Heading into the middle of the season, each game becomes increasingly important to win, with just eight points separating sixth to 14th.
Every club will be eyeing a particular statistic that they can use to their advantage, so let's delve into what metric your team needs to master to win in Round 9.
Carlton vs Melbourne – marks inside 50 and intercept marks
In a similar situation to their previous match against Geelong, Melbourne's key defensive stocks will once again be vitally important. Last week the Dees were able to nullify Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron, keeping them both goalless in their eight-point win over the Cats.
In another juicy matchup, Jake Lever and Steven May will likely be assigned the dynamic forward pair of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
The Blues are ranked eighth for marks inside 50 this season (11.6), however it doesn't fully highlight the importance of this metric for Carlton. In their win against GWS, the Blues had 17 marks inside 50, but only had 12 in their six-point loss to Collingwood.
Coming up against the best intercept marking team in the competition, with the Demons averaging 18.8 per game, the Blues forwards will have their work cut out for them if they are to amend their current losing streak.
Geelong vs Port Adelaide – goalkicking efficiency
Two teams that play with dash and dare, it is unsurprising that both Geelong and Port Adelaide are in the top five of shots on goal per game (fifth and first respectively).
However, inaccuracy cost both clubs big time last week, with Geelong kicking 9.12, including a performance of just three behinds for Jeremy Cameron, and Port Adelaide booting an appalling 5.18.
Playing at the thin GMHBA Stadium, both sides will have plenty of attacking opportunities, but whoever can capitalise will see out a win on Friday night. The Power, currently ranked 12th for goalkicking efficiency at 21.9%, will need greater output from key forwards Charlie Dixon and Todd Marshall if they are to overcome a formidable team at home such as Geelong.
Fremantle vs Sydney – inside 50s
Fremantle will be after another high-scoring outing to try to compete with the relentless attack of Sydney. Currently ranked 15th for inside 50s per game this season, Fremantle average just 48.4. On the other hand, Sydney averages the third most per game at 56.9.
In Fremantle's 2023 win against the Swans, the Dockers recorded 61 inside 50s, resulting in six more scoring shots than Sydney. The Swans come into this match with red-hot form though, amassing 67 inside 50s against the Giants just last week.
In a top-eight clash, the inside 50 count will tell the tale of who wins on Friday night.
Hawthorn vs St Kilda – disposals
St Kilda love to control the possession, and winning the disposal count is often an indicator of the Saints' success. Last week against North Melbourne, the Saints had 61 more disposals as they won by 38 points.
On the contrary, the Saints typically lose if they cannot play to their own tempo, demonstrated in their defeat to Port Adelaide, where they lost the disposal count by 38.
If Hawthorn are to upset St Kilda in Tasmania this weekend, they'll need to produce a similar performance as they did against the Bulldogs. Hawthorn prevented the possession-heavy Bulldogs from winning the disposal count, with Jarman Impey and Blake Hardwick having impressive days off half-back, recording 27 and 22 disposals respectively.
Expect a similar gameplan for the Hawks this week, whilst St Kilda will aim to command the flow of play.
Essendon vs GWS – clearances
With the leadership of Zach Merrett, and the nimbleness of Sam Durham and Archie Perkins, Essendon's midfield has had breakout form this season. Currently ranked third in the AFL with 38.5 clearances per game, the Bombers will test their quality against a strong Giants midfield group.
Kieren Briggs and Stephen Coniglio average 6.6 and 4.6 clearances respectively, however young gun Tom Green is a test to play after an ankle injury against Sydney.
Despite the Giants' classy midfield on paper, they are 16th in the league for clearances (34.4). If Essendon can capitalise at the contest and produce more clearances than the Giants, they could maintain their top eight spot for another week.
Richmond vs Western Bulldogs – inside 50s
Whilst the Bulldogs and Tigers are merely the 12th and 15th best inside 50 teams, history suggests that this statistic is what determines the outcome between these two clubs.
The Bulldogs and Richmond played twice last year, with the Dogs triumphing both times. Additionally, the Bulldogs also won the inside 50 count significantly both times, racking up 64 for both games.
Inside 50s are crucial for Richmond too, as they tallied six extra than Sydney in their sole win for 2024.
The influence of Marcus Bontempelli and Shai Bolton will be an intriguing watch, both averaging over 4.5 inside 50s a game. Versing an undermanned Tigers, the Bulldogs are looking to respond in a big way after their shock defeat to Hawthorn. If Richmond can stem the Dogs attack though, they may cause more carnage for Luke Beveridge's tenure.
Gold Coast vs North Melbourne – marks inside 50 and intercept marks
Strangely, Gold Coast come into this game averaging the second-most intercept marks per game at 18.5, but the least marks inside 50. After struggling against the Lions, recording just six marks inside 50, it paints North Melbourne a clear picture of how to defend Gold Coast.
The Lions had 18 intercept marks last week, an increase on their season average, and dismantled the Suns' forward ability. If North Melbourne can replicate this, they hold a chance to overcome their current losing streak.
What doesn't lie in North Melbourne's favour, however, is the fact they are last for intercept marks per game, averaging just 12.8. It brings Ben King and Jed Walter a mouthwatering opportunity for set shots this weekend.
Ultimately, the Roos will have to step up to Gold Coast's level of intercepting if they are to take home the four points on Saturday night.
Collingwood vs West Coast – tackles inside 50
Collingwood's defensive pressure in their forward half has been unyielding this year, and the Eagles will need to up the ante to match the surging Magpies.
Averaging 12.5 tackles inside 50 per game, the likes of Bobby Hill, Beau McCreery and Lachie Schultz have been hassling backmen all year. The Eagles only average 8.1 per game, and Jack Darling is shockingly the leading player of this metric.
Without Elliot Yeo to lead by example in the middle, the onus will be on Jamie Cripps to set the tone for the forward line if the Eagles are to compete with Collingwood this week.
Adelaide vs Brisbane – contested possessions
Brisbane was dominant at winning the contested ball last match, setting them up for an inspiring victory over Gold Coast.
This round, contested possessions remain vital for a Lions win, playing the Crows who are ranked third in the league (135.5 per game). Brisbane is equally as good though, averaging 135.9 per game.
Expect Lachie Neale and Matt Crouch to get amongst it on Sunday, each averaging 6.7 and 6.9 contested possessions a game. Both sides are desperate to return to winning form and join the top eight, meaning this match will be physical. There is plenty at stake for this match, and nothing says 'I want it more' than winning a hard ball.
