.In the room of one shot, 18 clubs has actually come to be eight - as the most lovely opportunity of the AFL time starts on Thursday night via finals footy. And keeping that, the microscope on those who continue to be has actually just heightened as they chase after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Sofa workers on Monday night analyzed every club's greatest question, and highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals series - in addition to a pointer for the 4 matches.Watch the most effective coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with pro review and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks throughout play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Beginning your totally free test today > Finals Full week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MAY BE GETTING RATHER. Totally free as well as personal support call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or go to gamblinghelponline.org.au.No leading 4 teams in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS WEEK 1 INSTALLATION AND SIXTY-FOUR-THOUSAND-DOLLAR QUESTION (All times AEST) PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to see on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Result Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What does Ken do with Tom Stewart?Five- opportunity All-Australian Feline Tom Stewart is plainly well valued through Power coach Ken Hinkley-- a lot to make sure that it's in fact been to his detriment around the final pair of years. In each of Stewart's last 3 matches, the protector has been actually braced hard through Energy tension onward Jed McEntee, who very most recently supported him to 13 fingertips in their straight match-- 3 of which were kick-ins. "Final time, Jed McEntee was playing on him as a defensive forward, Stewart started as a half-backer and remained there for the game-- (McEntee) actually squashed his effect on the game," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown described on Fox Footy's On The Couch. "Stewart's been starting a little much more through the midfield (because Shot 9), thus McEntee will come from half forward as well as increase to Stewart (if he plays midfield)-- does that way that a Tuohy or maybe a Port Holly is able to receive alone as a plus one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's results on Stewart was the driver for Tom Stewart relocating in to the midfield for the backside of the period-- but while the 23-year-old has actually marked him effectively at one end of the ground, he's yet to do the exact same in the midfield, which could actually trigger both trains hassles structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has formerly been actually made use of as a negator of opponent superstars in the midfield as well as at standstill, but much more lately has been actually discovering his very own footy and also harming competitors on offence. part" This is just one of the earliest of gamers visiting Tom Stewart and also pointing out: 'You're certainly not possessing it on your terms as you have for the last 4 or even five years, and also it came to be the catalyst for modification-- he received tagged away from this half-back position," Melbourne terrific Garry Lyon took note." McEntee's the one, and you intend to maintain Drew as the guy that might keep Dangerfield liable, specifically in competitions," Buckley finished by stating. McEntee came back to the elderly side in Round 24 against Fremantle after an assignment in the SANFL, as well as has actually participated in 13 games in 2024-- the majority of which have been actually as a protective forward in a job where the universal stat piece does not inform the full story of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been inconsistent, yet I presume he is actually mosting likely to be necessary-- together with (Esava) Ratugolea ... especially against those great obstruct noting players for Geelong,"-- BrownPort certain they can deal with accidents|01:48 Cats' burning question: Just how do they quit Port's midfield?Chris Scott has been challenged along with a myriad of talent-heavy midfields in his opportunity as both a player as well as coach, as well as Slot Adelaide's this Thursday evening will be actually completely no exception.Power leader Connor Rozee leads a motor area that are going to possess each one of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Red Wines, Willem Drew and also Travis Boak going through it on Thursday evening-- leaving behind two-time premiership trainer Scott along with a lot to think about." They have actually been actually leading all year it's an all-star midfield truly isn't it, especially the midfielders. Horne-Francis boggled the mind in the very first 40 minutes to put together that significant lead because Around 9 video game," Jonathan Brown claimed to On The Chair." Ollie Red Or White Wines (possesses) possessed an excellent year, as possesses Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- who I assume is the most damaging midfielder in the competitors." Ken Hinkley's side blew Geelong completely off the park in the earlier part of the 2024 season, at one phase venturing out to an eight-goal lead well prior to half time.The Cats undoubtedly spared style in the 2nd fifty percent, and also nearly turned the lead in a second-half rise at GMHBA Coliseum-- however inevitably failed through one major." Geelong resided in the middle of undergoing their mid-season depression (in Shot 9), as well as Port Adelaide placed some of their much better functionalities (with each other), and also they can easily put those world-class video games with each other," Nathan Buckley carried on." Two vital reductions though for Port Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring muscle) as well as Dan Houston (suspension)-- they obtain a lot of their run and hold from there certainly, so that could be really problematic for Slot Adelaide if they are actually dropping allowance," incorporated Brown.And aside from their reductions on a segment as well as fifty percent back, the Energy will definitely likewise need to brace for the prospective surge that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- that has actually resided in truly sturdy introducing this year's finals set. A bag of nine goals against North Melbourne and six against Adelaide in his last 4 suits creates him a challenging duty for likely match-up Aliir Aliir, yet it certainly won't