Get set for an adrenaline-packed ride as the 2024 AFL season kicks off on March 7th, marking the 128th year of Australia’s top football league. This year, brace yourselves for intense showdowns as 18 teams battle it out across 23 matches in the regular season.
The anticipation is soaring high, especially with the reigning champs, Collingwood, gearing up to defend their title. But they’ll face stiff competition from teams like Brisbane, who are tipped by many as strong contenders for the premiership. Adding to the excitement, the “Opening Round” shakes things up with matches scheduled in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast a week ahead of the traditional season opener.
Get ready to witness thrilling matches filled with heart-stopping moments, dazzling skills, and fierce rivalries. The “Gather Round” initiative brings all 18 teams together in South Australia for an exciting week of competition. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the game, the 2024 AFL season guarantees unforgettable footy action for everyone!
Preview: A Look Ahead to the 2024 AFL Season
2024 AFL Season promising an epic battle for the premiership title. All eyes are on Collingwood, the current champions, led by the talented Nick Daicos. But they’ll face tough competition.
Last year’s runners-up, Brisbane Lions, are back with a vengeance. Their star player Lachie Neale and the return of Will Ashcroft from injury strengthen their team. Can they win it all this year?
Besides Collingwood and Brisbane, there are plenty of teams hungry for success. Richmond, led by Damien Hardwick, aim for a comeback after a tough season. Melbourne’s pressure game makes them contenders too. Keep an eye on Fremantle and Carlton, who made significant changes during the off-season.
The “Opening Round” adds excitement with matches in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast a week before the regular season starts. This fresh start sets the stage for early rivalries.
The “Gather Round” event brings all 18 teams together in South Australia for a special week of competition. Fans can enjoy thrilling matches and see their favorite players up close.
Injuries and suspensions will affect the season, and teams will fight hard for the top-eight spots. Young talents will shine, veterans will defy expectations, and coaches will make strategic moves.
With a packed schedule, intense matches, and passionate rivalries, the 2024 AFL season promises to be amazing. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport, now’s the perfect time to join the excitement of Aussie Rules Football. So, get your team gear ready, sit back, and get ready for an unforgettable season!
Key Teams to Watch in the 2024 AFL Season
Every team in the AFL wants to win big this season, but some teams really stand out as strong contenders for the premiership. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these teams:
- Collingwood Magpies (Reigning Premiers): Led by Nick Daicos, Collingwood is eager to defend their title. They have a young and talented team, but living up to last year’s success won’t be easy.
- Brisbane Lions: Last year’s runners-up, Brisbane, are back with a vengeance. Lachie Neale and Will Ashcroft strengthen their team, and they’re serious about taking the top spot.
- Richmond Tigers: Under Damien Hardwick’s leadership, Richmond is determined to bounce back after a tough year. They have experienced players and a strong attitude, making them a dangerous opponent.
- Melbourne Demons: Melbourne’s aggressive playing style makes them a constant threat. With a skilled team, they have the potential to challenge for the title again, but consistency will be key.
- Emerging Threats: Keep an eye on Fremantle and Carlton. Fremantle has a young and exciting midfield, while Carlton, led by Michael Voss, is improving and could surprise everyone.
There are also other teams to watch out for, like Geelong, West Coast Eagles, and Sydney Swans. Injuries, suspensions, and new talents can all shake up the competition, making the AFL season exciting and unpredictable.
Players to Watch in the 2024 AFL Season
Get ready to witness some incredible talent in the 2024 AFL season! While we’ll see our favorite established stars in action, it’s the up-and-coming players who can really steal the show. Here’s a look at some players you’ll want to keep an eye on this year:
Young Guns to Watch:
- Nick Daicos (Collingwood): After an amazing season where he claimed the Coleman Medal and possibly the Brownlow Medal, Daicos is leading a hungry Collingwood team. Can he guide them to another premiership?
- Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions): This talented young player missed some games last year due to injury, but his return to Brisbane’s midfield will be a big boost. Expect to see his speed and skills on display.
- Caleb Serong (Fremantle): Already a force in the midfield, Serong is set for a breakout season. His ability to win tough possessions will be crucial for Fremantle’s chances.
- Jhye Clark (Melbourne): With his speed and scoring ability, Clark adds depth to Melbourne’s forward line. Watch for him to turn turnovers into points.
Experienced Players Still Making an Impact:
- Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs): As the reigning Norm Smith Medallist, Bontempelli’s leadership is key for the Bulldogs. He’ll be pivotal in their quest for the premiership.
- Dustin Martin (Richmond): Despite talk of retirement, Martin remains a vital player for Richmond. His ability to make big plays when it counts will be crucial.
- Charlie Cameron (Brisbane Lions): A master of scoring goals, Cameron’s experience is invaluable for the Lions. He has a knack for creating opportunities out of nothing.
