.In the room of one round, 18 clubs has become eight - as one of the most lovely time of the AFL time begins on Thursday evening through finals footy. As well as keeping that, the microscopic lense on those who remain has simply escalated as they chase after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Chair crew on Monday night explored every club's biggest inquiry, and highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals collection - along with a recommendation for the 4 matches.Watch the greatest insurance coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, along with pro analysis as well as every activity until the Grand Final deal with no ad-breaks during the course of play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Beginning your totally free test today > Finals Full week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU CAN BE PURCHASING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. Totally free and classified support call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or explore gamblinghelponline.org.au.No leading 4 teams in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 FIXTURE AS WELL AS SIXTY-FOUR-THOUSAND-DOLLAR QUESTION (All times AEST) PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to view on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Result Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What performs Ken perform with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Pussy-cat Tom Stewart is actually accurately well respected by Energy coach Ken Hinkley-- a great deal so that it's in fact been to his hinderance throughout the final two years. In each of Stewart's last three matches, the defender has been braced hard through Power pressure onward Jed McEntee, that very most recently held him to thirteen disposals in their straight match-- 3 of which were actually kick-ins. "Last opportunity, Jed McEntee was using him as a protective ahead, Stewart began as a half-backer and kept there for the video game-- (McEntee) definitely squashed his effect on the video game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown discussed on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "Stewart's been actually beginning a little even more via the midfield (given that Round 9), therefore McEntee will originate from half forward as well as rise to Stewart (if he participates in midfield)-- performs that mean that a Tuohy or perhaps a Jack Holly is able to receive alone as a plus one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's success on Stewart was the agitator for Tom Stewart moving in to the midfield for the back end of this particular season-- yet while the 23-year-old has identified him effectively at one end of the ground, he is actually however to perform the exact same in the midfield, which might paradoxically induce both coaches headaches structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has actually formerly been actually made use of as a negator of adversary super stars in the midfield and at deduction, yet more recently has been locating his very own footy as well as hurting competitors on misdemeanor. duty" This is among the earliest of gamers heading to Tom Stewart and stating: 'You're not possessing it on your conditions as you have for the final 4 or even 5 years, and also it became the incentive for change-- he received labelled out of this half-back placement," Melbourne fantastic Garry Lyon noted." McEntee's the one, and you wish to maintain Drew as the man that could keep Dangerfield accountable, specifically in contests," Buckley ended through saying. McEntee went back to the senior edge in Round 24 against Fremantle after a job in the SANFL, and has actually played thirteen games in 2024-- a lot of which have actually been as a protective forward in a function where the general stat slab doesn't inform the total tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been irregular, yet I presume he's visiting be necessary-- together with (Esava) Ratugolea ... especially against those really good intercept denoting gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort confident they may deal with personal injuries|01:48 Cats' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: How perform they stop Port's midfield?Chris Scott has been actually tested with a huge selection of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a player and coach, and Port Adelaide's this Thursday night will certainly be absolutely no exception.Power leader Connor Rozee leads an engine space that are going to have each of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Wines, Willem Drew and also Travis Boak running through it on Thursday evening-- leaving two-time premiership trainer Scott with a lot to think about." They've been prevalent all year it's an all-star midfield truly isn't it, specifically the midfielders. Horne-Francis boggled the mind in the 1st 40 mins to establish that significant lead because Round 9 game," Jonathan Brown stated to On The Sofa." Ollie Red Wines (has) possessed a wonderful year, as has Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- that I believe is actually the absolute most destructive midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge streamed Geelong entirely off the playground in the earlier part of the 2024 period, at some stage venturing out to an eight-goal top properly just before one-half time.The Kitties definitely conserved grace in the second fifty percent, and also almost turned the lead in a second-half surge at GMHBA Coliseum-- but at some point fell short through one significant." Geelong were in the middle of undergoing their mid-season depression (in Shot 9), as well as Slot Adelaide put some of their better efficiencies (all together), and they can put those world-class games with each other," Nathan Buckley carried on." Two essential losses though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring) as well as Dan Houston (revocation)-- they get a lot of their operate and also lug coming from there, to ensure that could be definitely problematic for Port Adelaide if they are actually shedding allowance," included Brown.And in addition to their reductions on a wing and fifty percent back, the Energy is going to additionally need to have to bandage for the potential surge that is Jeremy Cameron-- that has actually been in very seriously powerful leading into this year's finals series. A bag of 9 targets against North Melbourne and 6 versus Adelaide in his final four suits creates him