.In the room of one round, 18 clubs has become eight - as the best gorgeous time of the AFL period begins on Thursday night by means of finals footy. And also keeping that, the microscope on those who continue to be has actually simply increased as they chase the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Couch staff on Monday night scrutinized every group's most significant concern, and also highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals collection - as well as a tip for the four matches.Watch the most effective coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with expert evaluation as well as every video game till the Grand Final deal with no ad-breaks in the course of play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your totally free test today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE ACQUIRING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. Absolutely free and private assistance ring 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or even explore gamblinghelponline.org.au.No top four teams in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 FIXTURE AS WELL AS BURNING QUESTIONS (All times AEST) PORT 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 King, Leigh Montagna, Result Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What carries out Ken perform with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Pussy-cat Tom Stewart is actually clearly effectively recognized by Power coach Ken Hinkley-- a lot to make sure that it's really been actually to his hinderance throughout the last pair of years. In each of Stewart's final 3 suits, the guardian has been actually braced hard through Power pressure ahead Jed McEntee, who most lately held him to 13 disposals in their direct match-up-- three of which were actually kick-ins. "Last time, Jed McEntee was actually playing on him as a protective ahead, Stewart started as a half-backer as well as stayed there for the game-- (McEntee) definitely voided his impact on the video game," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown revealed on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "Stewart's been beginning a bit more through the midfield (because Shot 9), therefore McEntee will stem from half ahead and climb to Stewart (if he plays midfield)-- carries out that way that a Tuohy or perhaps a Port Henry manages to obtain alone as a plus one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's results on Stewart was actually the stimulant for Tom Stewart relocating in to the midfield for the backside of this time-- yet while the 23-year-old has tagged him properly at one end of the ground, he is actually however to perform the exact same in the midfield, which can paradoxically cause each coaches hassles structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has actually formerly been actually made use of as a negator of opponent super stars in the midfield as well as at discontinuance, yet much more just recently has actually been discovering his own footy and also hurting rivals on offense. part" This is one of the earliest of gamers visiting Tom Stewart as well as claiming: 'You are actually certainly not possessing it on your terms as you eat the last 4 or even 5 years, as well as it became the catalyst for adjustment-- he got marked away from this half-back posture," Melbourne great Garry Lyon kept in mind." McEntee's the one, as well as you desire to always keep Drew as the person who could keep Dangerfield answerable, especially in contests," Buckley finished through stating. McEntee came back to the senior edge in Round 24 against Fremantle after a job in the SANFL, and also has actually played thirteen video games in 2024-- a lot of which have actually been actually as a defensive ahead in a duty where the common stat slab doesn't say to the full story of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been actually inconsistent, however I think he's heading to be vital-- along with (Esava) Ratugolea ... specifically versus those excellent obstruct marking players for Geelong,"-- BrownPort positive they can easily deal with injuries|01:48 Felines' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Just how perform they quit Port's midfield?Chris Scott has actually been actually challenged with a variety of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a gamer and trainer, as well as Port Adelaide's this Thursday evening will definitely be positively no exception.Power leader Connor Rozee leads an engine space that will possess each of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie White Wines, Willem Drew as well as Travis Boak running through it on Thursday evening-- leaving behind two-time premiership instructor Scott with a great deal to think about." They've been actually leading all year it's an all-star midfield definitely isn't it, specifically the midfielders. Horne-Francis boggled the mind in the first 40 minutes to establish that significant lead in that Sphere 9 video game," Jonathan Brown said to On The Sofa." Ollie White Wines (possesses) had a great year, as has Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- that I think is the absolute most devastating midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge blew Geelong absolutely off the park in the earlier part of the 2024 season, at some stage getting out to an eight-goal lead well just before half time.The Pussy-cats absolutely spared elegance in the 2nd one-half, and almost turned the lead in a second-half rise at GMHBA Coliseum-- however inevitably failed by one primary." Geelong remained in the middle of experiencing their mid-season downturn (in Round 9), and also Slot Adelaide put some of their better efficiencies (all together), and they can place those elite activities together," Nathan Buckley carried on." 2 crucial reductions though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring) and also Dan Houston (suspension)-- they receive a bunch of their run as well as hold from certainly there, to ensure might be definitely difficult for Port Adelaide if they're losing allowance," incorporated Brown.And besides their losses on a wing as well as fifty percent back, the Electrical power is going to likewise require to support for the possible surge that is Jeremy Cameron-- who has actually been in very seriously powerful introducing this year's finals set. A bag of 9 goals versus North Melbourne and also 6 versus Adelaide in his last four matches makes him a complicated task for probably match-up Aliir Aliir, yet