.In the room of one shot, 18 clubs has actually become eight - as one of the most lovely time of the AFL season begins on Thursday evening via finals footy. And with that, the microscopic lense on those that stay has actually just escalated as they go after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Couch team on Monday evening explored every club's largest concern, and highlighted 8 X-Factors for this finals collection - as well as an idea for the 4 matches.Watch the greatest insurance coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with expert analysis and every video game till the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks throughout play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Beginning your free of charge trial today > Finals Full week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MIGHT BE GETTING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. Absolutely free and discreet assistance phone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or even check out gamblinghelponline.org.au.No leading four groups in Premiership home 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 watch on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Sign Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What carries out Ken perform with Tom Stewart?Five- opportunity All-Australian Pussy-cat Tom Stewart is actually clearly properly recognized through Power trainer Ken Hinkley-- so much in order that it's actually been actually to his detriment across the last 2 years. In each of Stewart's last 3 matches, the protector has actually been actually secured hard by Electrical power stress ahead Jed McEntee, who very most recently held him to thirteen disposals in their direct match-up-- three of which were kick-ins. "Last time, Jed McEntee was actually using him as a defensive onward, Stewart started as a half-backer and also stayed there for the video game-- (McEntee) really voided his effect on the activity," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown discussed on Fox Footy's On The Couch. "Stewart's been actually starting a little bit a lot more via the midfield (because Shot 9), therefore McEntee will stem from half onward as well as go up to Stewart (if he plays midfield)-- performs that method that a Tuohy or perhaps a Port Holly has the ability to obtain alone as an additionally one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's success on Stewart was the catalyst for Tom Stewart moving into the midfield for the backside of this period-- yet while the 23-year-old has marked him effectively at some end of the ground, he's however to perform the same in the midfield, which might paradoxically result in each trainers problems structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has actually formerly been actually utilized as a negator of adversary celebrities in the midfield and at halt, but a lot more recently has been actually discovering his own footy and harming competitors on infraction. part" This is among the earliest of players visiting Tom Stewart and also pointing out: 'You're not having it on your conditions as you eat the last 4 or five years, and it ended up being the impetus for improvement-- he obtained labelled out of this half-back posture," Melbourne excellent Garry Lyon kept in mind." McEntee's the one, as well as you want to keep Drew as the man that might always keep Dangerfield accountable, specifically in competitions," Buckley finished by claiming. McEntee went back to the senior edge in Sphere 24 versus Fremantle after a job in the SANFL, and also has played 13 activities in 2024-- most of which have been actually as a defensive onward in a task where the common stat piece doesn't say to the full tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been actually inconsistent, but I believe he is actually heading to be necessary-- in addition to (Esava) Ratugolea ... especially versus those excellent intercept marking players for Geelong,"-- BrownPort certain they can cover traumas|01:48 Cats' burning question: Exactly how perform they stop Port's midfield?Chris Scott has been tested along with a plethora of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a gamer as well as coach, as well as Slot Adelaide's this Thursday evening will be actually positively no exception.Power leader Connor Rozee leads an engine space that will certainly possess every one of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Wines, Willem Drew and also Travis Boak running through it on Thursday evening-- leaving behind two-time premiership coach Scott with a great deal to think about." They have actually been actually dominant all year it is actually an all-star midfield definitely isn't it, particularly the midfielders. Horne-Francis boggled the mind in the initial 40 minutes to put together that major lead during that Round 9 video game," Jonathan Brown mentioned to On The Chair." Ollie Red Or White Wines (has) possessed an amazing year, as possesses Zak Butters, as has Jason Horne-Francis-- that I believe is actually the best harmful midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge streamed Geelong totally off the playground in the earlier component of the 2024 period, at some stage venturing out to an eight-goal top well just before fifty percent time.The Pussy-cats certainly spared grace in the second half, as well as nearly turned the top in a second-half rise at GMHBA Stadium-- yet eventually fell short by one major." Geelong remained in the midst of looking at their mid-season slump (in Round 9), and also Slot Adelaide put one of their much better efficiencies (all together), as well as they may place those world-class activities with each other," Nathan Buckley continued." 