a difficult task for most likely match-up Aliir Aliir, but it undoubtedly will not be foreign." Aliir Aliir did a pretty good task (on Cameron) final opportunity 18 disposals, 1.1 - not bad amounts for a key forward, yet he really did not possess any real influence on the activity," claimed Brown." Our experts have observed Jeremy Cameron produce chaos on hostility guardians when he gets right up the industry."" That is actually when he goes to his most hazardous think Friend Franklin when he stands up (the ground) as well as arcs back on his nigh side feet," Buckley ended up by saying.If the Cats can acquire the ball right into Cameron's palms-- no matter where he discovers themself around the ground-- they'll be actually every odds of securing a home preparatory final, yet their very first task will be actually to nullify Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" By the end of the day, if they're heading to copulate to premiership magnificence again, it's heading to be on the back of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to have to generate an additional enormous great September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's tip: Slot Adelaide by 15 pointsHow perform the Cats cease Horne-Francis & carbon monoxide?|05:16 WESTERN SIDE BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to see on Fox Footy: From 6:20 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' burning question: Perform they give up velocity for experience?Luke Beveridge has been toying with this question for many of the season, performs he trust his knowledgeable veterans to get the job done on the significant phase or even will he count on his younger brigade?Melbourne champion Garry Lyon regurgitated pair of names who could come under assortment warm this week, depending on what Beveridge determines to value more at the collection dining table in front of a must-win ultimate against the in-form Hawks." It is actually not all on Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel ... however you're betting a Hawthorn side (where) velocity kills," Lyon said on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Macrae rose from the replacement role for the clash versus the Giants in rounded 24, collecting 23 disposals as well as seven addresses, having generated 2 targets coming from 17 touches in limited time on ground the week just before against North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, another Canine that has actually been out-of-favour this year, has actually participated in the final 5 matches, finishing his final outing with 23 disposals and also an objective. However the Hawks do not hold back, they run as well as gun and leave behind no stone unchecked, which could possibly result in concerns for Beveridge and also his mentoring team. The similarity Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and also Josh Weddle are actually electric in the back half, regularly creating rebounding ride. The Hawks position second in the competition for post-clearance opposed property as well as are actually the best in the league at post-clearance ground balls. The Western side Bulldogs can extend a small Hawthorn protection, yet that carries out leave all of them along with a minimal capacity to emulate Hawthorn's operating video game. Thus, can they afford to participate in slower gamers up the ground given their tall visibility forward of facility? "You possess got to manage to match them, due to the fact that these 3 tall ahead, are they mosting likely to be able to operate half the ground and also try put some pressure on?" Lyon talked to. The Hawks stretched the Pets like they haven't been actually flexed prior to back in circular eight, however Collingwood champ Nathan Buckley believes the Bulldogs' showing versus the GWS Giants in Ballarat lately was actually a positive sign. "What I found coming from the Bulldogs two full weeks back, GWS love to participate in like that (fast footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and also lug is designed a bit about what the Giants have actually done the final number of years and the Bulldogs had the capacity to repress that along with strong pressure, and that is actually precisely what they are actually visiting need to do," Buckley said. Will certainly Bevo sacrifice speed for take in this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The 3 Large Pet dogs" These boys are actually visiting go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton ... they have actually resided in tearing nick ... I believe Aaron Naughton's obtained the prospective to actually leave the lead, a great deal interest's mosting likely to enter into the various other pair of."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs set to creature speedy Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' burning question: May they take care of Bulldogs' key forward mafia?The Hawks have actually looked vulnerable to major crucial forwards all time and the Canines have three downright weapons in that space. There is actually no doubt that the three-headed monster of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will possess given Hawks train Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this previous week. "These young boys are mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton-- I surmise Marcus Bontempelli will definitely extend all of them also as well as make an effort as well as acquire forward," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Over the last 7 matches, the Bulldogs trio have mixed for an average of 5.7 goals, 19.6 credit rating participations and 7.4 marks inside fifty per video game. "They have actually been in tearing chip ... I believe Aaron Naughton's got the prospective to truly get off the leash, a great deal attention's going to enter into the other two," Lyon added." The terrific point is also, those kids may divide and receive some one-on-one's, no question concerning it-- that makes the defensive individualized contests for Hawthorn's guardians critical," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown answered. Previously this period in Geelong's huge victory over the Hawks, Cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron created Mitchell and also his coaching personnel loads of migraines, booting 4.4 from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Frost, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw and also Josh Weddle are well and truly mosting likely to have their job suited them on Friday night. Offered