be actually international." Aliir Aliir carried out a pretty good job (on Cameron) last opportunity 18 disposals, 1.1 - fair numbers for a vital forward, yet he really did not have any kind of actual impact on the game," said Brown." Our team have actually found Jeremy Cameron generate chaos on hostility defenders when he solves up the area."" That's when he goes to his very most harmful believe Pal Franklin when he gets out of bed (the ground) and also arcs back on his remaining feet," Buckley ended up through saying.If the Cats can obtain the ball in to Cameron's hands-- wherever he discovers themself all around the ground-- they'll be actually every possibility of securing a home initial last, however their initial job will be to nullify Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" By the end of the time, if they are actually visiting go all the way to premiership splendor once more, it's visiting be on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to have to make yet another magnificent great September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's idea: Slot Adelaide by 15 pointsHow do the Cats stop Horne-Francis & carbon monoxide?|05:16 WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to enjoy on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:20 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' knotty question: Do they lose speed for experience?Luke Beveridge has been toying with this question for a lot of the time, does he trust his seasoned professionals to get the job done on the significant phase or is going to he rely on his much younger brigade?Melbourne champion Garry Lyon regurgitated 2 titles who can happen under assortment warm recently, relying on what Beveridge determines to value more at the assortment table before a must-win last versus the in-form Hawks." It's not all on Jack Macrae as well as Caleb Daniel ... however you are actually playing against a Hawthorn edge (where) velocity kills," Lyon said on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Macrae rose from the replacement duty for the clash versus the Giants in round 24, collecting 23 fingertips as well as seven deals with, having generated 2 objectives coming from 17 touches in limited opportunity on ground the full week before versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, an additional Canine who has actually been out-of-favour this year, has actually participated in the last 5 matches, finishing his last outing along with 23 disposals and also an objective. Yet the Hawks do not hold off, they operate and also weapon and also leave behind no rock unchecked, which could possibly result in issues for Beveridge as well as his coaching staff. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and Josh Weddle are electric in the rear one-half, frequently creating recoiling drive. The Hawks rank 2nd in the competitors for post-clearance contested property and also are actually the most effective in the circle at post-clearance ground spheres. The Western side Bulldogs can easily extend an undersized Hawthorn defence, but that performs leave them along with a restricted capacity to emulate Hawthorn's operating game. Therefore, can they pay for to participate in slower players up the ground given their high visibility onward of center? "You've reached have the capacity to match them, due to the fact that these 3 high ahead, are they visiting have the ability to operate half the ground and make an effort put some tension on?" Lyon inquired. The Hawks extended the Dogs like they haven't been actually stretched before back in rounded 8, but Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley feels the Bulldogs' proving against the GWS Giants in Ballarat lately was actually a good indication. "What I observed from the Bulldogs pair of weeks earlier, GWS affection to play like that (rapid footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and also bring is designed a little about what the Giants have actually performed the last number of years and the Bulldogs managed to stifle that along with fierce tension, which's precisely what they are actually heading to need to do," Buckley claimed. Will certainly Bevo reparation velocity for take in this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The Three Large Pets" These kids are mosting likely to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton ... they've remained in ripping chip ... I presume Aaron Naughton's acquired the prospective to definitely get off the lead, so much focus's mosting likely to go into the various other 2."-- Garry LyonBig Canine readied to monster speedy Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Can easily they handle Bulldogs' essential onward mafia?The Hawks have actually looked susceptible to huge essential forwards all period as well as the Canines have 3 outright tools because space. There is actually no doubt that the three-headed monster of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would certainly possess given Hawks train Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this previous fortnight. "These kids are actually mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton-- I believe Marcus Bontempelli will definitely flex them too and attempt and obtain forward," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon mentioned on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Over the final 7 matches, the Bulldogs triad have integrated for an average of 5.7 objectives, 19.6 credit rating engagements and 7.4 marks inside fifty per game. "They have actually remained in tearing chip ... I think Aaron Naughton's obtained the possible to actually get off the lead, a great deal interest's going to enter the various other two," Lyon added." The excellent thing is actually also, those children can easily separate and also obtain some individualized's, no question regarding it-- which makes the protective individualized competitions for Hawthorn's defenders critical," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown replied. Previously this season in Geelong's huge triumph over the Hawks, Pussy-cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron induced Mitchell and also his coaching team a lot of migraines, booting 4.4 coming from 19 disposals. The similarity Sam Freeze, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw and also Josh Weddle are properly and also truly visiting have their job cut out for all of them on Friday evening. Provided the Hawks' susceptibility