.In the room of one shot, 18 clubs has actually come to be eight - as one of the most attractive time of the AFL period starts on Thursday night through finals footy. And also with that, the microscopic lense on those that stay has only increased as they chase after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Chair crew on Monday night scrutinized every group's largest question, and highlighted 8 X-Factors for this finals collection - as well as an idea for the 4 matches.Watch the best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, along with specialist review as well as every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your complimentary trial today > Finals Full week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MIGHT BE PURCHASING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. For Free and also confidential support ring 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or even visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.No best four teams in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 FIXTURE AND BURNING QUESTIONS (Perpetuity AEST) SLOT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to see on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Sign Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's burning question: What does Ken perform with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Pussy-cat Tom Stewart is actually clearly properly recognized by Power instructor Ken Hinkley-- so much to ensure it's actually been to his detriment throughout the last 2 years. In each of Stewart's final three matches, the defender has actually been actually braced hard by Energy tension onward Jed McEntee, that most just recently carried him to thirteen fingertips in their direct match-up-- 3 of which were kick-ins. "Last time, Jed McEntee was actually playing on him as a defensive onward, Stewart began as a half-backer and remained there for the video game-- (McEntee) truly scratched his influence on the game," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown described on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "Stewart's been starting a little bit a lot more with the midfield (due to the fact that Round 9), therefore McEntee will originate from half ahead and increase to Stewart (if he participates in midfield)-- performs that way that a Tuohy or even a Port Henry manages to acquire alone as an additionally one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's excellence on Stewart was the stimulant for Tom Stewart relocating in to the midfield for the backside of this season-- but while the 23-year-old has actually tagged him properly at one end of the ground, he is actually yet to carry out the very same in the midfield, which might actually cause both trainers migraines structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has recently been utilized as a negator of opposition super stars in the midfield as well as at deduction, yet extra just recently has actually been locating his very own footy and harming competitors on misdemeanor. function" This is one of the earliest of gamers going to Tom Stewart as well as mentioning: 'You're certainly not possessing it on your phrases as you have for the last four or even 5 years, and it came to be the motivation for change-- he acquired labelled out of this half-back position," Melbourne wonderful Garry Lyon took note." McEntee's the one, as well as you would like to keep Drew as the fella who might keep Dangerfield accountable, especially in contests," Buckley finished by saying. McEntee went back to the elderly edge in Sphere 24 against Fremantle after an assignment in the SANFL, and has participated in thirteen games in 2024-- a lot of which have been actually as a defensive onward in a role where the general stat slab does not tell the total tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been actually irregular, however I think he's visiting be vital-- along with (Esava) Ratugolea ... specifically against those great obstruct marking gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort self-assured they can easily deal with traumas|01:48 Pet cats' burning question: Exactly how perform they stop Slot's midfield?Chris Scott has been actually challenged along with a plethora of talent-heavy midfields in his opportunity as both a player and also trainer, as well as Port Adelaide's this Thursday night will definitely be positively no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads a motor space that will possess each one of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Glass Of Wines, Willem Drew and also Travis Boak going through it on Thursday night-- leaving behind two-time premiership trainer Scott along with a great deal to plan for." They've been leading all year it is actually an all-star midfield definitely isn't it, especially the midfielders. Horne-Francis was unbelievable in the 1st 40 moments to put together that major lead during that Round 9 game," Jonathan Brown said to On The Chair." Ollie White Wines (has) possessed a great year, as possesses Zak Butters, as has Jason Horne-Francis-- that I assume is the absolute most harmful midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge streamed Geelong totally off the park in the earlier portion of the 2024 season, at one phase going out to an eight-goal lead well just before one-half time.The Felines surely spared grace in the second half, and almost turned the top in a second-half surge at GMHBA Stadium-- yet eventually failed by one primary." Geelong remained in the midst of undergoing their mid-season slump (in Shot 9), and Port Adelaide placed some of their far better functionalities (together), and also they may place those world-class games together," Nathan Buckley carried on." Pair of critical losses though for Port Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring) as well as Dan Houston (revocation)-- they obtain a bunch of their operate and also hold from there certainly, to make sure that might be actually problematic for Port Adelaide if they're shedding open space," added Brown.And along with their losses on a segment and one-half back, the Electrical power will certainly also require to bandage for the potential explosion that is Jeremy Cameron-- that has been in very seriously strong leading into this year's finals set. A bag of 9 objectives versus North Melbourne as well as six against Adelaide in his last 4 matches creates him an intimidating