the Hawks' susceptability down back offered the height differentials, succeeding the midfield battle will be actually of the upmost relevance. The Canines may possess the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and also Tom Liberatore, however Hawthorn's on-ball unit have actually certainly risen this period. The Hawks rate third in the competitors for objected to property, 6th for authorizations and also eighth for points from authorization differential. Admittedly the loss of super star midfielder Will Time is going to leave an open opening during that unit, but the similarity Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and also James Worpel are much more than efficient in rising in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, loves the huge phase and also is actually a premiership player currently. We understand that he's grown in this particular setting there certainly, I assume he acts with the Wizard and creates all kind of destruction down there during that rear one-half, the compare for all of them is actually going to be really significant."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's suggestion: Bulldogs through 20 pointsSicily opens up on finals argue v Canines|02:16 SYDNEY v GREATER western side SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to view on Fox Footy: Coming from 2:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' knotty question: Possess they received their mojo back?For an extended period of time this time, the Swans resembled it will just be a matter of time prior to they clinched the premiership. But some injuries behind time in the period viewed their energy standstill, gaining simply one match in between rounds 16 and also 21. "I think there is actually documentation in the last 3 full weeks that they did-- they went through that parch of 6 weeks between circular 16 and round 21 where they simply weren't capable to obtain it going they were one gain as well as five reductions in that time," Collingwood folklore Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "They offence hacked as well as spluttered, they were actually yielding territory and credit ratings from the return one-half and the approval game they rely on a great deal had not been there." But ever since, the encouragements have come in for the Swans which has actually been actually a big factor in order to why the Swans have uncovered their mojo. The Swans rated 3rd in the final 3 weeks of the period for aspects for, 4th for points conceded coming from the protective fifty percent and also ninth for approval differential, major remodelings from 13th, 17th and 18th in the course of that six-week kind rut. "Component of that (modification in type) has actually managed to get 2 of their celebrities back into the layer after missing major chunks of the year," he continued.Those 2 celebrities are actually proficient Luke Parker and also captain Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, bit of facility bounce, moves forward, has been striking the scoreboard and also influencing at clearance," Buckley stated." The various other one is Callum Mills, that just before he headed out, he was actually a genuine midfielder, perhaps on an airfoil ... now he's gone back to where he reduced his pearly whites, which is generally experiencing goal, half-back, good obstruct denoting player, wants to manage to take that game on-- I believe they have actually been able to bring those boys back into the fold truly well." The Swans are actually set to obtain a superstar quartet of guns back before their certifying last against the Giants. Guardian Tom McCartin as well as gun midfielder Isaac Heeney are going to both come back after being dealt with in the last video game of the home and away period, while forward Tom Papley (ankle) as well as the versatile Justin McInerney (leg) are additionally very likely to become recollected. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is 90% fit, the remainder of his body system, his thoughts, he's been rested, he'll come back in as well as he delivers energy and stimulate, he's cherry ripe ready to go in September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans timid on finals varieties|02:16 Giants' knotty question: Can easily they quit the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are actually up and operating, they're probably the hardest staff to stop in the competition. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and his coaching workers will require to locate a way to stop Sydney's capability to switch the round coming from protective fifty to the aggressive half if they are to be belong a discharge of success on Sunday. "Their back-half ball make use of begs the concern of Adam Kingsley-- just how do they stop all of them coming from having the ability to slingshot, since that's heading to be actually the question that the Giants need to address," Buckley pointed out. In their pair of trips against the Swans this period, the Giants yielded 51 as well as 33 points coming from the defensive one-half. "They have actually been actually a best team at slashing coming from the rear one-half as well as the Giants will definitely desire to cut that Sydney supply definitely promptly as well as score off main one-half turnovers as high as they perhaps can," Buckley proceeded. The Swans have a wide variety of super stars in their stable, consisting of 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and also Nick Blakey.That's why the potential accessibility of tagger Toby Bedford will definitely be actually crucial.Bedford, a discovery this initiative, carried out a significant job of negating Warner in their round 15 clash, restricting the superstar Swan to only 18 disposals throughout the 89 moments they were actually compared. Will Kingsley provide his top tagger the duty of ceasing Detector again recently?" I presume you require to be capable to do the work, the interest in Gulden is actually perhaps you only can refrain from doing the job since he operates therefore hard," Buckley stated." They've got lots of weapons that they'll need to watch on yet thus do the Giants." Buckley threw the onslaught up to the Giants' on-ball brigade to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, particularly provided they dropped that struggle on both affairs this year.In both matches, the Swans succeeded the objected to property, clearances and also aspects coming from open spaces convincingly." Just how good is that for Adam Kingsley to be able to throw that to his midfield group and say this is what you are actually heading to be actually gauged by," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have actually won all three finals match-ups versus the Swans in their quick background as well as along with a preparatory final place on the line, there are going to be no lack of inspiration for either side happened Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It is actually been three weeks because he participated in an activity, when he obtained concussed late in last year's initial final versus Collingwood, he was actually the gamer that was probably to damage it open, because they wished to launch him from his half-forward duty and discover that gone through the midfield, his final month of footy's been massive."