.In the room of one shot, 18 nightclubs has actually come to be 8 - as one of the most stunning time of the AFL period starts on Thursday evening through finals footy. As well as with that said, the microscope on those that continue to be has just boosted as they go after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Sofa workers on Monday night scrutinized every club's largest concern, and also highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals collection - along with a suggestion for the four matches.Watch the very best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with expert review as well as every game up until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Beginning your free trial today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU CAN BE BUYING RATHER. Free of cost and personal help ring 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or explore gamblinghelponline.org.au.No best 4 teams in Premiership home window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 FITTING AND BURNING QUESTIONS (Perpetuity 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 King, Leigh Montagna, Mark Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What performs Ken do with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Pet cat Tom Stewart is plainly properly appreciated by Energy instructor Ken Hinkley-- a lot so that it's really been actually to his detriment around the final two years. In each of Stewart's last 3 matches, the defender has actually been actually secured hard through Electrical power tension onward Jed McEntee, that very most recently held him to thirteen disposals in their straight match-- three of which were kick-ins. "Final opportunity, Jed McEntee was playing on him as a defensive forward, Stewart began as a half-backer and also kept there for the activity-- (McEntee) definitely scratched his impact on the video game," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown revealed on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "Stewart's been actually starting a little bit more by means of the midfield (because Round 9), therefore McEntee will originate from half forward and also rise to Stewart (if he plays midfield)-- does that method that a Tuohy and even a Port Henry is able to receive alone as an additionally one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's effectiveness on Stewart was the driver for Tom Stewart relocating right into the midfield for the backside of the period-- however while the 23-year-old has labelled him effectively at one end of the ground, he is actually yet to do the very same in the midfield, which can actually create both trainers problems structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has actually previously been used as a negator of opponent superstars in the midfield and at discontinuance, but even more lately has been finding his own footy and also hurting competitors on infraction. part" This is among the earliest of players heading to Tom Stewart and also stating: 'You're certainly not possessing it on your terms as you eat the last four or even 5 years, as well as it ended up being the catalyst for change-- he acquired marked out of this half-back position," Melbourne wonderful Garry Lyon noted." McEntee's the one, as well as you wish to maintain Drew as the fella who may maintain Dangerfield answerable, particularly in competitions," Buckley finished by pointing out. McEntee went back to the elderly side in Round 24 against Fremantle after a job in the SANFL, and has actually played 13 video games in 2024-- the majority of which have actually been actually as a protective ahead in a part where the common stat sheet doesn't inform the full tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been irregular, yet I believe he's heading to be very important-- alongside (Esava) Ratugolea ... particularly versus those good intercept marking gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort certain they can easily cover traumas|01:48 Felines' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Just how perform they stop Slot's midfield?Chris Scott has actually been tested along with a plethora of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a player and coach, as well as Slot Adelaide's this Thursday evening will be actually completely no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads a motor area that are going to have all of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Wines, Willem Drew and Travis Boak running through it on Thursday evening-- leaving behind two-time premiership trainer Scott with a whole lot to plan for." They have actually been actually dominant all year it's an all-star midfield truly isn't it, particularly the midfielders. Horne-Francis boggled the mind in the initial 40 mins to put together that large top during that Sphere 9 game," Jonathan Brown claimed to On The Chair." Ollie Red Wines (has) possessed a fantastic year, as possesses Zak Butters, as has Jason Horne-Francis-- that I think is the best damaging midfielder in the competitors." Ken Hinkley's side streamed Geelong completely off the park in the earlier portion of the 2024 period, at some stage venturing out to an eight-goal lead properly prior to fifty percent time.The Cats surely conserved grace in the 2nd fifty percent, and also virtually turned the lead in a second-half rise at GMHBA Coliseum-- yet at some point fell short by one significant." Geelong resided in the middle of going through their mid-season downtrend (in Round 9), and Slot Adelaide put some of their far better performances (all together), and also they may put those world-class games with each other," Nathan Buckley continued." Pair of important reductions though for Port Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring) as well as Dan Houston (suspension)-- they get a ton of their run and also lug from certainly there, to ensure may be definitely problematic for Slot Adelaide if they are actually shedding allowance," incorporated Brown.And besides their losses on a part and also fifty percent back, the Electrical power is going to likewise need to bandage for the possible surge that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- that has remained in seriously sturdy introducing this year's finals set. A bag of 9 targets versus North Melbourne and also 6 versus Adelaide in his final four suits makes him a complicated job for very likely match Aliir Aliir, yet it definitely won't be