task for very likely match Aliir Aliir, yet it undoubtedly will not be foreign." Aliir Aliir performed a decent task (on Cameron) last opportunity 18 fingertips, 1.1 - tolerable amounts for an essential forward, yet he failed to possess any true effect on the video game," said Brown." We have actually observed Jeremy Cameron create havoc on resistance protectors when he solves up the industry."" That's when he's at his very most risky presume Buddy Franklin when he rises (the ground) as well as arcs back on his left side feet," Buckley ended up through saying.If the Cats can obtain the ball in to Cameron's palms-- anywhere he discovers himself all around the ground-- they'll be actually every opportunity of securing a home preparatory last, however their first job will be to squash Slot's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" By the end of the time, if they are actually mosting likely to go all the way to premiership glory once more, it is actually mosting likely to be actually on the back of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to produce one more enormous great September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's suggestion: Port Adelaide by 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 view on Fox Footy: From 6:20 pm along 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 actually dabbling this question for a lot of the period, does he trust his knowledgeable professionals to get the job done on the significant phase or even will certainly he turn to his more youthful brigade?Melbourne champion Garry Lyon threw up pair of labels that can happen under assortment heat this week, depending upon what Beveridge determines to value additional at the selection table in front of a must-win last versus the in-form Hawks." It is actually certainly not all on Jack Macrae and also Caleb Daniel ... but you are actually betting a Hawthorn edge (where) rate kills," Lyon mentioned on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Macrae was elevated from the replacement function for the clash against the Giants in rounded 24, gathering 23 fingertips and also seven tackles, having actually piled up 2 targets from 17 touches in limited time on ground the week just before versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, an additional Pet who has actually been actually out-of-favour this year, has actually played the final 5 matches, completing his final outing with 23 disposals and also an objective. But the Hawks do not hold back, they run and also gun as well as leave no rock unturned, which might cause problems for Beveridge and his training personnel. The similarity Jarman Impey, Karl Amon as well as Josh Weddle are power in the rear half, regularly producing rebounding travel. The Hawks rank 2nd in the competition for post-clearance disputed property as well as are the most ideal in the rank at post-clearance ground spheres. The Western side Bulldogs can easily flex an undersized Hawthorn defence, but that carries out leave them with a limited capability to contend with Hawthorn's running game. So, can they pay for to participate in slower players up the ground provided their high visibility forward of facility? "You possess reached manage to match them, given that these three high ahead, are they going to manage to operate half the ground as well as make an effort put some tension on?" Lyon asked. The Hawks stretched the Dogs like they have not been flexed before back in circular 8, yet Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley feels the Bulldogs' proving versus the GWS Giants in Ballarat lately was a good sign. "What I viewed coming from the Bulldogs two weeks back, GWS affection to participate in like that (quick footy) - Hawthorn, their run and also lug is actually designed a small amount about what the Giants have actually carried out the last couple of years as well as the Bulldogs had the capacity to contrain that with brutal stress, and that's exactly what they are actually visiting have to carry out," Buckley mentioned. Will Bevo sacrifice rate for experience this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The Three Large Pets" These children are actually visiting differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton ... they've been in ripping chip ... I assume Aaron Naughton's received the prospective to definitely leave the leash, a lot interest's mosting likely to enter into the other 2."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs readied to monster rapid Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' knotty question: Can easily they handle Bulldogs' key forward mafia?The Hawks have appeared susceptible to huge essential ahead all period and also the Pet dogs have 3 downright items during that area. There's certainly that the three-headed beast of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and also Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would certainly possess provided Hawks instructor Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this past fortnight. "These boys are going to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton-- I surmise Marcus Bontempelli will certainly extend all of them at the same time and try and also receive forward," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy's On The Couch. Over the last seven suits, the Bulldogs trio have incorporated for approximately 5.7 targets, 19.6 rating involvements and 7.4 marks inside fifty every activity. "They've been in tearing scar ... I assume Aaron Naughton's acquired the prospective to truly get off the chain, so much attention's going to enter the other two," Lyon incorporated." The great factor is too, those young boys can easily split and obtain some individualized's, certainly about it-- which makes the defensive face to face contests for Hawthorn's defenders crucial," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown responded. Previously this season in Geelong's huge success over the Hawks, Pet cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron caused Mitchell and also his mentoring staff plenty of hassles, booting 4.4 from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Freeze, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw and Josh Weddle are effectively as well as genuinely heading to have their job suitable them on Friday night. Given the Hawks' vulnerability down back offered the level differentials, gaining the midfield war is going to be