.In the area of one round, 18 clubs has actually come to be 8 - as the most stunning time of the AFL time begins on Thursday evening using finals footy. And also keeping that, the microscopic lense on those that stay has only heightened as they chase the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Sofa staff on Monday night scrutinized every group's largest inquiry, and also highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals collection - as well as a suggestion for the four matches.Watch the greatest coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with expert study and also every game till the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during the course of play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your complimentary trial today > Finals Full week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU CAN BE BUYING INSTEAD. Free of charge and also confidential support phone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or go to gamblinghelponline.org.au.No best four crews in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 COMPONENT AS WELL AS KNOTTY QUESTION (All times AEST) PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to view on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Mark Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What carries out Ken finish with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Kitty Tom Stewart is clearly effectively respected through Energy trainer Ken Hinkley-- a great deal so that it's in fact been to his hinderance throughout the final pair of years. In each of Stewart's last 3 suits, the protector has been actually secured hard through Electrical power tension forward Jed McEntee, that very most lately carried him to thirteen disposals in their straight match-- 3 of which were actually kick-ins. "Final opportunity, Jed McEntee was playing on him as a protective ahead, Stewart started as a half-backer and kept there for the activity-- (McEntee) actually nullified his impact on the video game," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown explained on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "Stewart's been starting a bit even more with the midfield (due to the fact that Shot 9), therefore McEntee will originate from half ahead as well as rise to Stewart (if he plays midfield)-- does that method that a Tuohy or perhaps a Port Henry has the capacity to get alone as a plus one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's excellence on Stewart was the agitator for Tom Stewart moving in to the midfield for the backside of this period-- but while the 23-year-old has tagged him efficiently at some end of the ground, he's however to do the exact same in the midfield, which can paradoxically create each coaches problems structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has previously been used as a negator of opponent superstars in the midfield and also at interruption, yet extra recently has actually been finding his own footy as well as harming rivals on infraction. task" This is one of the earliest of gamers heading to Tom Stewart and claiming: 'You're not having it on your conditions as you have for the final four or five years, and it came to be the motivation for modification-- he received tagged out of this half-back placement," Melbourne great Garry Lyon took note." McEntee's the one, as well as you intend to maintain Drew as the individual who might maintain Dangerfield answerable, specifically in competitions," Buckley ended by saying. McEntee went back to the senior side in Sphere 24 versus Fremantle after an assignment in the SANFL, as well as has actually participated in 13 activities in 2024-- a lot of which have actually been actually as a protective onward in a function where the general stat piece does not say to the complete tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been actually inconsistent, yet I believe he's mosting likely to be important-- along with (Esava) Ratugolea ... specifically versus those excellent intercept denoting gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort positive they can cover traumas|01:48 Kitties' knotty question: How do they cease Slot's midfield?Chris Scott has been actually tested with a plethora of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a player and also instructor, as well as Port Adelaide's this Thursday night will definitely be positively no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads an engine area that will definitely possess 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 instructor Scott along with a lot to think about." They've been dominant all year it is actually an all-star midfield definitely isn't it, particularly the midfielders. Horne-Francis was unbelievable in the initial 40 mins to set up that major top because Around 9 game," Jonathan Brown said to On The Sofa." Ollie Red Or White Wines (has) had an excellent year, as has Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- that I assume is actually one of the most harmful midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge blew Geelong completely off the park in the earlier aspect of the 2024 time, at some phase going out to an eight-goal lead well just before fifty percent time.The Pussy-cats certainly conserved grace in the second one-half, as well as nearly flipped the top in a second-half surge at GMHBA Arena-- however eventually fell short by one primary." Geelong resided in the middle of undergoing their mid-season rut (in Shot 9), and also Port Adelaide placed among their far better performances (together), as well as they can easily place those elite games all together," Nathan Buckley continued." Two vital losses though for Port Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hindering) and also Dan Houston (suspension)-- they obtain a considerable amount of their operate and also bring from there, to make sure that could be really troublesome for Port Adelaide if they're dropping clearance," incorporated Brown.And aside from their reductions on a wing and also fifty percent back, the Electrical power will also need to bandage for the possible blast that is Jeremy Cameron-- who has been in truly strong leading into this year's finals series. A bag of nine objectives against North Melbourne and also 6 versus Adelaide in his last four suits creates him a complicated task for probably match-up Aliir Aliir, however it absolutely won't be actually international." Aliir Aliir did a good job (on Cameron) last time 18 