international." Aliir Aliir carried out a good task (on Cameron) last opportunity 18 disposals, 1.1 - fair numbers for a vital ahead, but he didn't possess any kind of actual influence on the activity," stated Brown." Our team have actually observed Jeremy Cameron create mayhem on resistance guardians when he gets right up the field."" That's when he goes to his very most unsafe presume Friend Franklin when he gets out of bed (the ground) and arcs back on his left foot," Buckley completed through saying.If the Cats can obtain the reception into Cameron's hands-- any place he discovers themself about the ground-- they'll be every odds of safeguarding a home preparatory ultimate, yet their first job will be actually to scratch Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" At the end of the day, if they are actually mosting likely to go all the way to premiership glory once again, it is actually visiting be actually on the back of Patrick Dangerfield ... he requires to create yet another mighty alright September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's recommendation: Port Adelaide through 15 pointsHow perform the Pussy-cats cease Horne-Francis & co?|05:16 WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to watch 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 speed for experience?Luke Beveridge has been actually dabbling this question for a lot of the season, performs he trust his professional veterans to do the job on the huge phase or will he turn to his younger brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon threw up pair of titles that can happen under selection heat today, depending upon what Beveridge determines to value more at the selection dining table in advance of a must-win final against the in-form Hawks." It's not all on Port Macrae and also Caleb Daniel ... but you're betting a Hawthorn side (where) speed eliminates," Lyon claimed on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Macrae rose coming from the replacement function for the clash versus the Giants in round 24, collecting 23 fingertips and also 7 addresses, having collected pair of objectives coming from 17 touches in restricted time on ground the week before versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, an additional Pet who has actually been actually out-of-favour this year, has participated in the last five matches, finishing his last outing with 23 disposals and also a target. But the Hawks don't hold off, they run and gun and leave no rock unturned, which might result in complications for Beveridge as well as his coaching staff. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and also Josh Weddle are actually power in the rear one-half, constantly generating rebounding drive. The Hawks rank second in the competitors for post-clearance objected to possession and also are the best in the league at post-clearance ground spheres. The Western side Bulldogs may stretch a small Hawthorn support, yet that performs leave them along with a minimal capacity to contend with Hawthorn's operating activity. Thus, can they afford to play slower players up the ground offered their tall visibility ahead of center? "You possess come to manage to match them, because these 3 tall forwards, are they going to be able to operate half the ground and also try put some tension on?" Lyon asked. The Hawks extended the Pets like they have not been extended before back in circular eight, however Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley strongly believes the Bulldogs' proving against the GWS Giants in Ballarat recently was actually a good sign. "What I found from the Bulldogs 2 full weeks ago, GWS love to participate in like that (quick footy) - Hawthorn, their run and carry is created a bit about what the Giants have actually carried out the final number of years and also the Bulldogs had the ability to repress that with fierce tension, which is actually exactly what they're visiting must carry out," Buckley claimed. Will certainly Bevo sacrifice speed for take in this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The Three Big Canines" These young boys are visiting go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton ... they've been in tearing chip ... I believe Aaron Naughton's got the potential to definitely leave the chain, a lot interest's going to enter into the other 2."-- Garry LyonBig Canine readied to beast speedy Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Can they handle Bulldogs' key forward mafia?The Hawks have actually looked susceptible to big key ahead all season and also the Canines have three downright weapons because space. There's certainly that the three-headed creature of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy as well as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would have provided Hawks instructor Sam Mitchell some sleepless evenings this previous fortnight. "These children are actually going to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton-- I think Marcus Bontempelli will certainly extend all of them too as well as try and also obtain forward," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon mentioned on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Over the last seven matches, the Bulldogs triad have blended for an average of 5.7 goals, 19.6 credit rating participations and 7.4 symbols inside fifty per game. "They have actually resided in tearing chip ... I assume Aaron Naughton's received the potential to actually leave the chain, a lot attention's going to enter into the various other pair of," Lyon incorporated." The excellent point is actually too, those boys can easily separate and get some individualized's, no doubt regarding it-- which makes the protective face to face competitions for Hawthorn's guardians vital," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown answered. Earlier this time in Geelong's significant victory over the Hawks, Felines spearhead Jeremy Cameron caused Mitchell and his mentoring staff a lot of migraines, booting 4.4 coming from 19 disposals. The likes of Sam Frost, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw and also Josh Weddle are actually effectively and absolutely mosting likely to have their work suited all of them on Friday night. Given the Hawks' weakness down back given the height differents, winning the midfield war will be actually of the upmost significance. The Pet dogs may possess the household names in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore, yet Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have actually definitely risen this time. The Hawks place third in the competitors for disputed property, 6th for clearances as well as eighth for points from clearance differential. Unquestionably the reduction of celebrity midfielder Are going to Day will leave an open opening because system, yet the similarity Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash as well as James Worpel are actually greater than efficient in rising in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Jack Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, adores the big phase and is actually a premiership player presently. We know that he's flourished in this setting there, I think he acts with the Witch as well as develops all kind of chaos down there during that rear fifty percent, the compare for all of them is actually heading to be definitely significant."