Hello, and welcome to ABC Sport's live blog coverage of the 2024 AFL season.

We're deep into round nine now and we've got four games coming at ya on this fine Saturday. First up, the Hawks tackle the Saints with some confidence behind them after a stirring win last week.

Then it's the match of the day, with Essendon hosting GWS in a game sure to be fast and furious.

Tonight's double-header pits the injury-hit Tigers against the embattled Bulldogs at the MCG, while North Melbourne fight for their first win of the year against a Gold Coast side reeling from QClash disaster.

Plenty to stick our teeth into today, so be sure to stick around to keep myself and Kyle Pollard company.