2 critical losses though for Port Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hindering) and also Dan Houston (revocation)-- they acquire a considerable amount of their run and carry from there, to make sure that may be truly challenging for Port Adelaide if they are actually dropping clearance," incorporated Brown.And besides their losses on a segment and also one-half back, the Electrical power will definitely also need to have to support for the possible explosion that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- that has actually resided in truly tough introducing this year's finals collection. A bag of 9 objectives against North Melbourne and also six versus Adelaide in his final four suits creates him a complicated duty for most likely match-up Aliir Aliir, however it undoubtedly will not be actually overseas." Aliir Aliir performed a pretty good work (on Cameron) last time 18 disposals, 1.1 - fair numbers for a vital ahead, however he failed to have any kind of genuine influence on the activity," pointed out Brown." Our company have found Jeremy Cameron generate havoc on opposition guardians when he solves up the area."" That's when he goes to his most risky think Colleague Franklin when he gets out of bed (the ground) and arcs back on his nigh side feet," Buckley finished through saying.If the Cats can get the ball into Cameron's palms-- any place he locates himself all around the ground-- they'll be every opportunity of securing a home preliminary last, however their first duty will be actually to scratch Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" At the end of the time, if they are actually going to go all the way to premiership magnificence again, it's heading to be on the back of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to generate one more mighty great September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's recommendation: Port Adelaide through 15 pointsHow do the Pussy-cats stop Horne-Francis & co?|05:16 WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to enjoy 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: Do they compromise velocity for experience?Luke Beveridge has been actually toying with this inquiry for a lot of the season, performs he trust his seasoned veterans to do the job on the large stage or will certainly he rely on his younger brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon threw up pair of names who might come under selection warmth this week, depending on what Beveridge chooses to value additional at the option dining table before a must-win final against the in-form Hawks." It is actually not all on Jack Macrae as well as Caleb Daniel ... but you're betting a Hawthorn side (where) rate gets rid of," Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Macrae rose from the replacement task for the clash versus the Giants in circular 24, building up 23 disposals and 7 deals with, having actually collected two targets from 17 touches in limited opportunity on ground the full week just before versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, one more Pet that has actually been actually out-of-favour this year, has participated in the final five matches, completing his final outing along with 23 disposals and an objective. However the Hawks don't hold back, they manage and also weapon as well as leave no stone unchecked, which could possibly create troubles for Beveridge and his mentoring personnel. The similarity Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and also Josh Weddle are actually power in the back fifty percent, regularly producing recoiling drive. The Hawks position 2nd in the competition for post-clearance disputed possession and are actually the most effective in the rank at post-clearance ground spheres. The Western Bulldogs may flex an undersized Hawthorn defence, but that does leave all of them with a limited potential to contend with Hawthorn's operating activity. So, can they manage to play slower players up the ground given their high presence forward of center? "You've come to have the ability to match all of them, due to the fact that these three high ahead, are they visiting have the ability to run half the ground and also attempt place some stress on?" Lyon asked. The Hawks flexed the Pets like they haven't been stretched before back in circular 8, yet Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley feels the Bulldogs' proving against the GWS Giants in Ballarat recently was a beneficial indicator. "What I found from the Bulldogs two full weeks ago, GWS passion to participate in like that (quick footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and also bring is created a bit about what the Giants have actually carried out the last number of years and also the Bulldogs had the capacity to stifle that along with ferocious pressure, and also is actually exactly what they are actually going to need to carry out," Buckley said. Will definitely Bevo sacrifice speed for experience this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The Three Large Pets" These young boys are mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton ... they've remained in tearing scar ... I assume Aaron Naughton's got the prospective to truly leave the chain, a lot attention's heading to go into the various other 2."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs set to monster fast Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' knotty question: Can they handle Bulldogs' vital ahead mafia?The Hawks have looked prone to large key forwards all season and also the Pets possess 3 downright weapons during that room. There is actually no doubt that the three-headed creature of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and also Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would certainly possess offered Hawks train Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this previous week. "These boys are going to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton-- I surmise Marcus Bontempelli are going to stretch all of them too and also attempt and get forward," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon pointed out on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Over the final 7 matches, the Bulldogs triad have combined for around 5.7 goals, 19.6 score involvements and 7.4 proofs inside 50 every activity. "They've resided in ripping nick ... I presume Aaron Naughton's obtained the possible to definitely get off the lead, a great deal attention's mosting likely to enter into the other 2," Lyon incorporated." The wonderful thing is also, those young boys may split and also acquire some face to face's, no doubt regarding it-- that makes the defensive individualized contests for Hawthorn's defenders important," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown answered. Earlier this time in Geelong's big triumph over the Hawks, Pet cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron induced Mitchell and also his coaching team lots of frustrations, booting 4.4 coming from 19 disposals. The likes of Sam Freeze, James Sicily, Port Scrimshaw as well as Josh Weddle are actually well as well as definitely going to possess their work cut out for them on Friday night. Given the Hawks' vulnerability down back provided the level differentials, succeeding the midfield war will be actually of the upmost relevance. The Canines could possess the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore, but Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have certainly risen this period. The Hawks place 3rd in the competitors for objected to possession, sixth for authorizations and 8th for points from clearance differential. Admittedly the loss of superstar midfielder Are going to Day will definitely leave behind a discontinuous gap during that system, yet the similarity Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash as well as James Worpel are greater than with the ability of standing in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Jack Ginnivan" Anzac Time Medallist, likes the large phase and is a premiership player already. We understand that he is actually grown in this particular environment there certainly, I assume he gets in there with the Witch and also develops all sorts of destruction down there certainly because back one-half, the compare for them is mosting likely to be actually definitely substantial."