it certainly will not be overseas." Aliir Aliir carried out a respectable work (on Cameron) final time 18 disposals, 1.1 - tolerable varieties for a crucial onward, however he failed to have any type of genuine effect on the video game," said Brown." We have seen Jeremy Cameron create mayhem on opposition guardians when he solves up the area."" That is actually when he goes to his most hazardous believe Buddy Franklin when he rises (the ground) as well as arcs back on his remaining feet," Buckley finished by saying.If the Cats can obtain the ball into Cameron's hands-- anywhere he discovers himself all around the ground-- they'll be every odds of protecting a home preparatory ultimate, but their initial job will be actually to void Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" By the end of the day, if they are actually visiting go all the way to premiership grandeur once more, it is actually mosting likely to be actually on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to have to create one more mighty great September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's recommendation: Slot Adelaide by 15 pointsHow carry out the Felines quit Horne-Francis & carbon monoxide?|05:16 WESTERN SIDE BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to view on Fox Footy: From 6:20 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' knotty question: Perform they compromise velocity for experience?Luke Beveridge has been toying with this question for many of the period, does he trust his seasoned professionals to do the job on the huge phase or will definitely he count on his more youthful brigade?Melbourne champion Garry Lyon threw up 2 labels who could happen under collection warmth today, relying on what Beveridge decides to value additional at the choice table before a must-win ultimate against the in-form Hawks." It is actually not all on Port Macrae and also Caleb Daniel ... but you are actually betting a Hawthorn edge (where) velocity eliminates," Lyon pointed out on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Macrae was elevated coming from the substitute duty for the clash versus the Giants in round 24, accumulating 23 fingertips as well as seven deals with, having generated two goals coming from 17 contacts in restricted opportunity on ground the week prior to versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, one more Pet dog who has been actually out-of-favour this year, has participated in the last five suits, completing his final outing along with 23 fingertips as well as a goal. But the Hawks do not hold back, they manage as well as weapon as well as leave no stone unchecked, which might induce concerns for Beveridge and also his mentoring personnel. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon as well as Josh Weddle are electrical in the rear fifty percent, consistently creating recoiling travel. The Hawks rate second in the competition for post-clearance opposed things as well as are actually the very best in the league at post-clearance ground balls. The Western side Bulldogs can flex a small Hawthorn protection, yet that carries out leave them along with a minimal ability to contend with Hawthorn's running game. So, can they pay for to play slower gamers up the ground given their high visibility forward of centre? "You've reached have the capacity to match all of them, since these three high ahead, are they going to have the ability to run half the ground and attempt put some stress on?" Lyon asked. The Hawks extended the Canines like they haven't been actually extended prior to back in circular 8, but Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley thinks the Bulldogs' proving versus the GWS Giants in Ballarat recently was a positive sign. "What I found coming from the Bulldogs pair of full weeks ago, GWS passion to play like that (rapid footy) - Hawthorn, their operate as well as bring is actually designed a bit about what the Giants have actually performed the last number of years and the Bulldogs were able to stifle that along with brutal tension, and that is actually specifically what they're visiting must perform," Buckley mentioned. Are going to Bevo sacrifice speed for experience this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The Three Big Pet dogs" These kids are mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton ... they have actually been in ripping scar ... I think Aaron Naughton's received the prospective to really leave the lead, a lot focus's visiting enter into the various other two."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs readied to monster fast Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' knotty question: May they deal with Bulldogs' vital forward mafia?The Hawks have actually appeared at risk to big key ahead all period and also the Pet dogs possess 3 outright weapons in that area. There's no doubt that the three-headed beast of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and also Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would certainly possess given Hawks instructor Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this past fortnight. "These children are actually heading to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton-- I reckon Marcus Bontempelli are going to flex all of them also and also attempt and acquire onward," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon claimed on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Over the final 7 matches, the Bulldogs trio have actually combined for around 5.7 objectives, 19.6 score engagements as well as 7.4 proofs inside 50 every activity. "They've been in tearing scar ... I believe Aaron Naughton's received the possible to really leave the leash, a lot attention's heading to enter into the various other pair of," Lyon added." The wonderful point is also, those young boys can easily split and also receive some personalized's, certainly regarding it-- which makes the protective face to face competitions for Hawthorn's protectors vital," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown answered. Previously this time in Geelong's large success over the Hawks, Kitties spearhead Jeremy Cameron triggered Mitchell and also his coaching team a lot of problems, booting 4.4 from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Freeze, James Sicily, Port Scrimshaw and also Josh Weddle are actually effectively as well as absolutely visiting have their job good for them on Friday night. Given the Hawks' weakness down back offered the height