AFL Showdown: Round Updates and Key Matches

In the latest round of the AFL, excitement is building as we look forward to some key matchups this weekend. Gold Coast takes on Brisbane at People First Stadium today at 4.35pm AEST, and there are no late changes reported for either side. A substitute for Gold Coast is Tom Berry, while Conor McKenna is available for Brisbane.

At the same time, St Kilda faces off against Essendon at Marvel Stadium. Just like the earlier match, no late changes have been made here, with Hugo Garcia and Archie Perkins named as substitutes for St Kilda and Essendon respectively.

Earlier in the day, North Melbourne will go head-to-head with Geelong at Blundstone Arena, also at 1.45pm AEST. Again, both teams have stayed consistent, with substitutions including Zane Duursma for North Melbourne and Ted Clohesy for Geelong.

After these matchups, the excitement continues as Melbourne takes on Greater Western Sydney at the MCG. The Demons have faced challenges lately, dropping to 10th place on the ladder after a tough loss to Fremantle last week, where they failed to keep up with their competition at stoppages.

Despite being outside the top eight, Melbourne has a chance to turn things around with five upcoming matches against fellow contenders. Greater Western Sydney, currently in 4th place, is riding high with three consecutive wins under their belt, including a strong victory over Gold Coast last week.

The Demons will welcome back Max Gawn, while Christian Salem and Koltyn Tholstrup are sidelined due to injuries. On the other hand, Sam Taylor returns for the Giants to replace Isaac Cumming, as both teams gear up for this crucial clash.

Meanwhile, in a highlight event, the Western Derby will see Fremantle face West Coast this evening. The Dockers are keen to avoid another upset after the Eagles bested them earlier this season.

Fremantle, boasting a solid record, recently showcased their strengths by dominating Melbourne. They are looking to maintain that momentum against their rivals. West Coast, however, has had a rocky season, with only three wins this year, but they could still dream of knocking out Fremantle’s hopes for the top four.

In team news, Fremantle has made two changes with Josh Draper and Tom Emmett stepping in for Alex Pearce and Michael Walters. West Coast is back to full strength, welcoming back key players Jeremy McGovern, Jake Waterman, Jack Darling, and Elliot Yeo.

The weekend’s matches promise to be thrilling, as teams are fully aware that every win counts as they approach the finals.