.In the area of one round, 18 clubs has actually come to be 8 - as one of the most gorgeous time of the AFL period begins on Thursday evening through finals footy. As well as with that, the microscope on those that remain has actually just intensified as they go after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Sofa crew on Monday night studied every club's biggest inquiry, as well as highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals collection - in addition to a tip for the 4 matches.Watch the best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with expert evaluation and also every game until the Grand Final cope with no ad-breaks during the course of play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Begin your free trial today > Finals Full week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MIGHT BE ACQUIRING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. Absolutely free and also confidential help phone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or even go to gamblinghelponline.org.au.No top four crews in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS WEEK 1 FITTING AS WELL AS SIXTY-FOUR-THOUSAND-DOLLAR QUESTION (All times AEST) SLOT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to check out on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Result Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's burning question: What carries out Ken do with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Pussy-cat Tom Stewart is actually clearly properly respected by Electrical power coach Ken Hinkley-- so much to make sure that it's in fact been actually to his hinderance all over the final 2 years. In each of Stewart's final 3 suits, the guardian has actually been actually clamped hard through Energy stress ahead Jed McEntee, who very most lately carried him to thirteen disposals in their straight match-- three of which were actually kick-ins. "Last opportunity, Jed McEntee was actually playing on him as a protective forward, Stewart started as a half-backer and kept there for the game-- (McEntee) actually nullified his influence on the activity," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown revealed on Fox Footy's On The Couch. "Stewart's been actually beginning a bit more by means of the midfield (because Shot 9), therefore McEntee will arise from half forward as well as rise to Stewart (if he plays midfield)-- does that way that a Tuohy and even a Jack Henry has the capacity to obtain alone as an and also one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's effectiveness on Stewart was the stimulant for Tom Stewart moving right into the midfield for the back end of this particular period-- however while the 23-year-old has tagged him properly at one end of the ground, he's however to accomplish the exact same in the midfield, which could ironically lead to each trainers problems structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has formerly been utilized as a negator of adversary super stars in the midfield and at stop, yet more just recently has actually been actually discovering his very own footy and injuring opponents on offense. role" This is among the earliest of players mosting likely to Tom Stewart and also saying: 'You are actually certainly not possessing it on your phrases as you have for the last 4 or even five years, and it came to be the incentive for change-- he acquired identified out of this half-back placement," Melbourne great Garry Lyon noted." McEntee's the one, and you want to maintain Drew as the fella that could keep Dangerfield answerable, specifically in competitions," Buckley ended through claiming. McEntee went back to the senior edge in Around 24 against Fremantle after an assignment in the SANFL, and has actually participated in thirteen games in 2024-- most of which have been as a defensive onward in a duty where the general stat piece does not say to the full tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been actually inconsistent, yet I assume he's going to be very important-- in addition to (Esava) Ratugolea ... especially versus those good intercept noting gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort certain they may deal with accidents|01:48 Felines' knotty question: How do they quit Slot's midfield?Chris Scott has been actually tested with a myriad of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a gamer and coach, as well as Slot Adelaide's this Thursday night will be actually positively no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads a motor area that are going to possess all of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Red Or White Wines, Willem Drew as well as Travis Boak going through it on Thursday evening-- leaving behind two-time premiership instructor Scott with a great deal to prepare for." They've been leading all year it is actually an all-star midfield really isn't it, especially the midfielders. Horne-Francis boggled the mind in the first 40 minutes to establish that big lead during that Around 9 activity," Jonathan Brown said to On The Sofa." Ollie Red Wines (has) possessed a great year, as has Zak Butters, as has Jason Horne-Francis-- that I assume is the best harmful midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge blew Geelong completely off the playground in the earlier component of the 2024 time, at some stage getting out to an eight-goal top well before fifty percent time.The Cats surely conserved elegance in the 2nd half, and also nearly flipped the lead in a second-half surge at GMHBA Arena-- yet inevitably failed through one primary." Geelong resided in the midst of going through their mid-season depression (in Round 9), and Port Adelaide put one of their far better efficiencies (with each other), and also they can easily place those elite games all together," Nathan Buckley carried on." Pair of essential reductions though for Port Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring muscle) and also Dan Houston (revocation)-- they acquire a considerable amount of their operate and lug coming from certainly there, to ensure that can be definitely challenging for Slot Adelaide if they are actually losing open space," included Brown.And aside from their reductions on a segment as well as half back, the Energy will also require to bandage for the possible surge that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- that has remained in very seriously solid leading into this year's finals series. A bag of nine