actually of the upmost usefulness. The Pet dogs might possess the household names in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and also Tom Liberatore, yet Hawthorn's on-ball unit have absolutely stood up this time. The Hawks rank third in the competitors for opposed ownership, 6th for authorizations as well as 8th for points coming from clearance differential. Of course the loss of super star midfielder Are going to Day will definitely leave a discontinuous gap during that device, but the similarity Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and James Worpel are actually greater than with the ability of standing up in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Jack Ginnivan" Anzac Time Medallist, enjoys the major phase and is actually a premiership gamer currently. We understand that he is actually grown within this environment certainly there, I presume he acts along with the Witch and also creates all kind of havoc down there during that back fifty percent, the match up for them is actually heading to be actually actually considerable."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's tip: Bulldogs through 20 pointsSicily opens on finals conflict v Pets|02:16 SYDNEY v BETTER WESTERN SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to watch on Fox Footy: From 2:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' burning question: Have they acquired their mojo back?For a substantial period of time this period, the Swans appeared like it will simply be a matter of time just before they secured the premiership. But some accidents behind time in the season saw their energy standstill, succeeding only one suit between rounds 16 and 21. "I presume there is actually documentation in the final three weeks that they performed-- they looked at that parch of 6 full weeks between round 16 as well as rounded 21 where they just weren't capable to acquire it going they were actually one gain and five losses in that opportunity," Collingwood folklore Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "They offence coughed and spluttered, they were actually conceding territory as well as credit ratings from the back half and also the approval activity they rely on a lot wasn't certainly there." Yet ever since, the reinforcements have gotten here for the Swans and also has been a large main reason as to why the Swans have uncovered their mojo. The Swans ranked third in the final 3 full weeks of the period for factors for, 4th for aspects yielded from the defensive fifty percent and 9th for authorization differential, large renovations coming from 13th, 17th and also 18th throughout that six-week type slump. "Part of that (improvement in type) has managed to receive two of their celebrities back into the crease after skipping big parts of the year," he continued.Those 2 superstars are actually proficient Luke Parker and leader Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, little of center bounce, goes ahead, has actually been hitting the scoreboard as well as influencing at approval," Buckley stated." The other one is actually Callum Mills, who before he walked out, he was a genuine midfielder, possibly on an airfoil ... and now he's gotten back to where he reduced his teeth, which is actually primarily facing target, half-back, great obstruct noting player, intends to have the ability to take that game on-- I think they have actually managed to deliver those boys back into the fold really effectively." The Swans are actually set to acquire a super star quartet of weapons back ahead of their qualifying last versus the Giants. Defender Tom McCartin and also gun midfielder Isaac Heeney will definitely both come back after being dealt with in the final activity of the home as well as away season, while onward Tom Papley (ankle joint) as well as the extremely versatile Justin McInerney (leg) are actually likewise likely to be recalled. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle is 90% match, the rest of his physical body, his thoughts, he is actually been rested, he'll come back in and also he supplies power and stimulate, he's cherry mature ready to go in September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans shy on finals choices|02:16 Giants' burning question: Can they cease the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up and also running, they are actually probably the hardest crew to stop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and his coaching team will certainly need to have to find a method to stop Sydney's ability to change the ball coming from defensive 50 to the forward half if they are to be belong a bullet of triumph on Saturday. "Their back-half sphere make use of pleads the inquiry of Adam Kingsley-- exactly how perform they avoid all of them from being able to catapult, since that's heading to be the inquiry that the Giants need to address," Buckley claimed. In their pair of outings against the Swans this time, the Giants conceded 51 and thirty three factors coming from the defensive half. "They have actually been a best staff at scoring from the back one-half as well as the Giants will certainly intend to cut that Sydney supply actually quickly and slash off frontal one-half turn overs as high as they perhaps can," Buckley continued. The Swans possess a myriad of superstars in their stable, including four All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and Scar Blakey.That's why the potential supply of tagger Toby Bedford will be crucial.Bedford, a discovery this campaign, did a significant task of negating Warner in their rounded 15 clash, limiting the superstar Swan to only 18 fingertips during the course of the 89 moments they were actually matched up. Will Kingsley offer his top tagger the task of ceasing Detector once more today?" I think you need to have to become able to carry out the project, the worry about Gulden is actually possibly you just can easily not do the task due to the fact that he operates so hard," Buckley claimed." They've received plenty of items that they'll must keep an eye on but so do the Giants." Buckley tossed the onslaught to the Giants' on-ball unit to contend with the A-graders at the Swans, especially provided they shed that struggle on each occasions this year.In both suits, the Swans won the disputed possession, open spaces and also points coming from spaces convincingly." Exactly how excellent is actually that for Adam Kingsley to be able to throw that to his midfield team as well as mention this is what you are actually visiting be gauged through," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon added.The Giants have actually won all 3 finals match-ups against the Swans in their quick background and also along with an initial last location vulnerable, there will definitely be actually no scarcity of motivation for either edge come Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It's been 3 weeks considering that he played a video game, when he acquired concussed behind time in in 2014's preliminary final against Collingwood, he was actually the gamer that was actually most likely to break it open, due to the fact that they wished to discharge him coming from his half-forward part as well as discover that run through the midfield, his final month of footy's been massive."