- Luke Pedlar (Adelaide Crows): This young player is primed for a breakout season as he transitions into a midfielder. His skills and goal-scoring ability will be important for Adelaide.
Keep an Eye Out for Surprises:
Players like Jack Ginnivan (Collingwood), Bailey Smith (Western Bulldogs), and Jason Horne-Francis (North Melbourne) could also surprise us this season. With a full year of experience, they’re ready to step up and make a name for themselves.
Who Will Shine the Brightest?
The 2024 AFL season is sure to be packed with talent, from rising stars to seasoned veterans. Get ready to see some electrifying plays and exciting matches as these players battle it out on the field. So grab your team colors, get comfortable, and let’s see who will shine the brightest this year in the AFL!
ALSO READ: Montana’s Brier Curling 2024 Live Stream from Anywhere
Watching the 2024 AFL Season Live Around the World
Here’s where you can catch all the AFL action on TV in different countries:
Australia:
- Channel 7: This is the main free-to-air broadcaster for AFL in Australia. They show at least three live matches every round.
- Foxtel: Subscribers to Foxtel can watch extra AFL games live on Fox Footy channels.
- Kayo Sports: If you prefer streaming, Kayo Sports streams every single AFL game live, making it a popular choice for comprehensive coverage.
New Zealand:
- Sky NZ: To watch AFL live in New Zealand, you can subscribe to Sky TV for access to Sky Sports channels.
United States:
- Fox Sports: AFL games are broadcasted live on Fox Sports in the US. You can stream them through the Fox Sports app, but you’ll need a subscription to participating TV providers like AT&T TV, fuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV.
For other regions, here’s what we might expect:
United Kingdom and Europe:
- BT Sport has shown AFL matches before, so they might broadcast games this season too.
Canada:
- TSN traditionally streams AFL matches in Canada. Keep an eye on their website or app for updates on this season’s coverage.
How to Stream the 2024 AFL Season Live Online
Here’s how you can catch all the live action of the 2024 AFL season online:
In Australia:
- Kayo Sports: Kayo Sports is the go-to choice for streaming AFL games. With a subscription, you can watch every single AFL match live, along with replays, highlights, and the flexibility to watch on different devices. You can start with a free trial to see if it suits your needs.
- Foxtel Go (Formerly Foxtel Now): If you’re already a Foxtel subscriber, you can stream extra AFL games through the Foxtel Go app. This option requires an existing Foxtel subscription that includes access to the Fox Footy channels.
- Channel 7 Streaming (7plus): Channel 7 offers a streaming platform called 7plus. While it doesn’t cover all matches, you can still watch a minimum of three live games every round for free. Keep in mind that accessing the stream might be limited to Australia due to location restrictions.
International Options:
For fans outside Australia, streaming options may vary. Here are some possibilities based on previous seasons:
- New Zealand: Viewers in New Zealand can likely watch AFL games live on Sky Sports channels with a Sky TV subscription.
- United States: Fox Sports streams AFL matches through the Fox Sports app. However, you’ll need a subscription to a participating TV provider such as AT&T TV, fuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV to access the stream.
Understanding the 2024 AFL Format
Before the Sherrin starts bouncing, let’s delve into the format that governs the competition and shapes the path to ultimate victory.
The Regular Season: Marathon of Matches
- 18 Teams, 23 Games: There are 18 teams in the AFL, and each team plays 23 games during the season. This means they face most of their opponents, making the competition diverse and exciting.
- Single Ladder System: Teams earn points based on wins and draws. A win gets them four points, a draw gets two points, and a loss gets none. The teams are then ranked on a single ladder based on these points.
- Top Eight: The top eight teams on the ladder by the end of the season qualify for the finals series, where the champion is decided.
New Additions for Excitement
- Opening Round: This is new for 2024. Three matches are played a week before the regular season begins, adding excitement and giving fans early-season action.
- Gather Round: Returning for 2024, this brings all 18 teams together in South Australia for a week of games. It’s a chance for fans to see multiple games and creates a lively atmosphere.
The Finals Series: The Big Fight
- Qualifying and Elimination Finals: The top four teams get a second chance if they lose. They play qualifying finals, with the winners moving to the preliminary finals. The losers face the winners of the elimination finals (played between the 5th to 8th placed teams) for another chance.
- Preliminary Finals and Grand Final: Winners of the qualifying and elimination finals play in the preliminary finals. The winners of these matches then compete in the Grand Final, which decides the AFL champion. It’s played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Understanding the Format:
Knowing this format helps you understand how teams strategize throughout the season. Watching the top eight teams fight for positions, the drama of the finals, and the quest for the championship becomes even more exciting.
As the 2024 AFL season begins, remember this format. It guides what promises to be another incredible season of Aussie Rules Football!