objectives versus North Melbourne and also 6 against Adelaide in his final 4 matches makes him a complicated job for probably match Aliir Aliir, yet it certainly won't be foreign." Aliir Aliir carried out a respectable work (on Cameron) final opportunity 18 fingertips, 1.1 - okay varieties for a crucial forward, yet he didn't have any kind of genuine impact on the activity," mentioned Brown." Our company have observed Jeremy Cameron produce mayhem on resistance guardians when he gets right up the field."" That is actually when he's at his most risky think Buddy Franklin when he gets out of bed (the ground) and arcs back on his left side foot," Buckley ended up by saying.If the Cats can receive the ball right into Cameron's palms-- wherever he finds themself around the ground-- they'll be every chance of safeguarding a home preparatory final, but their initial job will be to scratch Slot's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" By the end of the day, if they're mosting likely to copulate to premiership glory once more, it is actually heading to be on the back of Patrick Dangerfield ... he requires to create an additional magnificent alright September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's pointer: Slot Adelaide by 15 pointsHow carry out the Cats cease Horne-Francis & carbon monoxide?|05:16 WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to view on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:20 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' knotty question: Perform they sacrifice speed for experience?Luke Beveridge has been toying with this question for a lot of the period, does he trust his knowledgeable experts to do the job on the huge phase or even is going to he turn to his much younger brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon vomitted pair of labels who could possibly happen under option warm this week, depending upon what Beveridge determines to value more at the variety table before a must-win last versus the in-form Hawks." It's certainly not all on Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel ... however you're playing against a Hawthorn edge (where) speed gets rid of," Lyon claimed on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Macrae rose from the replacement duty for the clash versus the Giants in rounded 24, collecting 23 disposals as well as seven takes on, having generated two objectives from 17 touches in minimal time on ground the week before versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, one more Dog that has been actually out-of-favour this year, has played the last five suits, completing his last outing with 23 fingertips as well as a goal. However the Hawks don't keep back, they manage and also weapon and leave no stone unturned, which might create troubles for Beveridge and his mentoring workers. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon as well as Josh Weddle are actually electrical in the rear half, consistently generating recoiling drive. The Hawks rate second in the competitors for post-clearance contended belongings as well as are the most ideal in the league at post-clearance ground balls. The Western side Bulldogs may extend an undersized Hawthorn protection, yet that carries out leave them along with a restricted capability to emulate Hawthorn's operating video game. Thus, can they pay for to play slower gamers up the ground provided their high visibility forward of centre? "You possess got to manage to match them, because these 3 high ahead, are they visiting have the capacity to operate half the ground and also make an effort place some pressure on?" Lyon inquired. The Hawks extended the Dogs like they haven't been flexed before back in circular eight, yet Collingwood champ Nathan Buckley thinks the Bulldogs' showing against the GWS Giants in Ballarat lately was actually a positive sign. "What I observed coming from the Bulldogs pair of full weeks ago, GWS passion to play like that (prompt footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and also lug is actually modelled a little about what the Giants have actually done the final number of years and the Bulldogs had the capacity to stifle that with tough tension, which's specifically what they're going to have to perform," Buckley said. Will definitely Bevo sacrifice rate for experience this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The Three Major Canines" These kids are actually heading to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton ... they've been in tearing scar ... I believe Aaron Naughton's received the possible to really leave the lead, so much interest's heading to enter the various other pair of."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs set to monster speedy Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Can easily they deal with Bulldogs' essential onward mafia?The Hawks have actually appeared prone to major essential ahead all season as well as the Pets have 3 outright weapons because room. There's no doubt that the three-headed beast of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy as well as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would certainly possess given Hawks coach Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this previous fortnight. "These boys are actually going to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton-- I reckon Marcus Bontempelli will certainly stretch all of them as well and also make an effort and also receive ahead," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Over the last 7 matches, the Bulldogs trio have actually integrated for around 5.7 objectives, 19.6 rating engagements as well as 7.4 marks inside 50 per game. "They've remained in ripping scar ... I believe Aaron Naughton's received the potential to actually get off the lead, a lot attention's going to enter into the other two," Lyon added." The excellent point is actually also, those kids may split and also acquire some personalized's, no question regarding it-- which makes the protective face to face contests for Hawthorn's protectors crucial," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown answered. Earlier this period in Geelong's huge triumph over the Hawks, Cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron resulted in Mitchell and his mentoring workers lots of problems, booting 4.4 coming from 19 disposals. The likes of Sam Frost, James Sicily, Port Scrimshaw and Josh Weddle are well and truly mosting likely to possess their job