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's pointer: Sydney by thirteen pointsHiding in pure view - Are Swans support?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to see on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Port Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Exactly how do they obtain the game on their terms?Brisbane's absolute best is completely power, but their worst isn't great on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will arise on Sunday evening and around this year's finals set? The Lions have been actually a tough halt side all over 2024, however Brisbane champ Jonathan Brown states the club will be far better off attempting to produce the video game fast-flowing if you want to exploit an underdone Carlton side. "I think a round action video game would be actually truly good, particularly versus a hindered or even certainly underdone Carlton group. When they may receive their ball activity video game going, they're the top team in the competition for this," Brown said to Fox Footy's On The Sofa." They create with easy marks, but it is actually a simple design," he added.The Lions began like a house on fire in their Position Round clash versus cry, loading seven goals in the 1st one-fourth to set up a 31-point lead at half-time, prior to the Blues swamp them in the second fifty percent." In the position sphere in the very first one-fourth, Carlton might certainly not quit Brisbane coming from getting from their rear fifty percent and they racked up greatly coming from the back half, just before it after that obviously turned," Buckley stated." Brisbane will plan to find a lot of what they received early in the position round and also certainly not a ton of what they entered the 2nd fifty percent along with the Blues coming back."" Do not fall into the trap of believing they participate in a sluggish video game if they take 120 symbols and also it is actually going to be actually a fast lane apex, it is actually heading to be actually 30 strange degrees," Brown replied.The Lions will certainly reclaim protective duo Brandon Starcevich and also Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will certainly be important for Chris Fagan's edge, as will certainly fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley as well as Willpower Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko are going to be actually vital off half-back as they try to move the round with attempt and dash, as are going to younger weapon Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Precise goalkicking" The Lions have actually remained in all-time low 4 teams for reliability facing goal for the period ... this is why they weren't a best 4 staff considering that they miss out on vital chances."-- Jonathan BrownLions assuming full durability Blues edge|01:41 Woes' knotty question: The number of coming back players is actually too many?Coaches usually have significant problems at the variety table at this time of year, yet Michael Voss truly possesses half a dozen to contend with. The Blues could be reinforced due to the profit of 8 first choice gamers, however the number of is actually a lot of to revive in ahead of a large must-win final?" I do not think there's a particular amount, yet I tend to agree with several of the comments that you will be reluctant to share people that have actually possessed soft tissue traumas," Brown said.Brown did certainly not think twice when talked to if he will consist of twin towers Charlie Curnow (ankle) and also Harry McKay (quad), but the other selections weren't certainly not always as clear cut.Brown claimed he would certainly play defender Mitch McGovern and also electrical Zac Williams must they recoup eventually from their corresponding hamstring accidents, however definitely would not participate in Port Martin, Tom De Koning or Adam Cerra provided their personal concerns. The Blues affirmed on Tuesday that inspirational former captain Sam Docherty will create his gain coming from an ACL injury in a big increase for Michael Voss' side.Docherty are going to give back for the crisis clash merely 183 times after he fractured his ACL against the very same edge in Position Cycle. "He's put a bunch of time and effort right into getting back, and also as soon as you set your thoughts to something-- he's the inspired type to receive it carried out," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering mentioned on Tuesday." The children were actually fed as well as I ensure he'll do a job for our team this weekend break." The Blues uploaded an online video of captain Patrick Cripps discussing the headlines while players remained in the pool, along with Docherty's allies rapidly flocking in the direction of him and introducing him in the air. There is actually certainly that Docherty's profit will definitely supply both an on-field boost to Voss' edge, yet likewise a mental one.There's a great pipe though in between producing superstar top quality players, likely underdone, and interrupting team chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the 8 players pointed out above are actually better 23, yet how many can Voss understandably introduce come crew selection?All eyes are going to be on cry when teams fall at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the man with the superman jumper on his spine ... he have not been actually super leading (versus the Lions previously), I anticipate Josh Dunkley to head to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's recommendation: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doc helps make remarkable profit|00:33.