Sport

Preview

The bye rounds are done, and the footy resumes

The AFL bye rounds are finished as we return to a full complement of matches this weekend.

See available tickets

The bye rounds are done and dusted, as the top eight starts to take shape in the AFL.

All 18 teams are back in action following the bye-rounds, and it all starts at Marvel Stadium as Essendon take on the GWS GIANTS in Thursday night footy (27 June). A game outside the eight, this one proves a real test for an Essendon side desperate to make a point. The GIANTS will also be itching to make a statement in a rare primetime slot, and edge back into the top two.

Friday night (28 June) footy only gets bigger with two real contenders going head to head as Geelong host Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium, starting at 7.50pm. The top of the table Cats will need to bounce back after just their second loss of the season. But a firing Crows outfit are in serious form, heading for four on the trot.

Heading to Saturday night (29 June), we’ve got another blockbuster on the cards with Collingwood taking on North Melbourne in a Marvel Stadium home match. The second-placed Pies are in prime position to make it all the way to the big dance again, but North have hit a rich vein of form since Rhyce Shaw has taken the reigns. This one takes off at 7.25pm.


Are North any chance to halt the Pies?

On Sunday (30 June), we have another three clashes on the cards. First up is St Kilda v Richmond at Marvel Stadium at 1.10pm. With St Kilda one game outside the eight, and Richmond just percentage, a serious blockbuster is suddenly set up. Who will get the jump in the race for finals action?

Of greater note, this one is the annual Maddie’s Match, supporting Maddie Riewoldt’s vision in funding medical research to improve treatments and find a cure for Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.


Make sure to wear your purple on Sunday

Following this, we head to The Gabba to see Brisbane Lions take on Melbourne from 3.20pm. Brisbane’s form has been fluctuating of late, but they’re still locked into the top eight, and just a game outside the four. They’ve only lost one game at home this season (against Collingwood), so fans will be heading in supremely confident.

[interaction id=”5c7dadb90b84cf763a1db7ba”]

The final game will take us west, as Fremantle host Carlton at Optus Stadium at 3.20pm. The Dockers will retain their inform superstar Michael Walters after getting off his suspension on Monday night. Sitting just inside the eight, this one is an absolute must-win for Freo.

Find your tickets to Round 15 and the remainder of the AFL season at Ticketmaster.com.au.