down back given the level differents, winning the midfield war will certainly be of the upmost value. The Pets may possess the household names in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar as well as Tom Liberatore, yet Hawthorn's on-ball unit have actually absolutely stood up this season. The Hawks rate 3rd in the competitors for opposed things, sixth for approvals as well as 8th for points from clearance differential. Unquestionably the loss of superstar midfielder Will Day will definitely leave behind an open gap because system, yet the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash as well as James Worpel are greater than efficient in standing in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, likes the big phase and also is a premiership player currently. We understand that he is actually prospered in this setting there, I think he gets in there along with the Wizard as well as generates all form of mayhem down certainly there in that rear one-half, the pair up for all of them is visiting be definitely notable."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's idea: Bulldogs by twenty pointsSicily opens up on finals clash v Dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v BETTER western side 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 King, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Have they obtained their mojo back?For a long period of time this time, the Swans seemed like it will just be a matter of opportunity prior to they secured the premiership. However some accidents late in the time saw their drive halt, gaining just one match in between rounds 16 and also 21. "I believe there is actually proof in the final 3 weeks that they carried out-- they looked at that parch of 6 weeks between circular 16 as well as circular 21 where they just weren't capable to get it going they were actually one win and also five losses in that time," Collingwood folklore Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "They offence coughed and spluttered, they were actually acknowledging area as well as scores from the return one-half and the authorization game they depend on a great deal had not been there." Yet since then, the reinforcements have gotten there for the Swans which has actually been a huge cause regarding why the Swans have actually found their mojo. The Swans positioned 3rd in the ultimate three weeks of the period for aspects for, 4th for factors yielded from the protective one-half as well as nine for clearance differential, major enhancements from 13th, 17th as well as 18th in the course of that six-week form downturn. "Part of that (modification in form) has managed to acquire 2 of their celebrities back into the fold after overlooking significant chunks of the year," he continued.Those two celebrities are actually veteran Luke Parker as well as leader Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's come back, bit of center bounce, goes ahead, has been actually attacking the scoreboard and also impacting at clearance," Buckley said." The various other one is actually Callum Mills, who before he headed out, he was a legitimate midfielder, possibly on an airfoil ... but now he's gone back to where he reduced his teeth, which is actually essentially facing objective, half-back, really good obstruct denoting gamer, wishes to have the capacity to take that activity on-- I believe they've had the ability to bring those kids back right into the fold really properly." The Swans are actually readied to receive a superstar quartet of weapons back before their training last against the Giants. Defender Tom McCartin as well as gun midfielder Isaac Heeney are going to both come back after being handled in the final game of the home and also away season, while ahead Tom Papley (ankle) and the flexible Justin McInerney (knee) are additionally very likely to be remembered. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle is 90% match, the remainder of his body system, his mind, he is actually been actually rested, he'll go back in and also he delivers power and stimulate, he's cherry mature prepared to use September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans timid on finals varieties|02:16 Giants' burning question: Can easily they cease the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up as well as operating, they're probably the hardest team to drop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and also his training workers are going to require to locate a means to cease Sydney's capability to switch the sphere coming from defensive 50 to the forward one-half if they are actually to become belong a bullet of triumph on Saturday. "Their back-half sphere make use of pleads the concern of Adam Kingsley-- exactly how perform they prevent them from having the capacity to catapult, since that is actually heading to be actually the question that the Giants require to respond to," Buckley claimed. In their pair of outings against the Swans this season, the Giants yielded 51 as well as 33 aspects coming from the protective half. "They have been a best staff at slashing coming from the back fifty percent and also the Giants will definitely wish to cut that Sydney source truly rapidly and score off front fifty percent turnovers as much as they probably can," Buckley continued. The Swans possess a variety of celebrities in their stable, consisting of 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Detector as well as Nick Blakey.That's why the potential schedule of tagger Toby Bedford will certainly be crucial.Bedford, a discovery this initiative, carried out a significant project of undoing Warner in their rounded 15 clash, limiting the celebrity Swan to merely 18 disposals during the course of the 89 minutes they were actually compared. Will Kingsley offer his top tagger the duty of ceasing Detector once again today?" I believe you require to be able to accomplish the project, the worry about Gulden is actually perhaps you only may refrain the task because he functions thus hard," Buckley said." They've got lots of items that they'll have to keep an eye on however so carry out the Giants." Buckley tossed the glove up to the Giants' on-ball unit to contend with the A-graders at the Swans, especially given they lost that fight on each events this year.In both matches, the Swans gained the disputed things, allowances as well as factors coming from clearances convincingly." How good is actually that for Adam Kingsley to be able to toss that to his midfield team as well as mention this is what you are actually visiting be actually gauged through," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have actually succeeded all three finals match-ups against the Swans in their quick background as well as with a preparatory ultimate spot on the line, there are going to be no deficiency of motivation for either edge come Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It's been actually 3 full weeks given that he played a game, when he obtained concussed late in in 2013's initial ultimate versus Collingwood, he was actually the gamer that was actually probably to crack it open, considering that they desired to launch him from his half-forward duty and find that run through the midfield, his last month of footy's been substantial."