3 minute read

Brisbane Lions are fast emerging as the team to beat in 2024 after Sydney suffered a humiliating defeat against Port Adelaide.

The Swans were looking unstoppable just over a month ago, but a horror run of results has raised serious question marks over their premiership credentials.

It is all about peaking at just the right time and the Brisbane Lions appear to be doing just that following another win.

Below them, the race to make the finals is closer than ever and there has been plenty of moving and shaking after another exciting round.

Lets take a look at the latest state of play following week 21.

 Sydney continue to slide 

Sydney may remain top of the ladder but they have picked up just one win in the last six games and are priced at 6.00 to win the grand final.

It is a massive fall from grace for the Swans and their latest loss at Port Adelaide will have set alarm bells ringing.

The Power smashed them 148-36 and unless they stop the rot quickly, there is a danger they could slide out of the top two.

Brisbane are now the team that could take some stopping as they look to make up for last season's grand final loss to Collingwood.

They made it nine wins on the bounce when seeing off St Kilda 124-39, and are now the hot fancies to go on and win the grand final.

The Lions are priced at 3.60 to win the grand final, but first of all they look a great shout to win the minor premiership.

 Port into the top four 

Port Adelaide's demolition of Sydney helped them jump to third place on the ladder on points differential.

The Power are on 52 points along with Greater Western Sydney, who won a massive game against Hawthorn, and Geelong.

Making the top four is crucial to a side's chances of going on to win the grand final, and the race to get in there could not be tighter.

Fremantle's hopes suffered a setback as they slipped out of the top-four following a one-point defeat at Essendon on Sunday.

They are only two points outside of it however, which makes Saturday's clash against Geelong at Optus Stadium even bigger.

Western Bulldogs picked up another big win and are just one win away from the top four.

They are on the same points as Carlton, who hold eighth spot after losing to arch rivals Collingwood.

 Pies keep finals hopes alive 

Reigning premiers Collingwood kept their top-eight hopes alive with a thrilling victory over Carlton on Saturday night.

Winning by just three points at the MCG, Collingwood are four points away from Carlton with just three games of the regular season remaining.

Essendon are another side who remain in the mix for the eight following their late fightback against Fremantle.

The Bombers are on 46 points but have to play both Sydney and Brisbane in their remaining games.

Hawthorn's charge for the eight suffered a setback when losing to Greater Western Sydney.

They sit 10th on the ladder, but with games against Richmond and North Melbourne on the horizon, they have a favourable run-in.