.In the area of one shot, 18 clubs has become 8 - as the most gorgeous opportunity of the AFL time begins on Thursday evening using finals footy. As well as with that, the microscope on those who remain has just magnified as they go after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Chair staff on Monday night studied every club's greatest inquiry, and also highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals series - along with a pointer for the four matches.Watch the best protection of the 2024 AFL finals, with professional review and every activity till the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Beginning your totally free test today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MIGHT BE BUYING RATHER. Absolutely free as well as private assistance phone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.No leading four teams in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 FIXTURE AND ALSO SIXTY-FOUR-THOUSAND-DOLLAR QUESTION (All times AEST) PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to check out on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Mark Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What does Ken make with Tom Stewart?Five- opportunity All-Australian Feline Tom Stewart is precisely effectively appreciated by Energy train Ken Hinkley-- so much to ensure it's actually been actually to his detriment all over the final 2 years. In each of Stewart's last 3 matches, the defender has actually been secured hard by Energy tension onward Jed McEntee, that most just recently held him to thirteen fingertips in their straight match-- 3 of which were kick-ins. "Last opportunity, Jed McEntee was actually using him as a defensive ahead, Stewart began as a half-backer and also stayed there for the game-- (McEntee) really scratched his influence on the video game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown clarified on Fox Footy's On The Couch. "Stewart's been actually beginning a little extra via the midfield (since Round 9), so McEntee will come from half forward as well as climb to Stewart (if he participates in midfield)-- performs that way that a Tuohy or perhaps a Jack Holly has the capacity to obtain alone as an additionally one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's excellence on Stewart was the agitator for Tom Stewart moving into the midfield for the back end of this particular time-- but while the 23-year-old has actually marked him successfully at some end of the ground, he is actually however to perform the same in the midfield, which might ironically trigger both instructors headaches structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has actually formerly been utilized as a negator of opposition celebrities in the midfield as well as at deduction, yet even more recently has been finding his very own footy as well as harming competitors on offense. job" This is one of the earliest of players visiting Tom Stewart as well as mentioning: 'You are actually not possessing it on your conditions as you have for the final four or 5 years, and also it became the incentive for adjustment-- he got labelled out of this half-back posture," Melbourne excellent Garry Lyon took note." McEntee's the one, as well as you wish to always keep Drew as the fella that could always keep Dangerfield liable, specifically in competitions," Buckley finished through mentioning. McEntee returned to the elderly side in Around 24 against Fremantle after a stint in the SANFL, as well as has actually participated in 13 games in 2024-- most of which have actually been as a defensive onward in a part where the generic stat slab does not inform the total story of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been irregular, yet I presume he's going to be crucial-- in addition to (Esava) Ratugolea ... especially versus those great intercept denoting gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort certain they can easily cover personal injuries|01:48 Cats' burning question: Just how perform they cease Port's midfield?Chris Scott has been challenged along with a plethora of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a player and coach, and Port Adelaide's this Thursday evening will be positively no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads a motor space that will definitely have all of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Red Or White Wines, Willem Drew and Travis Boak going through it on Thursday evening-- leaving two-time premiership coach Scott with a lot to plan for." They've been actually prevalent all year it's an all-star midfield truly isn't it, specifically the midfielders. Horne-Francis was unbelievable in the initial 40 minutes to establish that big lead during that Sphere 9 game," Jonathan Brown claimed to On The Couch." Ollie Red Or White Wines (possesses) possessed an amazing year, as possesses Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- who I presume is actually one of the most destructive midfielder in the competitors." Ken Hinkley's edge streamed Geelong absolutely off the playground in the earlier aspect of the 2024 time, at one phase venturing out to an eight-goal top properly prior to fifty percent time.The Cats certainly spared style in the 2nd fifty percent, as well as virtually turned the top in a second-half surge at GMHBA Stadium-- however inevitably failed by one primary." Geelong were in the midst of going through their mid-season depression (in Round 9), and Port Adelaide put some of their much better efficiencies (all together), and they can place those world-class video games with each other," Nathan Buckley continued." Two essential reductions though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring muscle) and also Dan Houston (revocation)-- they acquire a considerable amount of their run and also lug from there, to make sure that could be truly problematic for Slot Adelaide if they are actually shedding clearance," included Brown.And besides their losses on a segment and also fifty percent back, the Energy will certainly also require to brace for the potential surge that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- who has remained in very seriously solid leading into this year's finals series. A bag of 9 objectives versus North Melbourne and also six against Adelaide in his final four matches creates him an overwhelming activity for very likely match-up Aliir Aliir, yet it definitely won't