The 2024 AFL season has been nothing short of spectacular, delivering a mix of surprises, standout performances, and moments of heartbreak. With every match impacting the standings, the competition has kept fans on edge.
Teams are fiercely battling for dominance, aiming for a spot in the finals while avoiding the dreaded lower rungs of the ladder.
Decoding the AFL Ladder
The AFL ladder is the lifeblood of the competition, offering a snapshot of each team’s standing throughout the season. It ranks all 18 teams based on the points they accumulate from wins, draws, and losses. Teams earn four points for a win, two for a draw, and zero for a loss.
If teams are tied on points, their positions are determined by percentage—a calculation that divides their total score by the total score against them. This system ensures that every goal matters, and even minor differences in performance can have significant consequences.
Top Contenders for the 2024 Premiership
As the season reaches its midpoint, a few teams have emerged as clear contenders for the prestigious AFL Premiership.
Sydney Swans
The Swans have maintained an impressive level of consistency throughout the season. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, their dominance has been reflected in their position at the top of the ladder. Their midfield, led by stars like Callum Mills and Chad Warner, has been instrumental in controlling games, while their forward line continues to deliver match-winning scores.
Port Adelaide Power
Port Adelaide has been a revelation this season. Defying pre-season expectations, the Power have delivered a series of strong performances, anchored by a rock-solid defense and a highly efficient attack. Players like Connor Rozee and Ollie Wines have stepped up, making Port Adelaide a formidable force capable of challenging for the top spot.
Geelong Cats
The Cats, perennial contenders in the AFL, have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled with inconsistency. Their ability to perform in high-pressure situations makes them dangerous opponents, but lapses in form have hindered their climb up the ladder. With veterans like Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield leading the charge, the Cats remain in contention, but they need to find greater consistency to challenge the top teams.
The Heated Race for Finals
As the season progresses, the battle for the top eight spots intensifies. This coveted group earns the chance to compete in the finals series, and the race to secure a spot is fierce.
Teams like the Brisbane Lions, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, and Carlton are in the mix, each bringing unique strengths and challenges to the competition. For these teams, every win is critical, and even a single slip-up could derail their finals ambitions.
Brisbane Lions
The Lions have been strong contenders, with their fast-paced attacking style proving effective. However, their defense has been a point of concern, and tightening up at the back will be crucial as they push for a higher position on the ladder.
Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have shown resilience and grit, with their midfield dominance often tipping matches in their favor. Led by Marcus Bontempelli, they have the tools to succeed but need to deliver consistently to stay in finals contention.
The Struggles of Underperforming Teams
While some teams have soared, others have floundered. The West Coast Eagles, North Melbourne, and Richmond Tigers have all endured disappointing campaigns, leaving their fans yearning for a turnaround.
West Coast Eagles
The Eagles have struggled to find form, plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances. Their inability to compete against stronger sides has left them languishing near the bottom of the ladder.
North Melbourne
North Melbourne has shown glimpses of potential but remains a work in progress. With a young squad, the team is looking to build for the future, but immediate success seems unlikely.
Richmond Tigers
Richmond’s fall from grace has been one of the season’s biggest surprises. Once a dominant force, the Tigers are now grappling with an aging squad and a lack of cohesion on the field.
Key Matches to Watch
As the season heats up, several matches promise to have a significant impact on the ladder and the race for the finals.
Sydney Swans vs. Port Adelaide: A clash between the top two teams is always a spectacle. This match could determine who claims the coveted top spot.
Melbourne vs. Collingwood: A traditional rivalry steeped in history, this contest often produces thrilling finishes and intense battles.
Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Lions: A matchup between two teams with high aspirations, this game will be crucial for their finals hopes.
The Role of Injuries in the 2024 Season
Injuries have played a pivotal role in shaping the fortunes of several teams this season. Key players missing crucial matches can significantly impact team performance. Teams with strong squad depth, like Sydney and Port Adelaide, have managed to adapt and thrive despite injuries.
Others, such as West Coast and Richmond, have struggled to cope with the absence of their star players, highlighting the importance of maintaining depth in a long and grueling season.
The Road to the Premiership
The 2024 AFL Finals Series looms large on the horizon, promising to be one of the most thrilling events in Australian sport.
The top eight teams will compete in a knockout format, culminating in the Grand Final at the MCG. The intensity of finals football, where every game is a do-or-die encounter, creates unforgettable moments and cements legacies.
In closing
The 2024 AFL season has already delivered unforgettable drama and fierce competition. With the ladder continuing to shift and every match carrying immense stakes, fans can expect even more thrilling action as the season unfolds.
Whether it’s the top contenders solidifying their dominance, underdogs making a late surge, or traditional powerhouses trying to rediscover their form, the race for the premiership remains wide open.
As teams battle for glory and survival, one thing is certain: the 2024 AFL season will be remembered as one of the most competitive and exhilarating campaigns in recent history.
FAQs on the AFL Ladder
Q: What is the current AFL Ladder for 2024?
A: The 2024 AFL Ladder reflects the standings of the 18 teams based on their performance in the home-and-away season. Sydney Swans secured the top spot with 17 wins and a percentage of 126.7, followed by Port Adelaide and Geelong Cats in the top three positions. Richmond Tigers ended the season at the bottom, earning the Wooden Spoon with only two wins. The ladder is determined by points (4 for a win, 2 for a draw, and 0 for a loss) and percentage, calculated as points scored versus points conceded.
Q: How does the AFL Ladder influence the finals series?
A: The ladder determines the teams qualifying for the finals series, with the top 8 advancing. The top 4 teams gain a double-chance advantage in the finals, while the next 4 compete in elimination rounds. The ultimate goal is to reach the Grand Final and contend for the AFL Premiership.
Q: What is the significance of the McClelland Trophy in the AFL?
A: The McClelland Trophy is awarded to the team finishing at the top of the ladder after the regular season. This accolade is also known as the Minor Premiership. In 2024, Sydney Swans achieved this feat, marking a successful season before entering the finals.
Q: How does percentage impact AFL Ladder standings?
A: Percentage acts as a tiebreaker when teams have the same points. It is calculated by dividing the total points a team has scored by the points it has conceded, then multiplying by 100. A higher percentage reflects stronger performance, especially in close contests.
Q: What were the highlights of the 2024 AFL season based on the ladder?
A: The 2024 season showcased the Sydney Swans’ dominance and Richmond Tigers’ struggles. Key highlights included the expansion to a 25-round season and thrilling battles for top-8 spots. Brisbane Lions, despite finishing 5th, triumphed in the Grand Final, defeating Sydney.
To read more, click here.