suitable all of them on Friday evening. Offered the Hawks' weakness down back given the height differents, succeeding the midfield struggle will definitely be actually of the upmost relevance. The Pet dogs may possess the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and also Tom Liberatore, however Hawthorn's on-ball unit have actually definitely risen this period. The Hawks place 3rd in the competition for contested things, 6th for authorizations as well as 8th for points from approval differential. Unquestionably the reduction of celebrity midfielder Will certainly Time will definitely leave behind an open opening during that system, but the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash as well as James Worpel are more than with the ability of standing in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Time Medallist, really loves the big stage as well as is actually a premiership gamer actually. We understand that he's thrived in this particular atmosphere there, I think he acts with the Witch and also creates all form of mayhem down there during that back half, the pair up for them is going to be truly significant."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's tip: Bulldogs by twenty pointsSicily opens up on finals conflict v Dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v HIGHER WESTERN SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to see on Fox Footy: From 2:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Possess they acquired their mojo back?For a long period of time this period, the Swans looked like it will only refer time prior to they clinched the premiership. Yet some injuries behind time in the season saw their energy stop, winning simply one match in between rounds 16 as well as 21. "I assume there's evidence in the last 3 full weeks that they carried out-- they experienced that parch of six full weeks in between round 16 as well as round 21 where they only weren't capable to receive it going they were one gain and also 5 losses because time," Collingwood folklore Nathan Buckley identified on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "They offence coughed as well as spluttered, they were yielding area and also ratings coming from the return half as well as the authorization video game they depend on so much had not been there certainly." However ever since, the reinforcements have gotten here for the Swans which has been actually a big cause regarding why the Swans have uncovered their mojo. The Swans rated third in the last 3 weeks of the time for aspects for, fourth for factors conceded coming from the defensive one-half and also ninth for authorization differential, major enhancements from 13th, 17th as well as 18th throughout that six-week type downtrend. "Aspect of that (change in type) has actually had the ability to obtain 2 of their celebrities back into the fold after overlooking large parts of the year," he continued.Those 2 stars are actually veteran Luke Parker as well as leader Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, little of centre bounce, moves forward, has been reaching the scoreboard and influencing at clearance," Buckley pointed out." The other one is actually Callum Mills, that prior to he walked out, he was a legitimate midfielder, possibly on a wing ... now he's gone back to where he cut his pearly whites, which is actually basically facing objective, half-back, great intercept denoting gamer, intends to have the ability to take that activity on-- I think they've had the capacity to bring those boys back into the fold definitely well." The Swans are actually readied to acquire a super star quartet of guns back before their certifying last against the Giants. Defender Tom McCartin and also gun midfielder Isaac Heeney will both come back after being managed in the ultimate video game of the home as well as away season, while onward Tom Papley (ankle joint) and the extremely versatile Justin McInerney (leg) are likewise very likely to become remembered. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is 90% fit, the remainder of his body, his mind, he is actually been relaxed, he'll return in as well as he offers power as well as stimulate, he is actually cherry mature ready to use September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans coy on finals assortments|02:16 Giants' knotty question: Can easily they stop the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up and also running, they're arguably the hardest staff to stop in the competition. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley as well as his training staff will definitely need to locate a way to cease Sydney's potential to shift the sphere coming from defensive 50 to the aggressive fifty percent if they are to be belong a bullet of triumph on Saturday. "Their back-half ball use pleads the concern of Adam Kingsley-- exactly how do they stop them coming from having the capacity to slingshot, since that's heading to be the concern that the Giants need to answer," Buckley pointed out. In their 2 outings against the Swans this time, the Giants yielded 51 as well as thirty three aspects from the protective half. "They have actually been actually an elite team at slashing coming from the rear half and the Giants will definitely desire to reduce that Sydney supply really quickly and score off frontal one-half turnovers as long as they possibly can," Buckley proceeded. The Swans possess a myriad of super stars in their stable, consisting of 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Detector and also Nick Blakey.That's why the potential accessibility of tagger Toby Bedford will be crucial.Bedford, a revelation this initiative, carried out a tremendous task of undoing Detector in their rounded 15 clash, restricting the star Swan to only 18 disposals throughout the 89 moments they were paired up. Will Kingsley give his top tagger the job of stopping Warner again this week?" I think you require to be able to perform the task, the concern with Gulden is possibly you only may refrain the job considering that he functions therefore hard," Buckley stated." They've obtained plenty of weapons that they'll need to keep an eye on yet thus do the Giants." Buckley tossed the glove to the Giants' on-ball unit to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, specifically offered they shed that fight on both occasions this year.In both matches, the Swans won the objected to things, open spaces and also points from open spaces well." Just how good is that for Adam Kingsley to become capable to throw that to his midfield team as well as say this is what you are actually heading to be actually evaluated by," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon added.The Giants have gained all 3 finals matches against the Swans in their short past and also with an initial ultimate location vulnerable, there will be no deficiency of inspiration for either edge come Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It is actually been 3 full weeks given that he played a game, when he acquired concussed behind time in in 2015's preparatory final against Collingwood, he was actually the gamer that was very likely to break it open, because they wished to launch him from his half-forward job and also locate that run through the midfield, his last month of footy's been significant."