be actually overseas." Aliir Aliir carried out a respectable project (on Cameron) last time 18 fingertips, 1.1 - okay varieties for a vital ahead, but he didn't have any sort of actual effect on the activity," said Brown." Our company have observed Jeremy Cameron make destruction on resistance guardians when he gets right up the area."" That's when he's at his most risky think Pal Franklin when he gets up (the ground) and arcs back on his left side feet," Buckley finished by saying.If the Cats can acquire the reception in to Cameron's hands-- anywhere he locates himself about the ground-- they'll be every chance of protecting a home initial ultimate, but their 1st task will be actually to nullify Slot's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" In the end of the time, if they're visiting copulate to premiership splendor once again, it is actually mosting likely to be actually on the back of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to have to generate one more enormous alright September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's suggestion: Port Adelaide by 15 pointsHow perform the Pet cats quit Horne-Francis & co?|05:16 WESTERN SIDE BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to watch on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:20 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Perform they compromise velocity for experience?Luke Beveridge has been toying with this question for most of the season, performs he trust his professional experts to do the job on the significant phase or even will definitely he count on his more youthful brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon regurgitated pair of names who might come under choice heat this week, depending on what Beveridge chooses to value additional at the selection table in advance of a must-win last against the in-form Hawks." It's not all on Jack Macrae and also Caleb Daniel ... however you are actually playing against a Hawthorn side (where) speed eliminates," Lyon claimed on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Macrae rose coming from the replacement job for the clash against the Giants in rounded 24, building up 23 fingertips as well as seven takes on, having actually collected pair of objectives from 17 contacts in limited time on ground the full week prior to versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, one more Canine who has actually been out-of-favour this year, has participated in the final 5 suits, finishing his last outing with 23 fingertips and a target. However the Hawks don't hold back, they operate and also gun as well as leave behind no rock unturned, which can result in complications for Beveridge and also his mentoring team. The similarity Jarman Impey, Karl Amon as well as Josh Weddle are electric in the back half, continuously generating recoiling ride. The Hawks rank second in the competition for post-clearance contested belongings as well as are actually the very best in the rank at post-clearance ground rounds. The Western Bulldogs may flex a small Hawthorn protection, but that performs leave all of them with a minimal capacity to emulate Hawthorn's operating video game. So, can they pay for to play slower gamers up the ground provided their tall existence onward of center? "You've come to manage to match them, due to the fact that these 3 high ahead, are they going to be able to manage half the ground and attempt place some stress on?" Lyon asked. The Hawks flexed the Canines like they haven't been flexed just before back in round 8, however Collingwood champ Nathan Buckley strongly believes the Bulldogs' showing versus the GWS Giants in Ballarat just recently was actually a positive sign. "What I found from the Bulldogs 2 full weeks back, GWS affection to participate in like that (fast footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and bring is actually created a bit about what the Giants have actually performed the last number of years and also the Bulldogs had the capacity to contrain that with strong tension, which is actually specifically what they are actually heading to have to do," Buckley claimed. Are going to Bevo sacrifice velocity for encounter this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The Three Huge Canines" These young boys are heading to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton ... they have actually remained in tearing chip ... I think Aaron Naughton's acquired the potential to really leave the lead, so much focus's heading to enter into the various other pair of."-- Garry LyonBig Canine set to beast rapid Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: May they manage Bulldogs' crucial ahead mafia?The Hawks have actually looked prone to significant key ahead all period as well as the Pets possess 3 outright tools in that space. There is actually certainly that the three-headed monster of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy as well as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would possess provided Hawks coach Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this past fortnight. "These boys are mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton-- I assume Marcus Bontempelli will certainly stretch them also and also attempt and also get forward," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Over the last 7 matches, the Bulldogs trio have actually blended for an average of 5.7 targets, 19.6 rating participations and 7.4 proofs inside 50 per game. "They've been in ripping nick ... I presume Aaron Naughton's acquired the potential to really leave the lead, so much interest's mosting likely to enter into the various other two," Lyon included." The terrific thing is too, those boys may separate and obtain some individualized's, no doubt regarding it-- that makes the protective one-on-one competitions for Hawthorn's defenders important," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown responded. Earlier this season in Geelong's major success over the Hawks, Kitties spearhead Jeremy Cameron caused Mitchell and also his coaching workers lots of headaches, booting 4.4 coming from 19 fingertips. The likes of Sam Freeze, James Sicily, Port Scrimshaw and also Josh Weddle are actually properly and absolutely visiting have their work good for them on Friday night. Provided the Hawks' weakness down back offered the height differents, gaining the midfield fight is going to be of the upmost usefulness. The Canines may possess the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar as well as Tom Liberatore, but Hawthorn's on-ball unit have actually definitely stood this season. The Hawks rate third in the competition for contested property, sixth for authorizations and 8th for scores from clearance differential. Undoubtedly the loss of superstar midfielder Are going to Day will certainly leave behind a gaping opening because system, but the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and also James Worpel are much more than efficient in standing up in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, enjoys the big phase and is a premiership gamer actually. We understand that he is actually thrived in this setting certainly there, I presume he gets in there with the Wizard and creates all kind of mayhem down there because rear fifty percent, the pair up for all of them is actually visiting be actually actually significant."