2024 AFL Season Predictions
Written by Joshua Gulabovski
As the anticipation builds for the start of the 2024 AFL Premiership Season, the hope amongst eighteen clubs across the land continues to intensify, each dreaming about hoisting that illusive premiership cup come Grand Final day. For the old dark navy blues, 2024 marks 29 years since our last premiership triumph, a drought many are hoping will come to an end this year. However, amidst the premiership fantasies, it's time for the inevitable ladder predictions to emerge, here is my take on how I believe season 2024 will unfold.
1. Brisbane
The heartbreak of a narrow Grand Final loss can often serve as a powerful catalyst for teams. With mastermind Chris Fagan at the helm, and players the likes of two-time Brownlow medalist Lachie Neale, Harris Andrews and the magic Charlie Cameron leading the charge, the Lions are poised to bounce back in 2024. Expect the Lions to dominate the home and away season before making a compelling case for the flag come September.
2. Collingwood
Under the watchful eye of Craig 'Fly' McCrae, a figure who himself has earnt the admiration of the AFL world, expect the reigning premiers to pick up exactly where they left off. While it pains many Carlton fans to admit, Collingwood will remain a force to be reckoned with this season, the Pies will make another deep run into September and challenge for back-to-back flags.
3. Carlton
The lead up to season 2024 seems like something the Carton faithful has not experienced for a long time. With stability on and off the field, a coach which has won the hearts and minds of all Blues fans and a ready-made squad full of stars, the Blues are finally here. The Blues are ready to step out of the shadows and stake their claim on the Premiership. After a strong showing in the back end of 2023, the Blues will aim to go one step further in 2024.
4. Adelaide Crows
The Adelaide Crows are my surprise packet this season. The Crows enter 2024 with aspirations of making a quick climb up the ladder, must the same as to what we saw from GSW last season. With a blend of experienced leaders and promising young talent, the Crows will improve and grow from the controversial heartbreak of 2023. While Premiership contention might still be a stretch, expect the Crows to make significant strides towards the upper end of the ladder in 2024.
5. GWS
It’s safe to say GWS may well have been everyone’s second favorite team last season. However, the Giants now enter 2024 as one of the competitions big dogs. Adam Kingsley can only be applauded for the exceptional job he has done with this club who will once again look to go deep into September. With a team full of stars, the Giants will be one of the competitions best and toughest teams’ week in week out.
6. Melbourne
Fresh off what can only be described as a disaster end to the season, the Demons look to improve and rediscover their old form in 2024. While reaching the holy grail will prove to be difficult with the likes of the Lions and Pies, the Demons still have a talented list capable of once again finding and sustaining on-field success. If the Demons are able to build momentum early, we may find that the Dees are once again a formidable force, aiming to re-claim their status as a genuine premiership contender.
7. St Kilda
The Saints will aim to build on what was a solid 2023 despite their early finals exit. Ross Lyon with a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, possesses the tools to cause upsets and compete with the competitions best, this is something Ross the Boss has proven time and time again. While Premiership contention is a stretch, another finals campaign and a week one win is a realistic goal for St Kilda in 2024.
8. Sydney
With the acquisitions of both Brodie Grundy and Taylor Adams, the Swans are poised for a resurgence in 2024. Despite a disappointing 2023, expect the Swans to bounce back and push the best teams in the competition in 2024. Though consistency may prove difficult, the Swans will aim to surpass the narrow defeat suffered to the Blues in the Elimination Final last year.
9. Port Adelaide
After years of near misses, close calls and heartbreak, culminating in the straight sets’ loss to GWS in last season’s finals campaign, Port Adelaide faces an uphill battle in 2024. While I do not expect them to reach the heights of past campaigns, Port are still a formidable outfit capable of causing upsets in 2024, expect them to be in the mix for a top eight position coming into the final rounds of the season.
10. Western Bulldogs
The Dogs enter 2024 with aspirations of returning to finals contention after narrowly missing out to the Swans last season. There is no question, the Dogs have both the quality and star power at their disposal, however, inconsistency has plagued the Dogs in recent seasons and is something they will need to get right if they want to improve on last season’s ninth place finish. A strong start will be crucial for their finals hopes, and if they can maintain momentum, they could be a dark horse in September.
11. Hawthorn
The Hawks continue to face a rebuilding phase as they transition towards a new era under Sam Mitchell. With a focus on developing the young talent, which is evident at the Hawks, along with restructuring their playing style, expect the Hawks to face challenges in the short term. While success may be elusive this season, expect Hawthorn to lay the groundwork for future success.
12. Essendon
Despite a big offseason and the optimism of the Bomber’s supporters, Essendon's inconsistent form and woeful end to 2023 raises doubts about their Premiership credentials. While new recruits Gresham, Duursma, and McKay will bring both quality and leadership to the club, the Bombers need to find their identity and groove early in the season if they want to make a finals charge.
13. Gold Coast Suns
Under new coach Damian Hardwick, the Suns embark on a new and exciting journey in 2024. While there may be initial successes, including a potential win in the Opening Round against none other than the Tigers, challenges do lie ahead for the Suns. The barometer for this season and more importantly Hardwick's tenure will be sustained growth and development rather than immediate success.
14. Fremantle
Following a disappointing 2023, the Dockers face an uphill battle to improve their fortunes in 2024. Heading into his final season, Justin Longmuir has a mammoth task on his hands to pick up the pieces left by Lachie Schultz who departed the club to join the reigning premiers. A difficult start to the season will see Freo face three of last year’s top eight in the opening five rounds. These fixtures may very well set the tone for a long season for the Dockers.
15. Geelong
After what has seemed like an eternity of sustained and consistent success, Geelong finally seems to be entering some form of a ‘mini-rebuild’. Last season, we began to see the signs of an ageing list, a phrase which many of us are still all too cautious to use when referring to this club. This season may be the year for a handful of Geelong’s up-and-comers to become household names, however I believe the growth of the club will also come hand-in-hand with a few footballing lessons, the question is whether the younger crop of Cats are ready for the test.
16. Richmond
With Adam Yze at the helm at Tiger land, there is a growing sense of optimism around Punt Road. Richmond despite entering a phase of transition, still posses star power in the likes of Dustin Martin and Tom Lynch. Expect a well drilled and tough outfit in 2024, Richmond posses a youthful list with potential, but currently are just lacking that final polish when compared to the teams towards the upper end of the ladder.
17. North Melbourne
With promising young talent such as Rising Star Harry Sheezel, North Melbourne looks to build for the future in 2024. Expect the likes of Nick Larky to once again be a worthy contributor after coming off a career-best 71 goals as well as players such as Jy Simpkin in midfield. My prediction is that one win from the first five matches will set the tone for what I expect to be a challenging 2024.
18. West Coast Eagles
Following back-to-back bottom two finishes, significant off-season departures and current injury concerns, the Eagles continue to find themselves in a rebuilding phase. With key departures including Shuey, Hurn and Naitanui and uncertainties surrounding key players, the Eagles face an uphill battle to avoid the bottom of the ladder in 2024.