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's pointer: Bulldogs through 20 pointsSicily opens up on finals argue v Pet dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v BETTER 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 Master, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' burning question: Have they acquired their mojo back?For an extended period of time this season, the Swans appeared like it will merely be a matter of time before they secured the premiership. Yet some traumas late in the period found their momentum standstill, gaining merely one suit in between rounds 16 as well as 21. "I think there's proof in the final three full weeks that they performed-- they experienced that parch of six full weeks in between rounded 16 and circular 21 where they only weren't capable to receive it going they were one gain and 5 reductions in that time," Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley identified on Fox Footy's On The Couch. "They offence hacked and spluttered, they were conceding area and also credit ratings coming from the back one-half and the clearance game they depend on a great deal wasn't there." But since then, the supports have actually gotten there for the Swans and that has been a big reason regarding why the Swans have found their mojo. The Swans ranked third in the ultimate three weeks of the season for factors for, fourth for points yielded from the defensive fifty percent and also 9th for approval differential, huge enhancements coming from 13th, 17th and 18th in the course of that six-week kind depression. "Component of that (change in kind) has actually managed to obtain two of their celebrities back into the layer after missing huge parts of the year," he continued.Those two celebrities are actually seasoned Luke Parker and also captain Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, little of centre bounce, goes forward, has actually been actually attacking the scoreboard as well as affecting at authorization," Buckley stated." The various other one is actually Callum Mills, that before he went out, he was actually an authentic midfielder, maybe on an airfoil ... and now he is actually gotten back to where he reduced his pearly whites, which is basically dealing with objective, half-back, excellent intercept marking player, desires to have the capacity to take that video game on-- I presume they have actually had the ability to deliver those children back in to the fold truly properly." The Swans are actually set to get a superstar quartet of guns back before their qualifying final against the Giants. Guardian Tom McCartin as well as weapon midfielder Isaac Heeney will definitely both return after being handled in the last activity of the home and also away period, while onward Tom Papley (ankle joint) as well as the functional Justin McInerney (leg) are also probably to become recalled. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle is actually 90% fit, the remainder of his physical body, his thoughts, he is actually been actually rested, he'll return in and also he delivers power and also spark, he's cherry enriched ready to enter September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans timid on finals collections|02:16 Giants' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: May they quit the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up as well as operating, they're arguably the hardest group to stop in the competition. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and his mentoring personnel will definitely need to locate a method to stop Sydney's capability to shift the sphere coming from defensive fifty to the forward half if they are to be in with a discharge of victory on Sunday. "Their back-half ball use pleads the concern of Adam Kingsley-- just how do they stop them from having the ability to catapult, because that is actually visiting be the question that the Giants require to address," Buckley mentioned. In their two outings against the Swans this season, the Giants yielded 51 and also thirty three points from the protective fifty percent. "They have actually been actually an elite team at scoring coming from the rear fifty percent as well as the Giants are going to desire to reduce that Sydney supply definitely swiftly and also slash off front one-half turn overs as long as they potentially can," Buckley proceeded. The Swans possess a plethora of celebrities in their dependable, consisting of four All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and also Scar Blakey.That's why the potential accessibility of tagger Toby Bedford will certainly be crucial.Bedford, a revelation this campaign, did a tremendous job of undoing Detector in their circular 15 clash, confining the celebrity Swan to only 18 disposals in the course of the 89 moments they were compared. Will Kingsley give his top tagger the activity of ceasing Detector again recently?" I believe you need to have to be capable to do the work, the concern with Gulden is perhaps you just can refrain from doing the task considering that he works so hard," Buckley claimed." They've acquired a lot of tools that they'll must keep an eye on yet therefore perform the Giants." Buckley tossed the gauntlet up to the Giants' on-ball brigade to contend with the A-graders at the Swans, especially offered they lost that war on both celebrations this year.In both suits, the Swans gained the disputed ownership, clearances and factors from clearances well." Exactly how excellent is actually that for Adam Kingsley to be able to toss that to his midfield group and state this is what you're going to be determined by," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have actually succeeded all 3 finals matches against the Swans in their short past and also with a preliminary final place vulnerable, there will be no scarcity of inspiration for either side happened Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It's been three weeks because he participated in a video game, when he acquired concussed behind time in in 2013's preliminary last against Collingwood, he was actually the gamer that was actually very likely to damage it available, since they wanted to launch him from his half-forward task as well as locate that gone through the midfield, his last month of footy's been actually significant."