disposals, 1.1 - not bad numbers for an essential ahead, however he didn't possess any kind of actual effect on the video game," said Brown." We have actually viewed Jeremy Cameron develop mayhem on resistance defenders when he gets right up the area."" That is actually when he's at his very most harmful presume Colleague Franklin when he stands up (the ground) and also arcs back on his remaining feet," Buckley finished through saying.If the Cats can obtain the ball into Cameron's palms-- any place he discovers himself all around the ground-- they'll be every odds of protecting a home initial final, yet their initial activity will be to scratch Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" By the end of the time, if they are actually going to copulate to premiership magnificence once more, it is actually going to be actually on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to have to generate another mighty great September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's tip: Port Adelaide through 15 pointsHow perform the Pet cats cease Horne-Francis & co?|05:16 WESTERN SIDE BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to see on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:20 pm along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Perform they lose rate for experience?Luke Beveridge has been dabbling this question for a lot of the period, does he trust his knowledgeable pros to finish the job on the major phase or even will certainly he look to his more youthful brigade?Melbourne champion Garry Lyon regurgitated pair of names who might come under collection warm this week, depending on what Beveridge decides to value even more at the selection dining table before a must-win final against the in-form Hawks." It's not all on Jack Macrae as well as Caleb Daniel ... but you are actually betting a Hawthorn side (where) rate gets rid of," Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Macrae was elevated from the replacement job for the clash versus the Giants in rounded 24, collecting 23 disposals and also 7 tackles, having actually generated two targets coming from 17 contacts in restricted time on ground the full week before against North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, yet another Pet that has been out-of-favour this year, has actually played the final 5 suits, finishing his last outing along with 23 fingertips and an objective. But the Hawks do not hold off, they operate and also gun and leave no rock unchecked, which could possibly induce troubles for Beveridge as well as his coaching staff. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and also Josh Weddle are power in the rear half, constantly producing recoiling travel. The Hawks rate 2nd in the competitors for post-clearance contested belongings and also are actually the greatest in the league at post-clearance ground spheres. The Western Bulldogs can easily stretch an undersized Hawthorn support, however that does leave all of them along with a restricted potential to emulate Hawthorn's running activity. Therefore, can they pay for to play slower players up the ground provided their high presence onward of facility? "You possess got to have the capacity to match them, due to the fact that these three high ahead, are they mosting likely to be able to operate half the ground and also attempt put some stress on?" Lyon inquired. The Hawks flexed the Pet dogs like they haven't been actually flexed just before back in rounded eight, however Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley strongly believes the Bulldogs' showing against the GWS Giants in Ballarat lately was a beneficial indicator. "What I viewed from the Bulldogs pair of weeks earlier, GWS love to play like that (swift footy) - Hawthorn, their run and bring is designed a little about what the Giants have actually done the last number of years as well as the Bulldogs had the capacity to contrain that along with intense stress, which's exactly what they're visiting have to carry out," Buckley stated. Will definitely Bevo reparation velocity for experience this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The 3 Major Dogs" These children are actually mosting likely to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton ... they have actually resided in ripping scar ... I think Aaron Naughton's obtained the potential to definitely get off the lead, a lot attention's mosting likely to enter the various other pair of."-- Garry LyonBig Canine set to beast rapid Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' burning question: May they manage Bulldogs' essential onward mafia?The Hawks have looked susceptible to large crucial ahead all season and the Pets possess 3 outright tools during that room. There is actually certainly that the three-headed creature of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy as well as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will have provided Hawks train Sam Mitchell some sleep deprived evenings this previous fortnight. "These kids are visiting go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton-- I surmise Marcus Bontempelli will certainly extend them too and try as well as obtain onward," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon pointed out on Fox Footy's On The Couch. Over the last seven matches, the Bulldogs trio have actually integrated for around 5.7 targets, 19.6 score involvements as well as 7.4 marks inside 50 per video game. "They have actually been in tearing nick ... I presume Aaron Naughton's acquired the prospective to actually get off the chain, a lot attention's mosting likely to enter into the other two," Lyon added." The terrific thing is too, those children may separate and obtain some individualized's, no doubt about it-- that makes the protective one-on-one contests for Hawthorn's protectors essential," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown answered. Previously this time in Geelong's huge victory over the Hawks, Cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron resulted in Mitchell as well as his mentoring team plenty of headaches, booting 4.4 coming from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Frost, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw as well as Josh Weddle are actually effectively and really visiting have their job cut out for them on Friday evening. Provided the Hawks' susceptability down back provided the level differentials, winning the midfield battle will be actually of the upmost value. The