AFL: Top-four race hots up

There are massive games for Brisbane, Fremantle and Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, as all three look to make the top four this season.

Saturday is shaping up to be a crucial day as the race for finals hots up, and the ladder could have a completely different look to it by the end of play.

Brisbane, who take on the Gold Coast in the Queensland derby, are 1.38 to make the top four after coming with a strong run of form.

Fremantle are also involved in a derby against West Coast and can be backed at 1.72 to book their place in the top four.

Greater Western Sydney, who are 4.00, travel to take on a Melbourne side that have work to do to make the eight.

The same can be said of Essendon, who take on St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

Bombers must stop the rot

. What: St Kilda v Essendon
. Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
. When: 16:35 (AEST), Saturday 27th July
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: St Kilda 2.20, Essendon 1.68

Essendon are in danger of missing out on the top eight after losing five of the past seven games.

It is important they get back to winning ways, but it will not be easy against a St Kilda side that have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.

Saints smashed West Coast by 72 points last week with Tim Membrey booting five goals. He can be backed at 13.00 to boot the first goal of the game.

Essendon won by four points when the two sides met back in Round 3, and they are 6.00 to win by 1-12 on this occasion.

Lions continue to roar

. What: Gold Coast v Brisbane
. Where: People First Stadium, Gold Coast
. When: 16:35 (AEST), Saturday 27th July
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Gold Coast 2.15, Brisbane 1.72

Brisbane are targeting their eighth straight win, but will have to overcome a Gold Coast side that are unbeaten on their home deck in 2024.

The Lions have got their season firmly back on track and will be out to complete double after beating the Suns by 34 points in Round 8.

It is likely to be closer this time around and they are 6.00 to win by 1-12 points.

Ben King will be key for the Suns as they target 10 wins from 10 on home soil, and he is 9.50 to kick the first goal of the game.

Giants back on track

. What: Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney
. Where: MCG, Melbourne
. When: 19:30 (AEST), Saturday 27th July
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel
. Odds: Melbourne 1.87, Greater Western Sydney 1.95

Greater Western Sydney have turned their season back around with three wins on the bounce, and will be out to keep the good run going.

The Giants won this fixture by two points last season and are 6.00 to win by 1-12 on this occasion.

Lachie Whitfield has been averaging 36.5 disposals over the last four games, and 3.50 to collect 35+ here.

Fremantle out for revenge

. What: Fremantle v West Coast
. Where: Optus Stadium, Perth
. When: 20:10 (AEST), Saturday 27th July
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 7
. Odds: Fremantle 1.11, West Coast 6.50

Fremantle will be out for revenge when they take on West Coast in the big derby at Optus Stadium.

The Eagles caused a big upset when winning by 37 points in Round 6, but the Dockers have recovered to become a premiership contender.

Freo have scored over 100 points in their last two home wins, and can be backed at 5.00 to beat the Eagles by 37-48 points.

Eagles forward Jake Waterman has booted 41 goals this season and is 12.00 to grab the first on Saturday night.