AFL Team Previews and Predictions for 2024
We’re eagerly awaiting another AFL season to hit screens in the coming weeks, with fans around Oz chomping. The 2024 season is expected to have a lot of big plans with high hopes, with every team planning for a top-place run and players all set to play their career best. We delve into some of the best teams, their chances, and predictions heading into 2019.
1. Melbourne Demons
The Melbourne Demons have always been one of the better teams in the AFL, and they showed why last year. They should be severe players in 2024 with a terrific core group of established stars and astute leadership from coach Simon Goodwin, who mapped out their first top-four finish since the team was added to AFLW.
Key Players:
Christian Petracca
Clayton Oliver
Max Gawn
Predicted finish: Expect the Demons to lock down a top-four spot and possibly even challenge for premiership glory again.
2. Geelong Cats
Outlook: The Cats have been the marquee team of the past decade. Led by Chris Scott, they are a mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting young stars.
Key Players:
Patrick Dangerfield
Tom Hawkins
Jeremy Cameron
Predicted Position: They may get a run for their money, but the Cats have been there before and should coast into September TBA Top-Six Finish Incoming
3. Brisbane Lions
Preview: The Lions have been gearing up for the past few years towards something special. They have a pretty potent forward line and midfield, with the potential for some input in 2024.
Key Players:
Lachie Neale
Joe Daniher
Hugh McCluggage
They are expected ContendersThe Lions. They could finish in the top four and become Leicester City in 2020.
4. Sydney Swans
SNEAK PEEK: SwanseaCity is a team on the rise behind its young brigade. They will be looking to take it up another notch this season after finishing just outside the finals last year. John Longmire has taught his team to play with a blend of excitement and resilience.
Key Players:
Lance Franklin
Isaac Heeney
Callum Mills
Prediction: The Swans are likely to loom as a genuine top-eight candidate. And if they keep up this kind of thing, why not make the top four?
5. Richmond Tigers
Preview: Few teams have dominated like the Tigers over the past ten years. They still have a core of premiership players and will look to return to their winning ways.
Key Players:
Dustin Martin
Tom Lynch
Trent Cotchin
Prediction (John Northey): Inexperienced tries hard, but Roland Madden should be an essential recruit for Richmond this season. The depth there is good enough to give them a shake in 1981. The top eight seem almost inevitable, but they can take this far.
6. Western Bulldogs
Testicle: They have that strong midfield and hectic brand of footy; for Bring a Bullie, it’s $10 for two wide_deployed_with_subset intervals. Under Luke Beveridge, they have been a competitive team year in and year out.
Key Players:
Marcus Bontempelli
Jack Macrae
Aaron Naughton
Predicted finish: The Bulldogs could be an outside threat for the top 8. If they hit their stride below, sixth place should be well within reach.
7. Port Adelaide Power
Review: Port Adelaide is the AFL team of the decade—see how they match up → They are physical and have a home-ground advantage, so they will be hard to beat.
Key Players:
Travis Boak
Ollie Wines
Charlie Dixon
Where will you finish? It would be best to make the eight, but you might struggle to cement yourself in it, as your percentage could cost you a final home or two. Prediction: Port Adelaide is around where they have been for years. They should finish in the top eight and have the scope to surprise higher.
8. Collingwood Magpies
Preview: The Magpies are on the rebuild and off to a hopeful start. They are a combination of veterans and young guns. (They could be a sneaky year in 2024.)
Key Players:
Scott Pendlebury
Brodie Grundy
Jordan De Goey
Prediction: Collingwood – finals. They will have an elite top-eight finish if they can maintain consistency.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 AFL season is shaping up to be memorable. Each team has unique strengths and challenges, creating unpredictable and exciting competition. As the season progresses, fans will be treated to spectacular skill, endurance, and strategy displays. Buckle up for a thrilling ride as these teams battle for AFL glory.