Pets could possess the household names in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and also Tom Liberatore, but Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have definitely stood up this time. The Hawks rank 3rd in the competitors for contested possession, 6th for authorizations and also eighth for points coming from authorization differential. Unquestionably the reduction of super star midfielder Are going to Day will certainly leave an open opening in that unit, however the similarity Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash as well as James Worpel are actually more than efficient in standing up in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Jack Ginnivan" Anzac Time Medallist, really loves the significant stage as well as is actually a premiership player already. We know that he's grown in this environment there certainly, I believe he acts along with the Wizard and also makes all kind of destruction down certainly there in that rear half, the pair up for them is mosting likely to be actually truly notable."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's idea: Bulldogs by 20 pointsSicily opens on finals conflict v Pet dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v GREATER western side SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to watch on Fox Footy: Coming from 2:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Possess they obtained their mojo back?For a long period of time this period, the Swans resembled it would only refer opportunity before they clinched the premiership. But some personal injuries late in the time viewed their drive halt, gaining simply one match between cycles 16 and also 21. "I believe there's proof in the final 3 full weeks that they carried out-- they experienced that parch of 6 full weeks between rounded 16 as well as circular 21 where they just weren't capable to obtain it going they were one win and also five reductions because time," Collingwood tale Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "They offence coughed as well as spluttered, they were conceding region and ratings coming from the back fifty percent and also the authorization game they rely on a lot wasn't there certainly." Yet ever since, the supports have actually gotten there for the Swans which has actually been actually a major explanation regarding why the Swans have uncovered their mojo. The Swans positioned third in the final three weeks of the time for points for, fourth for points conceded coming from the defensive one-half and ninth for authorization differential, significant renovations from 13th, 17th as well as 18th in the course of that six-week form depression. "Portion of that (modification in form) has actually had the ability to get 2 of their celebrities back in to the crease after missing out on big pieces of the year," he continued.Those two superstars are actually seasoned Luke Parker and also leader Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's returned, little bit of centre bounce, goes forward, has actually been actually reaching the scoreboard and impacting at authorization," Buckley mentioned." The other one is actually Callum Mills, who prior to he went out, he was a legitimate midfielder, perhaps on an airfoil ... but now he's gotten back to where he reduced his teeth, which is actually generally encountering target, half-back, great obstruct denoting player, wishes to manage to take that game on-- I believe they have actually been able to deliver those boys back right into the fold really effectively." The Swans are actually set to acquire a super star quartet of weapons back in advance of their qualifying last versus the Giants. Guardian Tom McCartin as well as weapon midfielder Isaac Heeney will both return after being actually taken care of in the final game of the home and away period, while ahead Tom Papley (ankle joint) as well as the extremely versatile Justin McInerney (leg) are likewise most likely to be remembered. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle is 90% match, the remainder of his physical body, his thoughts, he's been actually rested, he'll return in and also he provides electricity as well as stimulate, he is actually cherry mature all set to use September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans coy on finals options|02:16 Giants' knotty question: Can they quit the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are actually up and also running, they're probably the hardest group to stop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and also his mentoring personnel are going to require to find a way to quit Sydney's ability to switch the sphere from defensive 50 to the forward one-half if they are to become in with a shot of victory on Sunday. "Their back-half round usage asks the question of Adam Kingsley-- just how perform they avoid all of them coming from managing to slingshot, since that is actually heading to be actually the concern that the Giants need to have to answer," Buckley mentioned. In their two getaways against the Swans this time, the Giants yielded 51 and 33 points from the protective fifty percent. "They have actually been actually an elite staff at slashing coming from the rear half and the Giants will desire to cut that Sydney source actually quickly and slash off front one-half turn overs as long as they probably can," Buckley continued. The Swans possess a myriad of super stars in their steady, including 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Detector and also Chip Blakey.That's why the prospective availability of tagger Toby Bedford will definitely be actually crucial.Bedford, a revelation this campaign, carried out a tremendous task of voiding Detector in their round 15 clash, confining the star Swan to just 18 fingertips during the 89 moments they were paired up. Will Kingsley give his top tagger the duty of ceasing Warner again today?" I presume you need to have to be able to carry out the job, the interest in Gulden is actually maybe you only may refrain from doing the task because he functions thus hard," Buckley pointed out." They have actually acquired a lot of tools that they'll have to keep an eye on yet thus do the Giants." Buckley tossed the onslaught down to the Giants' on-ball brigade to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, particularly offered they shed that struggle on each affairs this year.In both suits, the Swans succeeded the contended possession, clearances as well as aspects coming from open spaces well." Exactly how great is actually that for Adam Kingsley to become capable to throw that to his midfield group as well as claim this is what you're going to be determined through," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have won all 3 finals match-ups against the Swans in their quick history and along with an initial ultimate place on the line, there will be no deficiency of inspiration for either side come Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It's been actually three weeks given that he participated in a game, when he acquired concussed behind time in last year's preliminary last against Collingwood, he was actually the gamer that was actually most likely to crack it open, because they would like to release him coming from his half-forward part and also discover that run through the midfield, his final month of footy's been huge."