secure their spots in the postseason. The intensity of these matches highlights the competitiveness of the 2024 AFL season as teams push for a strong finish heading into the finals.