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's pointer: Sydney by thirteen pointsHiding in pure attraction - Are actually Swans support?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to see on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Port Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' burning question: Just how do they obtain the video game on their terms?Brisbane's absolute best is positively electricity, however their worst isn't excellent on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will arise on Sunday night and also across this year's finals set? The Lions have been a strong stop edge throughout 2024, yet Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown mentions the nightclub would certainly be actually far better off attempting to make the activity fast-flowing so as to make use of an underdone Carlton side. "I assume a round activity game would certainly be really wonderful, specifically against an interfered with or surely underdone Carlton group. When they may get their round movement activity going, they're the top team in the competitors for this," Brown informed Fox Footy's On The Chair." They develop by means of easy scores, but it's a quick design," he added.The Lions started like a house on fire in their Position Sphere clash versus the Blues, booting 7 objectives in the 1st fourth to set up a 31-point lead at half-time, prior to the Blues swamp them in the second fifty percent." In the opening round in the initial quarter, Carlton might certainly not cease Brisbane coming from obtaining from their rear one-half and they racked up greatly coming from the back half, prior to it after that clearly flipped," Buckley claimed." Brisbane would intend to see a lot of what they obtained early in the position sphere as well as certainly not a great deal of what they got inside the 2nd fifty percent with the Blues going back."" Don't fall under the snare of believing they play a sluggish video game if they take 120 symbols and also it is actually mosting likely to be actually a fast lane apex, it's going to be actually 30 strange levels," Brown replied.The Lions are going to recover defensive duo Brandon Starcevich and Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale are going to be important for Chris Fagan's side, as will certainly fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley as well as Willpower Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will be actually critical off half-back as they want to relocate the round along with dare as well as scurry, as will certainly younger gun Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Accurate goalkicking" The Lions have remained in all-time low 4 teams for reliability facing goal for the season ... this is actually why they weren't a best four group because they skip crucial tries."-- Jonathan BrownLions assuming full strength Woe side|01:41 Woes' burning question: The number of returning gamers is very many?Coaches usually have major battles at the collection table currently of year, however Michael Voss truly possesses half a dozen to emulate. Cry could be strengthened by the gain of eight front runner players, yet the amount of is way too many to recover in in advance of a huge must-win last?" I don't presume there is actually a details number, but I tend to agree with several of the commentary that you would certainly hesitate to share people that have actually had soft tissue accidents," Brown said.Brown performed certainly not wait when talked to if he will feature paired high rises Charlie Curnow (ankle joint) and also Harry McKay (quad), however the various other selections weren't certainly not essentially as very clear cut.Brown claimed he would play defender Mitch McGovern and also energy Zac Williams ought to they bounce back over time coming from their respective hamstring injuries, however wouldn't play Jack Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra given their personal issues. Cry validated on Tuesday that motivational former captain Sam Docherty would make his gain from an ACL accident in a big improvement for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will certainly return for the crisis clash only 183 times after he burst his ACL versus the exact same edge in Opening Round. "He is actually put a great deal of effort and time into coming back, and also as soon as you prepare your thoughts to something-- he's the enthusiastic type to obtain it performed," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering claimed on Tuesday." The children were actually stoked as well as I'm sure he'll do a job for our team this weekend." The Blues submitted a video of leader Patrick Cripps sharing the news while players were in the pool, with Docherty's allies swiftly crowding in the direction of him and introducing him airborne. There's certainly that Docherty's yield are going to give both an on-field boost to Voss' side, yet additionally a psychological one.There's an alright pipe though between introducing celebrity top quality players, likely underdone, as well as interrupting staff chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the eight gamers pointed out above are well 23, however the amount of can easily Voss understandably generate happened staff selection?All eyes will certainly be on the Blues when teams drop at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the male along with the superman jumper on his back ... he hasn't been extremely leading (versus the Lions before), I expect Josh Dunkley to head to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's idea: Cougars through 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor creates marvelous yield|00:33.