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"Don't be pathetic": The teams under the most pressure in Round 20
SEN • July 23rd, 2026 6:27 pm
SEN’s Dwayne Russell has named the five teams under the most pressure heading into Round 20.
Russell’s pressure meter ranks teams from 1-5, with number one having the most pressure on them and the most to lose heading into the round.
Check out Russell’s pressure meter below.
1 – Sydneyvs GWS Giants - ENGIE Stadium – Saturday
“They've lost their past two and they are hanging onto second spot on the ladder by half a game,” Russell told SEN's Dwayne's World.
“They need to beat the Giants, and they are overwhelming favourites to beat the Giants, or second spot and maybe even their premiership chances take a fatal hit.
“I've got Sydney at one for holding onto second spot and how big that is for them.”
2 - Gold Coastvs Carlton – Marvel Stadium – Saturday
“They've lost their past eight, the Gold Coast. Although their coach, Damien Hardwick, gave up on the season a couple of weeks ago, the Suns are only one win outside the top 10.
“Don't be pathetic and give up on the season. Show us some ticker, show some fight, change your culture and fight back to the point that you might actually get back into the 10, or maybe win a final or two.
“You've got the quality of player, surely.
“We can't just let them fall off the perch and be okay with it. They were premiership favourite 10 weeks ago.”
3 – St Kildavs North Melbourne - Marvel Stadium – Sunday
“Are the Saints better than North Melbourne? Pre-season, they were expected to be, and North Melbourne would take St Kilda's spot in the 10 if they win.”
4 - Geelongvs Melbourne – MCG – Friday
“The expectation is that Geelong will be top four, or should at least be top six.
“Lose to Melbourne and it's likely a Wildcard game for Geelong.”
5 – GWS Giantsvs Sydney - ENGIE Stadium – Saturday
“It's their home game, battle of the bridge, they need to keep their top 10 hopes alive as well.”