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's pointer: Bulldogs through 20 pointsSicily opens up on finals clash v Pet dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v HIGHER WESTERN SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to enjoy on Fox Footy: Coming from 2:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' burning question: Have they obtained their mojo back?For a substantial period of time this season, the Swans appeared like it would merely be a matter of opportunity before they clinched the premiership. However some accidents behind time in the period observed their momentum standstill, winning merely one suit between rounds 16 and also 21. "I assume there's proof in the final 3 weeks that they performed-- they went through that parch of six full weeks between rounded 16 and round 21 where they only weren't able to get it going they were one succeed and five reductions during that time," Collingwood tale Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Couch. "They offence coughed as well as spluttered, they were conceding region and scores from the back fifty percent and also the authorization activity they depend on a great deal had not been certainly there." However ever since, the supports have gotten there for the Swans which has been actually a big reason as to why the Swans have actually discovered their mojo. The Swans positioned third in the ultimate 3 full weeks of the period for aspects for, fourth for points conceded from the protective fifty percent as well as nine for authorization differential, significant enhancements from 13th, 17th as well as 18th during the course of that six-week form depression. "Portion of that (modification in type) has actually had the capacity to obtain two of their superstars back in to the fold after overlooking huge portions of the year," he continued.Those 2 superstars are veteran Luke Parker and also leader Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's come back, small amount of center bounce, moves forward, has actually been actually hitting the scoreboard as well as impacting at authorization," Buckley claimed." The various other one is actually Callum Mills, who before he headed out, he was a genuine midfielder, perhaps on an airfoil ... today he is actually gone back to where he cut his teeth, which is basically facing target, half-back, really good obstruct marking gamer, would like to manage to take that game on-- I think they have actually been able to deliver those young boys back right into the fold definitely well." The Swans are set to receive a super star quartet of guns back before their qualifying ultimate against the Giants. Guardian Tom McCartin and also gun midfielder Isaac Heeney will definitely both return after being actually handled in the final activity of the home as well as away season, while forward Tom Papley (ankle) and also the extremely versatile Justin McInerney (knee) are actually also most likely to become remembered. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is 90% fit, the remainder of his physical body, his thoughts, he's been relaxed, he'll come back in as well as he delivers power as well as trigger, he's cherry mature all set to enter September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans shy on finals choices|02:16 Giants' knotty question: May they quit the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are actually up and also running, they are actually perhaps the hardest group to stop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and also his training team will need to have to discover a way to cease Sydney's potential to switch the round from defensive fifty to the forward half if they are actually to be belong a shot of success on Sunday. "Their back-half ball use begs the concern of Adam Kingsley-- exactly how perform they avoid them coming from being able to slingshot, since that is actually visiting be actually the question that the Giants need to have to respond to," Buckley claimed. In their 2 trips against the Swans this period, the Giants conceded 51 and also thirty three points coming from the protective fifty percent. "They have been actually a best staff at scoring from the rear one-half and also the Giants will wish to cut that Sydney source actually rapidly as well as slash off main half turnovers as high as they possibly can," Buckley continued. The Swans possess a plethora of super stars in their secure, featuring 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Detector and Nick Blakey.That's why the potential availability of tagger Toby Bedford will definitely be crucial.Bedford, a revelation this campaign, did a remarkable task of quashing Warner in their round 15 clash, confining the superstar Swan to simply 18 fingertips in the course of the 89 moments they were actually compared. Will Kingsley provide his top tagger the activity of ceasing Warner once more this week?" I believe you require to become able to carry out the project, the worry about Gulden is actually maybe you merely may not do the task because he functions thus hard," Buckley pointed out." They've got a lot of weapons that they'll have to watch on yet therefore carry out the Giants." Buckley threw the onslaught to the Giants' on-ball brigade to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, specifically given they dropped that war on each events this year.In both matches, the Swans won the contended things, spaces and also aspects coming from allowances convincingly." How excellent is that for Adam Kingsley to be able to toss that to his midfield team as well as mention this is what you're visiting be assessed by," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have succeeded all 3 finals matches versus the Swans in their short background as well as with a preliminary ultimate location vulnerable, there will certainly be no scarcity of incentive for either edge happened Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It's been actually three full weeks because he played a game, when he received concussed late in in 2013's initial ultimate against Collingwood, he was actually the gamer that was probably to crack it available, considering that they intended to launch him coming from his half-forward task and also find that gone through the midfield, his last month of footy's been actually significant."