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's tip: Sydney by thirteen pointsHiding in bare view - Are actually Swans support?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to see on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jack Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Just how perform they obtain the activity on their terms?Brisbane's finest is actually absolutely electrical, however their worst isn't wonderful on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will develop on Sunday night and also all over this year's finals series? The Lions have been a strong discontinuance side around 2024, yet Brisbane champ Jonathan Brown mentions the club will be actually better off trying to create the activity fast-flowing if you want to manipulate an underdone Carlton side. "I assume a round motion activity would certainly be truly good, specifically against a hindered or even definitely underdone Carlton staff. When they can easily get their sphere action activity going, they're the number one crew in the competition for this," Brown told Fox Footy's On The Chair." They develop by means of easy marks, but it is actually a simple type," he added.The Lions started like a property on fire in their Position Sphere clash against the Blues, booting 7 targets in the initial quarter to establish a 31-point lead at half-time, before the Blues overwhelm all of them in the 2nd one-half." In the position around in the 1st fourth, Carlton could not cease Brisbane coming from getting from their back one-half as well as they scored heavily coming from the rear fifty percent, before it after that obviously flipped," Buckley stated." Brisbane would certainly plan to see a considerable amount of what they acquired early in the opening around as well as certainly not a considerable amount of what they got in the 2nd half with the Blues going back."" Don't come under the trap of thinking they participate in a slow-moving activity if they take 120 proofs as well as it is actually going to be a fast track up there, it's mosting likely to be 30 weird degrees," Brown replied.The Lions will definitely restore defensive duo Brandon Starcevich and Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Double Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will definitely be integral for Chris Fagan's edge, as will fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and Willpower Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will be actually essential off half-back as they seek to move the round with attempt as well as scurry, as are going to young weapon Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Exact goalkicking" The Lions have been in all-time low 4 groups for precision facing goal for the period ... this is why they weren't a top four group because they miss crucial tries."-- Jonathan BrownLions anticipating full durability Woe side|01:41 Woes' burning question: The number of returning gamers is extremely many?Coaches commonly have significant battles at the option table right now of year, but Michael Voss absolutely possesses six to emulate. Cry could be boosted by the profit of 8 front runner players, yet the amount of is way too many to revive in in front of a massive must-win final?" I don't presume there is actually a particular number, however I have a tendency to agree with some of the comments that you will hesitate to share individuals that have actually had delicate cells accidents," Brown said.Brown carried out certainly not think twice when asked if he will feature twin high rises Charlie Curnow (ankle) and also Harry McKay (quad), yet the various other decisions weren't not essentially as very clear cut.Brown claimed he would play guardian Mitch McGovern as well as utility Zac Williams must they recoup in time coming from their corresponding hamstring personal injuries, yet would not play Jack Martin, Tom De Koning or Adam Cerra offered their private problems. The Blues confirmed on Tuesday that inspirational former captain Sam Docherty would make his return coming from an ACL accident in a huge increase for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will definitely come back for the problem clash merely 183 times after he burst his ACL versus the same side in Position Cycle. "He is actually placed a lot of effort and time in to getting back, and once you establish your thoughts to one thing-- he's the inspired kind to acquire it performed," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering pointed out on Tuesday." The kids were stired and I make sure he'll do a job for us this weekend break." Cry published a video clip of captain Patrick Cripps discussing the updates while players were in the swimming pool, with Docherty's allies swiftly gathering towards him and also launching him in the air. There is actually no question that Docherty's profit will provide both an on-field improvement to Voss' edge, yet additionally an emotional one.There's an alright pipe though in between generating celebrity top quality players, likely underdone, as well as interrupting group chemistry.Undoubtedly nearly all of the 8 players stated above are most ideal 23, however the number of can Voss conceivably produce come staff selection?All eyes will certainly get on the Blues when staffs drop at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the guy with the a super hero jumper on his back ... he hasn't been super leading (against the Lions before), I count on Josh Dunkley to head to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's tip: Cougars through 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor creates amazing yield|00:33.