AFL Wildcard Race Heats Up as Giants, Blues Eye Crucial Wins

The final round of the AFL home-and-away season is set to deliver crucial outcomes, with several teams vying for wildcard spots and ladder positions. The Giants face West Coast in Sydney, needing a substantial win to maintain any mathematical chance of reaching 10th place. Their task is complicated by injuries, with Xavier O'Halloran and Jayden Laverde out, replaced by Toby McMullin and Cody Angove. West Coast manages Bo Allan, with Hamish Davis coming in.

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I'm not sure any of us can cope with more drama after last night's incredible draw between Hawthorn and Collingwood.

Carlton holds a strong position to clinch a wildcard berth when they play the Western Bulldogs at Docklands. The Bulldogs will be without their star player Marcus Bontempelli, a significant absence for the team. A win for Carlton would solidify their place in the top 10 and confirm the playoff matchups.

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Hello, good afternoon and welcome to ABC's live online coverage of the conclusion of round 23 of the AFL.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Swans have an opportunity to secure second place on the ladder. They will face Essendon at the MCG, and a victory would guarantee them a top-two finish, earning them the advantage of home finals. The AFLW season also kicks off its opening round with four matches, including Essendon versus Brisbane and Adelaide against Sydney.

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The Giants are well behind the eight ball and will need everything to go their way to wedge their way into wildcard calculations, starting with a big win at home.

This round's conclusion follows a dramatic draw between Hawthorn and Collingwood, which provided considerable excitement. The day's matches promise further intrigue as the final standings for the AFL season take shape.

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Then comes the big one of the day, with the Western Bulldogs taking on Carlton at Docklands without their biggest name, as the Blues seek the win that would clinch a spot in the wildcard round and lock in the teams that will make up the top 10.