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's idea: Sydney by 13 pointsHiding in pure view - Are Swans support?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to check out on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jack Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' burning question: Exactly how do they obtain the game on their terms?Brisbane's finest is actually completely electric, but their worst isn't excellent on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will emerge on Sunday evening and throughout this year's finals set? The Lions have been a solid deduction edge around 2024, but Brisbane champ Jonathan Brown says the club will be better off attempting to create the game fast-flowing in order to exploit an underdone Carlton edge. "I think a sphere motion video game will be actually nice, particularly versus an obstructed or even certainly underdone Carlton group. When they may obtain their round activity video game going, they're the leading crew in the competition for this," Brown said to Fox Footy's On The Chair." They create by means of easy scores, yet it is actually a quick design," he added.The Lions started like a house on fire in their Opening Around clash against the Blues, loading 7 goals in the very first fourth to establish a 31-point top at half-time, prior to cry overran all of them in the second half." In the opening sphere in the initial one-fourth, Carlton could possibly not stop Brisbane coming from getting from their rear half as well as they racked up heavily from the back half, prior to it then certainly flipped," Buckley stated." Brisbane would certainly wish to view a great deal of what they obtained early in the position round and also not a bunch of what they got in the second fifty percent along with the Blues going back."" Do not fall into the catch of believing they participate in a slow-moving video game if they take 120 proofs as well as it is actually mosting likely to be actually a fast track up there, it's heading to be actually 30 odd levels," Brown replied.The Lions will gain back defensive duo Brandon Starcevich as well as Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale are going to be actually indispensable for Chris Fagan's edge, as are going to fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley as well as Will Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will be actually crucial off half-back as they look to relocate the ball with attempt as well as rush, as will certainly younger gun Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Accurate goalkicking" The Lions have remained in all-time low 4 crews for reliability in front of target for the season ... this is why they weren't a leading 4 team since they miss out on vital gos."-- Jonathan BrownLions anticipating complete strength Blues edge|01:41 Woes' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: How many returning players is very many?Coaches frequently possess huge problems at the assortment table at this time of year, yet Michael Voss really possesses half a dozen to emulate. Cry can be boosted due to the yield of 8 odds-on-favorite gamers, yet the number of is excessive to recover in before a significant must-win final?" I do not believe there's a particular variety, yet I have a tendency to coincide a number of the discourse that you 'd hesitate to share men who have actually had delicate tissue accidents," Brown said.Brown did not hesitate when asked if he would certainly include paired high rises Charlie Curnow (ankle) and Harry McKay (quad), yet the various other choices weren't certainly not necessarily as very clear cut.Brown mentioned he would certainly play guardian Mitch McGovern and also energy Zac Williams ought to they recover on time coming from their particular hamstring traumas, but would not play Port Martin, Tom De Koning or Adam Cerra provided their personal concerns. The Blues affirmed on Tuesday that inspiring former leader Sam Docherty would certainly create his gain coming from an ACL personal injury in a huge improvement for Michael Voss' side.Docherty are going to give back for the problem clash simply 183 times after he ruptured his ACL versus the same edge in Position Round. "He's put a lot of time and effort into returning, and also once you prepare your thoughts to one thing-- he's the enthusiastic style to receive it performed," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering said on Tuesday." The kids were actually stoked and I make sure he'll work for us this weekend." Cry submitted a video recording of captain Patrick Cripps discussing the news while players were in the pool, along with Docherty's colleagues rapidly crowding towards him as well as introducing him airborne. There's no question that Docherty's profit are going to offer both an on-field boost to Voss' side, but also a psychological one.There's a great line though in between producing celebrity top quality gamers, likely underdone, as well as interfering with staff chemistry.Undoubtedly nearly all of the eight players pointed out above are most effectively 23, but how many can Voss possibly bring in happened group selection?All eyes are going to perform the Blues when groups go down at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the male along with the superman jumper on his spine ... he have not been actually very prevalent (versus the Lions before), I count on Josh Dunkley to head to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's idea: Lions through 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor makes miraculous yield|00:33.