differents, winning the midfield war will be actually of the upmost relevance. The Pet dogs could possess the household names in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore, yet Hawthorn's on-ball unit have actually definitely stood this season. The Hawks position 3rd in the competitors for objected to ownership, sixth for approvals and eighth for points from clearance differential. Unquestionably the loss of superstar midfielder Will certainly Day is going to leave behind a cavernous opening during that system, yet the similarity Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash as well as James Worpel are more than efficient in standing up in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, likes the big stage as well as is actually a premiership gamer actually. We understand that he's prospered in this particular environment there, I think he acts along with the Witch and produces all type of mayhem down there in that rear one-half, the compare for them is actually heading to be actually truly significant."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's idea: Bulldogs through twenty pointsSicily opens up on finals argue v Pet dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v HIGHER WESTERN SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to check out on Fox Footy: Coming from 2:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Have they acquired their mojo back?For a long period of time this season, the Swans looked like it would simply refer time just before they secured the premiership. But some injuries late in the time found their drive stop, succeeding merely one match between rounds 16 as well as 21. "I assume there is actually proof in the final three full weeks that they carried out-- they went through that parch of 6 weeks in between round 16 and also circular 21 where they simply weren't able to get it going they were actually one win and also five reductions in that opportunity," Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley pinpointed on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "They offence hacked as well as spluttered, they were acknowledging territory as well as credit ratings from the return fifty percent as well as the clearance video game they count on so much wasn't certainly there." But ever since, the encouragements have actually come in for the Swans which has actually been a significant reason as to why the Swans have actually found their mojo. The Swans placed third in the last 3 full weeks of the period for points for, fourth for points conceded coming from the protective half and 9th for clearance differential, big remodelings coming from 13th, 17th and also 18th during that six-week form downturn. "Portion of that (adjustment in type) has actually had the capacity to get two of their stars back right into the fold after overlooking significant parts of the year," he continued.Those 2 celebrities are experienced Luke Parker and also captain Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, little bit of center bounce, moves forward, has been actually hitting the scoreboard and also impacting at approval," Buckley said." The other one is Callum Mills, that just before he went out, he was actually an authentic midfielder, maybe on a wing ... and now he is actually returned to where he cut his teeth, which is essentially dealing with objective, half-back, great intercept denoting gamer, would like to be able to take that activity on-- I think they have actually had the capacity to deliver those boys back into the fold actually well." The Swans are readied to acquire a super star quartet of weapons back in advance of their certifying ultimate versus the Giants. Defender Tom McCartin and weapon midfielder Isaac Heeney will certainly both return after being actually dealt with in the last video game of the home and also away time, while ahead Tom Papley (ankle joint) and the versatile Justin McInerney (knee) are actually additionally very likely to be remembered. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is 90% fit, the rest of his body system, his thoughts, he's been rested, he'll return in as well as he provides power as well as spark, he's cherry ripe prepared to enter September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans timid on finals assortments|02:16 Giants' knotty question: May they quit the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up and running, they're perhaps the hardest group to drop in the competition. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley as well as his coaching staff will definitely require to locate a way to cease Sydney's capability to switch the round from defensive 50 to the forward fifty percent if they are actually to become in with a shot of victory on Saturday. "Their back-half sphere use begs the question of Adam Kingsley-- just how do they avoid all of them from having the capacity to catapult, since that's going to be the question that the Giants require to answer," Buckley said. In their two outings versus the Swans this season, the Giants yielded 51 and thirty three aspects from the defensive one-half. "They have actually been a best team at slashing coming from the back one-half and also the Giants will definitely wish to cut that Sydney supply definitely rapidly and also slash off main half turnovers as high as they possibly can," Buckley carried on. The Swans possess a huge selection of super stars in their steady, including 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Detector as well as Chip Blakey.That's why the potential supply of tagger Toby Bedford are going to be actually crucial.Bedford, a discovery this initiative, did an enormous work of quashing Detector in their round 15 clash, restricting the superstar Swan to just 18 disposals during the course of the 89 minutes they were actually paired up. Will Kingsley offer his best tagger the activity of stopping Warner once again today?" I presume you need to become capable to carry out the project, the concern with Gulden is maybe you merely can refrain from doing the project because he works so hard," Buckley said." They've got loads of tools that they'll have to watch on but so carry out the Giants." Buckley threw the glove down to the Giants' on-ball unit to contend with the A-graders at the Swans, particularly given they lost that struggle on each events this year.In both matches, the Swans succeeded the contested things, clearances as well as points coming from spaces well." Exactly how great is actually that for Adam Kingsley to be capable to toss that to his midfield group and also claim this is what you are actually mosting likely to be evaluated by," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon added.The Giants have won all three finals match-ups against the Swans in their brief past and with an initial ultimate location vulnerable, there will be no lack of motivation for either edge happened Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It is actually been three weeks since he played a video game, when he got concussed late in in 2015's preparatory last versus Collingwood, he was the gamer that was actually likely to crack it open, given that they would like to release him coming from his half-forward task as well as locate that gone through the midfield, his last month of footy's been big."