AFL Round 24 2026 Preview: Close Contests and Clear Favourites
Round 24 presents a mix of highly anticipated close contests and some games where one side holds a clear advantage. While several matchups are projected to be decided by less than a goal, there are also a handful of fixtures where Footy Tip Jar sees a significant gap between the teams. It is a round where the top teams are expected to assert themselves, but the margins in the middle of the ladder remain notably fine.
St Kilda vs Gold Coast
Footy Tip Jar has St Kilda by 7 at Marvel Stadium.
St Kilda are tipped to secure the points at Marvel Stadium, though it projects as a relatively close affair. The Saints' strength in the contest should give them the upper hand against the Suns.
Collingwood vs Brisbane Lions
Footy Tip Jar has Brisbane Lions by 4 at the MCG.
This match at the G could turn on the day, with Brisbane holding a slight advantage. The Lions have a better outlook for generating scoring chances, which should prove decisive.
Carlton vs Fremantle
Footy Tip Jar has Fremantle by 3 at Marvel Stadium.
There is not much separating these two sides, with Footy Tip Jar leaning to Fremantle by a narrow margin. The Dockers' ability to create scoring opportunities should see them home at Marvel.
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs
Footy Tip Jar has Melbourne by 20 at the MCG.
Melbourne are expected to account for the Western Bulldogs at the MCG. The Dees' consistent ability to generate scoring chances gives them a significant advantage.
Geelong vs Richmond
Footy Tip Jar has Geelong by 68 at GMHBA Stadium.
Geelong are projected to win this comfortably on their home ground, showing a substantial edge in generating scoring chances. Richmond will find it hard to keep pace with the Cats.
Adelaide vs Greater Western Sydney
Footy Tip Jar has Adelaide by 19 at Adelaide Oval.
Adelaide should be too strong for Greater Western Sydney at home. The Crows' ability to finish their work in front of goal is expected to be the difference.
Essendon vs Port Adelaide
Footy Tip Jar has Port Adelaide by 5 at Marvel Stadium.
Port Adelaide holds a narrow favouritism over Essendon at Marvel, in what is projected to be a tight contest. The Power are expected to create more scoring chances, which could decide a close game.
Sydney vs North Melbourne
Footy Tip Jar has Sydney by 20 at the SCG.
Sydney are tipped to secure a comfortable win over North Melbourne at the SCG. The Swans' consistent ability to control territory should see them prevail.
West Coast vs Hawthorn
Footy Tip Jar has Hawthorn by 34 at Optus Stadium.
Hawthorn is expected to register a strong victory over West Coast in Perth. The Hawks' ability to generate scoring chances will likely prove too much for the Eagles.
FAQ
Which game is expected to be the closest this round?
The closest game is projected to be between Carlton and Fremantle, with Footy Tip Jar predicting a margin of just three points.
Which team is tipped for the biggest win this round?
Geelong is tipped for the largest victory, with a projected margin of sixty-eight points over Richmond at GMHBA Stadium.
Which team has the highest chance of winning this round?
Geelong has the highest win probability this round, standing at ninety-seven percent against Richmond.