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's recommendation: Sydney by thirteen pointsHiding in bare sight - Are actually 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 along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Port Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' burning question: Just how do they receive the video game on their terms?Brisbane's best is actually completely electrical, however their worst isn't terrific on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will emerge on Saturday evening and around this year's finals collection? The Lions have actually been a powerful halt edge across 2024, but Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown points out the club would certainly be actually far better off making an effort to produce the video game fast-flowing so as to exploit an underdone Carlton side. "I presume a sphere activity game will be actually actually nice, especially versus an obstructed or undoubtedly underdone Carlton crew. When they can easily obtain their round motion video game going, they are actually the top crew in the competition for this," Brown informed Fox Footy's On The Sofa." They create with uncontested marks, however it is actually an easy design," he added.The Lions started like a home on fire in their Position Around clash versus cry, starting seven targets in the initial fourth to create a 31-point lead at half-time, prior to cry overran them in the 2nd one-half." In the position around in the 1st one-fourth, Carlton could possibly certainly not quit Brisbane coming from getting from their back fifty percent as well as they racked up intensely coming from the back half, before it then definitely flipped," Buckley mentioned." Brisbane would certainly wish to find a bunch of what they got early in the opening round as well as certainly not a lot of what they entered the 2nd one-half along with the Blues coming back."" Do not come under the trap of presuming they play a sluggish activity if they take 120 proofs as well as it is actually visiting be a fast track apex, it is actually mosting likely to be actually 30 strange levels," Brown replied.The Lions will certainly reclaim defensive duo Brandon Starcevich as well as Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will certainly be indispensable for Chris Fagan's side, as are going to fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and also Willpower Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko are going to be actually important off half-back as they seek to move the sphere with attempt and also dash, as are going to younger weapon Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Accurate goalkicking" The Lions have actually resided in all-time low four crews for precision facing objective for the period ... this is why they weren't a top four staff because they miss out on vital tries."-- Jonathan BrownLions assuming complete durability Blues side|01:41 Blues' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: How many coming back players is very many?Coaches often possess major struggles at the variety table currently of year, yet Michael Voss truly possesses half a dozen to emulate. The Blues may be strengthened due to the yield of 8 odds-on-favorite gamers, but how many is actually a lot of to recover in in front of a large must-win final?" I do not assume there is actually a details variety, but I tend to agree with some of the discourse that you will be reluctant to share people that have actually possessed delicate tissue traumas," Brown said.Brown did certainly not hesitate when talked to if he would include paired high rises Charlie Curnow (ankle joint) and Harry McKay (quad), but the various other decisions weren't not automatically as very clear cut.Brown claimed he would participate in protector Mitch McGovern and utility Zac Williams ought to they recover over time from their particular hamstring traumas, however would not play Port Martin, Tom De Koning or Adam Cerra provided their specific problems. The Blues validated on Tuesday that inspiring former captain Sam Docherty would certainly create his profit from an ACL personal injury in a large increase for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will definitely come back for the crisis clash merely 183 times after he ruptured his ACL versus the very same edge in Position Round. "He is actually put a considerable amount of effort and time in to getting back, and also when you prepare your mind to something-- he's the enthusiastic type to acquire it carried out," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering mentioned on Tuesday." The young boys were actually stired and I'm sure he'll do a job for our team this weekend." The Blues posted a video of leader Patrick Cripps sharing the information while gamers were in the pool, along with Docherty's colleagues quickly flocking towards him and launching him in the air. There's certainly that Docherty's yield will certainly provide both an on-field boost to Voss' edge, yet additionally an emotional one.There's a fine line though in between generating superstar quality players, potentially underdone, as well as interrupting staff chemistry.Undoubtedly mostly all of the eight gamers pointed out above are most ideal 23, yet the number of can Voss certainly bring in come crew selection?All eyes will definitely perform cry when crews drop at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He is actually the man with the superman jumper on his back ... he hasn't been actually very dominant (against the Lions over the last), I count on Josh Dunkley to go to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's suggestion: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor makes marvelous profit|00:33.