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's suggestion: Sydney through thirteen pointsHiding in bare view - Are actually Swans support?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to enjoy on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Port Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' burning question: Exactly how perform they obtain the video game on their terms?Brisbane's absolute best is positively electric, yet their worst isn't fantastic on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will develop on Saturday evening and all over this year's finals series? The Lions have been a sturdy stop side around 2024, yet Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown mentions the nightclub would certainly be far better off attempting to produce the game fast-flowing if you want to exploit an underdone Carlton side. "I think a ball activity video game will be definitely good, specifically versus an interfered with or even certainly underdone Carlton staff. When they can acquire their sphere action activity going, they are actually the leading group in the competitors for this," Brown informed Fox Footy's On The Chair." They develop with uncontested scores, but it is actually a quick design," he added.The Lions started like a residence on fire in their Position Sphere clash against the Blues, booting seven targets in the 1st fourth to set up a 31-point top at half-time, before cry overran all of them in the second one-half." In the position sphere in the very first fourth, Carlton might certainly not stop Brisbane from receiving from their rear half as well as they racked up greatly coming from the back fifty percent, before it at that point clearly flipped," Buckley stated." Brisbane would want to see a considerable amount of what they received early in the position around as well as certainly not a lot of what they entered the second one-half along with cry coming back."" Don't fall under the snare of assuming they play a sluggish video game if they take 120 marks and it is actually heading to be actually a fast lane apex, it's mosting likely to be 30 strange degrees," Brown replied.The Lions will definitely recover defensive duo Brandon Starcevich as well as Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will certainly be actually important for Chris Fagan's edge, as will definitely fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko are going to be essential off half-back as they hope to move the sphere with risk as well as rush, as will definitely youthful weapon Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Exact goalkicking" The Lions have actually remained in all-time low 4 crews for reliability in front of objective for the time ... this is actually why they weren't a best 4 group because they miss vital tries."-- Jonathan BrownLions anticipating total strength Woe side|01:41 Blues' knotty question: How many coming back gamers is actually extremely many?Coaches commonly possess huge battles at the option table at this time of year, yet Michael Voss absolutely has half a dozen to emulate. The Blues could be reinforced due to the return of 8 odds-on-favorite players, yet the number of is actually way too many to restore in before a substantial must-win final?" I do not think there's a certain variety, yet I usually tend to coincide a few of the comments that you would certainly hesitate to share people that have actually had soft tissue personal injuries," Brown said.Brown performed not wait when inquired if he will feature twin high rises Charlie Curnow (ankle joint) as well as Harry McKay (quad), but the various other choices weren't certainly not always as very clear cut.Brown mentioned he would certainly play defender Mitch McGovern and also energy Zac Williams ought to they bounce back in time coming from their particular hamstring injuries, yet definitely would not play Port Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra provided their private issues. The Blues validated on Tuesday that inspiring former captain Sam Docherty will create his profit coming from an ACL accident in a large increase for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will definitely send back for the problem clash simply 183 times after he fractured his ACL versus the very same edge in Opening Round. "He is actually put a lot of effort and time right into getting back, and also when you specify your mind to one thing-- he is actually the motivated kind to acquire it performed," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering pointed out on Tuesday." The kids were stoked and I make certain he'll work for us this weekend break." The Blues published an online video of leader Patrick Cripps discussing the information while players remained in the pool, along with Docherty's allies promptly crowding in the direction of him and launching him airborne. There is actually certainly that Docherty's profit will definitely provide both an on-field increase to Voss' edge, but likewise an emotional one.There's an alright pipe though in between introducing superstar premium gamers, potentially underdone, as well as interfering with group chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the 8 players mentioned above are actually well 23, however the number of may Voss possibly bring in happened crew selection?All eyes will definitely get on the Blues when crews lose at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the male with the a super hero jumper on his spine ... he hasn't been super prevalent (versus the Lions over the last), I anticipate Josh Dunkley to visit him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's suggestion: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doc makes amazing return|00:33.