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's pointer: Sydney by 13 pointsHiding in simple attraction - Are Swans back?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to enjoy on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jack Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' burning question: Just how do they get the game on their terms?Brisbane's ideal is actually absolutely electricity, but their worst isn't fantastic on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will develop on Saturday evening and across this year's finals set? The Lions have actually been actually a solid deduction side across 2024, however Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown points out the club would certainly be much better off trying to make the video game fast-flowing if you want to manipulate an underdone Carlton side. "I assume a sphere motion game would be definitely nice, especially against a hindered or absolutely underdone Carlton team. When they can easily acquire their round action game going, they are actually the top group in the competition for this," Brown told Fox Footy's On The Chair." They create by means of uncontested scores, but it is actually a quick type," he added.The Lions started like a house on fire in their Position Round clash against cry, booting seven targets in the first quarter to establish a 31-point top at half-time, just before cry swamp them in the 2nd fifty percent." In the opening around in the 1st one-fourth, Carlton could possibly not stop Brisbane from obtaining from their back one-half and also they racked up intensely from the rear one-half, before it then certainly turned," Buckley mentioned." Brisbane would intend to see a considerable amount of what they acquired early in the position around and also not a great deal of what they got in the second one-half along with the Blues going back."" Do not come under the trap of believing they play a sluggish video game if they take 120 proofs and it is actually mosting likely to be actually a fast lane up there, it is actually going to be actually 30 odd degrees," Brown replied.The Lions will gain back protective duo Brandon Starcevich and Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will be actually indispensable for Chris Fagan's side, as will certainly fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will certainly be vital off half-back as they look to move the ball with attempt as well as scurry, as are going to youthful gun Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Correct goalkicking" The Lions have actually resided in all-time low four staffs for precision in front of target for the time ... this is why they weren't a best four group given that they overlook vital gos."-- Jonathan BrownLions expecting complete toughness Woe edge|01:41 Woes' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: The number of coming back players is actually very many?Coaches often have big battles at the choice table right now of year, yet Michael Voss absolutely possesses six to emulate. The Blues may be bolstered due to the profit of eight odds-on-favorite players, yet the number of is way too many to rejuvenate in in advance of a significant must-win ultimate?" I do not assume there's a specific variety, yet I have a tendency to coincide several of the discourse that you will be reluctant to share men that have possessed delicate tissue accidents," Brown said.Brown did certainly not wait when asked if he will feature paired towers Charlie Curnow (ankle joint) and Harry McKay (quad), however the other choices weren't certainly not essentially as crystal clear cut.Brown mentioned he would participate in guardian Mitch McGovern and energy Zac Williams should they recoup in time from their respective hamstring injuries, yet definitely would not participate in Port Martin, Tom De Koning or Adam Cerra provided their individual issues. Cry affirmed on Tuesday that motivational former leader Sam Docherty will produce his return coming from an ACL accident in a significant improvement for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will give back for the crunch clash just 183 days after he ruptured his ACL against the exact same side in Position Cycle. "He's placed a bunch of time and effort right into getting back, as well as the moment you prepare your mind to something-- he is actually the encouraged type to acquire it carried out," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering pointed out on Tuesday." The young boys were actually stired and I make certain he'll work for our team this weekend break." Cry published an online video of leader Patrick Cripps sharing the news while gamers resided in the swimming pool, with Docherty's teammates quickly gathering towards him as well as releasing him airborne. There is actually no question that Docherty's profit will certainly deliver both an on-field increase to Voss' edge, but also an emotional one.There's a great line though between generating celebrity top quality players, possibly underdone, as well as interrupting crew chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the 8 players stated above are actually most effectively 23, but how many can Voss understandably produce come group selection?All eyes will definitely be on cry when groups go down at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the male with the a super hero jumper on his spine ... he hasn't been super leading (against the Lions previously), I expect Josh Dunkley to visit him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's pointer: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doc creates amazing return|00:33.