Key posts
The finals situation
The Magpies have a distant chance at making the eight if they can win by enough tonight and have other results go their way while this is the possible finishes for the sides still in the finals race.
‘It has taken a toll on him’: May on Petracca
By Roy Ward
Melbourne defender Steven May has opened up about the battles teammate Christian Petracca has faced since severe internal injuries finished his season.
Petracca cleared the air with his teammates this week after spending time away from the club to aid his recovery, which will continue for several more weeks.
Christian Petracca celebrates a goal.Credit: AFL Photos
“I’m good mates with Trac and obviously with the injury and the mental health and a lot of the media reporting – it has obviously taken a toll on him,” May said in an interview with Seven.
“I’ve been checking in on him and it is good to have him back at the club now. In leadership meetings, at trainings. We are a better club for having him around, he’s the class clown and we’ve missed that sort of morale booster, especially while we have been copping it a bit.
“It’s good to have him back.”
May added that Petracca’s talk to his teammates was “emotional”.
“He was pretty emotional,” May said.
“He had spoken to the club about needing some time off and it was while we were on a away game so he didn’t get to speak to us himself.
“So he stood up and pretty much told us exactly what he is going through, he hasn’t missed a game in I don’t know how long so it would take a toll on you.
“He opened up to us about how he has been struggling and mental health is different for everyone and it’s never one size fits all.
“Some people might be better around the club, doing some coaching or something but others need to get away – it was just good to get some clarity on that.”
Lever out for Dees
Melbourne have made a late change with key defender Jake Lever (illness) out and Taj Woewodin coming in.
Demons star Steven May, who is out injured, was chatting to Seven and didn’t know what had forced his good mate out of the game.
“I just parked and ran out for this interview but I did say to the guys that I have my boots in the car,” May said with a laugh.
Game time change for Hawks v Kangaroos, and Tigers v Suns
By Jon Pierik
Electricity concerns at UTAS Stadium in Launceston have forced a reshuffle of Saturday’s AFL fixture, with the clash between North Melbourne and Hawthorn beginning earlier than slated, while Dustin Martin’s farewell at the MCG will be later in the afternoon.
The Hawks were due to host the Kangaroos from 4.40pm, but this match will begin at 12.30pm. Richmond was due to host the Gold Coast Suns from 2.10pm, but this will go ahead from 3.20pm.
Earlier start: Jack Ginnivan and his Hawks have had their game against the Kangaroos brought forward on Saturday.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Launceston has been impacted by industrial action from electrical workers, but the earlier start time on Saturday means lighting won’t be an issue in the afternoon.
The decision comes in a week when there was a 36-hour power outage in the Launceston area, the lengthy delays in restoration blamed on strike action by the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the change meant three games were not being held at once.
“Due to circumstance out of our control we have made the decision to move to an earlier start time of 12.30pm for the Hawthorn v North Melbourne match and thank everyone involved in working through this,” Dillon said.
“The later start time for the Richmond and Gold Coast Suns match means we do not have three games being played at once and fans tuning into the broadcast will also be able to celebrate Dustin Martin’s lap of honour at the MCG.
“Round 24 is set to be one of the biggest rounds of all time with top eight spots on the line all throughout the weekend, we could not ask for a better ending to the 2024 AFL premiership home-and-away season.”
Subs named
No late changes for either side despite the falling rain at the MCG.
Bailey Laurie (Dees) and Finlay Macrae (Pies) are the subs.
‘He’ll be in the rooms shortly’: Goodwin
By Roy Ward
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin expects unsettled superstar Christian Petracca to be around the team this evening and remain at the club next season.
Petracca continues to recover from serious injury and Goodwin said the midfielder still had a huge future at the Demons.
Jack Viney of the Demons (R) celebrates a goal with teammate Christian Petracca.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“I haven’t seen him yet but he will be in the rooms shortly,” Goodwin told Fox Footy.
“He is a big part of our footy club. He’s got five years to go on his contract and we look forward to really embracing him back in and making him a key part of our team again.”
What the Magpies need to do to make it
The Magpies need to win by as much as possible tonight and then pray for several other outcomes to go their way to have any chance of sneaking into seventh or eighth place.
According to AFL.com.au, this is what the Magpies need to do:
The Magpies need to win and then:
– They realistically need Fremantle to lose to Port Adelaide, on Sunday, to have any chance of making the finals
– By beating Melbourne, they will join the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Carlton on 52 points. However, the margin of their victory over the Demons will be important
– Of those four teams, Collingwood (100.1) has the worst percentage, with Carlton (110.7), Hawthorn (111.8) and the Bulldogs (123.8) all ahead of them
– With the Blues the closest to them, the Magpies would need to make up 200 points in their win over the Demons and Carlton’s loss to St Kilda to have any chance of making the top eight. So, if the Pies beat Melbourne by 100 points and the Blues lose to the Saints by 100, and Fremantle loses to Port Adelaide, Collingwood would make the finals.
Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies speaks with AFL Field Umpire, Robert Findlay.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The finals situation
The Magpies have a distant chance at making the eight if they can win by enough tonight and have other results go their way while this is the possible finishes for the sides still in the finals race.
Good evening
G’day everyone and welcome to our AFL live blog for the last Friday home and away game of the season.
I’m Roy Ward and hasn’t this season flown by.
We will have all the major moments and post game reaction. First bounce is set for 7.40pm AEST.
Please enjoy the hours to come.