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's suggestion: Sydney by thirteen pointsHiding in simple sight - Are Swans support?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to enjoy on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Port Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' knotty question: Just how perform they receive the video game on their terms?Brisbane's absolute best is positively electricity, but their worst isn't wonderful on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will arise on Sunday night as well as around this year's finals set? The Lions have been a powerful discontinuance side across 2024, but Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown mentions the club would certainly be better off trying to produce the activity fast-flowing so as to manipulate an underdone Carlton side. "I think a round activity activity would be definitely good, especially versus an interfered with or even definitely underdone Carlton team. When they can easily receive their round activity video game going, they are actually the primary group in the competition for this," Brown informed Fox Footy's On The Couch." They construct through uncontested scores, however it's a simple design," he added.The Lions began like a house on fire in their Position Sphere clash against the Blues, starting seven objectives in the 1st quarter to set up a 31-point lead at half-time, before cry overwhelm all of them in the 2nd one-half." In the opening sphere in the initial fourth, Carlton might certainly not stop Brisbane from receiving from their back half and they scored highly from the back one-half, before it then certainly flipped," Buckley mentioned." Brisbane will want to see a bunch of what they received early in the position round and also certainly not a bunch of what they entered the second half along with cry coming back."" Don't fall under the snare of assuming they participate in a slow-moving game if they take 120 symbols as well as it is actually visiting be actually a fast lane apex, it is actually mosting likely to be 30 strange levels," Brown replied.The Lions are going to restore protective duo Brandon Starcevich and also Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Twin Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale are going to be essential for Chris Fagan's side, as will certainly fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will certainly be actually crucial off half-back as they hope to relocate the ball with take a chance as well as dash, as will certainly younger weapon Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Correct goalkicking" The Lions have resided in the bottom 4 crews for precision before target for the time ... this is actually why they weren't a top four staff since they miss crucial chances."-- Jonathan BrownLions assuming full strength Blues side|01:41 Woes' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: The amount of coming back gamers is extremely many?Coaches frequently possess significant battles at the collection table at this time of year, yet Michael Voss really has half a dozen to contend with. The Blues can be bolstered by the yield of eight odds-on-favorite players, but the number of is too many to revive in before a significant must-win ultimate?" I don't assume there is actually a certain amount, yet I have a tendency to coincide a few of the discourse that you would certainly hesitate to share guys that have had delicate tissue traumas," Brown said.Brown did not think twice when asked if he would certainly feature twin towers Charlie Curnow (ankle) and Harry McKay (quad), yet the various other choices weren't not always as very clear cut.Brown said he would certainly play defender Mitch McGovern and utility Zac Williams need to they recover over time coming from their particular hamstring personal injuries, yet definitely would not participate in Jack Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra offered their specific problems. The Blues confirmed on Tuesday that motivational past captain Sam Docherty will create his yield from an ACL trauma in a large boost for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will certainly send back for the crisis clash merely 183 days after he fractured his ACL against the exact same side in Opening Cycle. "He's placed a lot of time and effort in to getting back, and the moment you establish your mind to something-- he's the enthusiastic kind to receive it performed," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering said on Tuesday." The young boys were actually stired and also I make certain he'll do a job for us this weekend break." Cry uploaded a video recording of leader Patrick Cripps sharing the headlines while players resided in the pool, with Docherty's allies quickly flocking towards him and releasing him in the air. There's certainly that Docherty's yield will certainly give both an on-field improvement to Voss' side, but additionally a mental one.There's a fine line though between generating celebrity top quality players, likely underdone, as well as disrupting crew chemistry.Undoubtedly mostly all of the eight gamers mentioned above are better 23, yet how many can easily Voss understandably bring in come group selection?All eyes will be on cry when crews fall at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He is actually the man with the superman jumper on his back ... he have not been extremely prevalent (versus the Lions in the past), I anticipate Josh Dunkley to go to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's pointer: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doc makes marvelous return|00:33.