AFL GameDay Squad Round 24 Preview | Best Matchups, PODs & Last-Chance Strategy Tips

It’s the final round of the AFL season, and Round 24 is your last chance to climb the leaderboard, bag that elite prize card, or take home a few more cash and pack wins. Whether you’re in contention or just playing for pride, every decision counts this week.

We’ve seen teams check out mentally (hello, North vs Richmond blowout), so now it’s about targeting juicy matchups, avoiding pressure-cooker finals-bound games, and squeezing points from every spot on your list.

AFL GameDay Squad Round 24 Preview

💥 Juicy Matchups to Target:

• Geelong vs Richmond – Geelong should pile on the points against a disinterested Tigers side.

• Sydney vs West Coast – Could be a fantasy goldmine. Look for Gulden, Warner, Heeney, Blakey, and Mills to thrive.

⚠️ Matchups to Avoid:

• Hawks vs Lions – High stakes = high pressure.

• Bulldogs vs Fremantle – Expect contested, tight footy with possible tags.

🚫 No Double-Ups:Beware – Gold Coast vs Essendon is a meaningless final game. Avoid stacking this match.

DEFENDERS – Trust the Guns or Chase POD Glory?

The usual suspects in the AFL GameDay Squad Round 24 Preview — Lachie Whitfield, NWM, Ash, Zorko, Sinclair, Sheezel — have been reliable and solid. If you’re playing it safe, these are still excellent options.

💥 Want to chase?

Essendon defenders are on 🔥:

• Andrew McGrath: 111 & 148

• Mason Redman: 115 & 172

• Roberts: 127 & 115

And if you're really feeling spicy — consider Nick Blakey and Callum Mills vs West Coast. Last week Bailey Dale feasted, and this match has all the signs of a repeat.

MIDFIELDERS – Big Names, Bigger Risk?

We’ve got juicy matchups but beware of some landmines. Let’s break it down:

Top Targets:

• Jordan Dawson vs North – Should run free with no tag pressure. Lock him in.

• Sydney vs West Coast – No stakes = no tags. Expect Gulden, Warner, and Heeney to run riot.

Watch For These:

• Port vs Suns – Drew on Anderson, could be a grind. But Butters might explode in Ken Hinkley's farewell.

• Freo vs Bulldogs – If Wagner plays, he could tag Richards or Bont. Freo mids will face heat but should hold.

• Essendon vs Carlton – If Merrett is back, he’s a big play. No tag likely unless Cincotta is named.

• Brisbane vs Hawthorn – Dunkley might tag, McCluggage could be clamped.

• Pies vs Dees – High stakes for Collingwood, Nick Daicos could be tagged by Viney or Langdon.

RUCKS – Big Boys, Big Points

Player	Matchup	Notes
Rowan Marshall	vs GWS	🔥 Elite matchup, must play
Max Gawn	vs Collingwood	Has 137 against Darcy Cameron previously, huge ceiling
Tim English	vs Freo	Tricky matchup, but in red-hot form
Tristan Xerri	vs Adelaide	Coming off form, but ROB is a shutdown king
Brodie Grundy	vs West Coast	Returning from concussion. Too risky to trust

Top Picks:

1. Rowan Marshall – Must-play, in what might be his final game as a saint

2. Max Gawn – Great history vs Collingwood

3. Tim English – Not ideal matchup, but proven scorer

🚫 Avoid:

• Xerri – Form is there, but danger matchup

• Grundy – Managed minutes and recent concussion = too much risk

FORWARDS – Feast or Famine?

Let’s be honest — this is where premierships are won or lost.

🔥 Load Up on Cats:

• Bailey Smith, Gryan Miers, Jeremy Cameron, Shaun Mannagh — all juicy plays vs a struggling Richmond.

🔍 Other Options:

• Kysaiah Pickett, Luke Jackson, Matt Kennedy – All playable but come with role uncertainty.

💣 PODs Worth a Swing:

• Ben Keays vs North – No Rankine, more CBAs likely

• Harry McKay vs Essendon – Confidence up after bagging 7, could torch the Dons

POD Picks – Round 23

Last Week Review:

• Tom Powell – 97 (meh)

• Bailey Williams – 102 (solid)

• Zac Bailey – 146 (elite)

• Marcus Windhager – 104 (good)

• Tom Liberatore – 107 (good)

This Week’s Sneaky Specials:

• DEF – Nick Blakey – Unreal match-up vs WCE

• MID – Sam Walsh – Low TOG last week, bounce-back spot

• RUCK – Toby Nankervis – Pod gold if he monster’s Geelong’s rucks

• FWD – Harry McKay – Could go 4+ goals again if he starts strong

Final Word – for AFL GameDay Squad Round 24 Preview

This is it – your final week to move up the rankings, claim your reward card, or just flex on your mates. Play it smart or go rogue with some spicy PODs — either way, enjoy the ride.

And don’t forget – sign up to AFL GameDay Squad using the code BOBAFL to grab free packs, build your squad, and prep for an even bigger 2026.