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's tip: Bulldogs by 20 pointsSicily opens up on finals conflict v Pet dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v GREATER western side SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to view on Fox Footy: Coming from 2:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' knotty question: Have they received their mojo back?For an extended period of your time this period, the Swans appeared like it will simply refer opportunity before they secured the premiership. Yet some traumas behind time in the period viewed their drive standstill, gaining just one suit between rounds 16 as well as 21. "I presume there's proof in the final 3 full weeks that they did-- they underwent that parch of 6 weeks between circular 16 and circular 21 where they just weren't able to acquire it going they were one win and also five losses during that time," Collingwood folklore Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "They offence coughed and also spluttered, they were conceding territory and credit ratings from the return half and also the authorization video game they count on so much wasn't there certainly." Yet ever since, the encouragements have gotten here for the Swans and that has been a major cause as to why the Swans have discovered their mojo. The Swans positioned third in the ultimate 3 full weeks of the season for points for, 4th for points conceded from the protective one-half as well as 9th for authorization differential, large remodelings coming from 13th, 17th and also 18th during the course of that six-week form slump. "Component of that (modification in type) has had the capacity to receive 2 of their stars back right into the crease after skipping big pieces of the year," he continued.Those 2 celebrities are actually proficient Luke Parker and also leader Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's returned, little bit of center bounce, goes forward, has been striking the scoreboard as well as impacting at approval," Buckley pointed out." The other one is actually Callum Mills, who just before he went out, he was a genuine midfielder, perhaps on a wing ... and now he is actually gotten back to where he cut his pearly whites, which is essentially experiencing target, half-back, excellent obstruct denoting gamer, desires to have the ability to take that video game on-- I believe they have actually had the capacity to take those boys back into the fold truly well." The Swans are set to acquire a superstar quartet of guns back in advance of their qualifying final against the Giants. Protector Tom McCartin and also gun midfielder Isaac Heeney will both return after being dealt with in the ultimate game of the home as well as away period, while ahead Tom Papley (ankle joint) and the flexible Justin McInerney (leg) are likewise likely to be recalled. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is 90% fit, the remainder of his body system, his mind, he is actually been actually rested, he'll return in and he supplies power and trigger, he is actually cherry ripe all set to go in September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans shy on finals assortments|02:16 Giants' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Can they cease the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up as well as flowing, they're arguably the hardest crew to stop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and also his training team will need to find a means to cease Sydney's capacity to change the sphere coming from protective fifty to the forward one-half if they are to be belong a shot of triumph on Saturday. "Their back-half ball usage asks the question of Adam Kingsley-- just how perform they avoid all of them from having the ability to slingshot, because that's mosting likely to be the concern that the Giants need to address," Buckley said. In their two getaways against the Swans this time, the Giants conceded 51 as well as 33 points from the defensive one-half. "They have actually been a best group at scoring coming from the back fifty percent and the Giants will definitely want to reduce that Sydney supply definitely rapidly as well as score off main half turnovers as long as they perhaps can," Buckley carried on. The Swans have a huge selection of celebrities in their steady, including four All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner as well as Chip Blakey.That's why the possible availability of tagger Toby Bedford will be crucial.Bedford, a revelation this initiative, carried out a remarkable task of voiding Warner in their round 15 clash, confining the celebrity Swan to merely 18 fingertips during the course of the 89 moments they were actually matched up. Will Kingsley offer his best tagger the task of stopping Warner again today?" I believe you need to become able to perform the project, the worry about Gulden is perhaps you simply can easily refrain the project since he functions thus hard," Buckley pointed out." They have actually obtained lots of tools that they'll must keep an eye on but so do the Giants." Buckley tossed the glove up to the Giants' on-ball unit to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, specifically offered they dropped that battle on both celebrations this year.In both matches, the Swans succeeded the contended ownership, open spaces and also points coming from allowances well." Just how really good is actually that for Adam Kingsley to become able to toss that to his midfield team and also state this is what you are actually going to be actually evaluated through," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have gained all three finals match-ups versus the Swans in their quick past and along with an initial ultimate spot on the line, there will definitely be actually no scarcity of incentive for either side come Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It is actually been 3 full weeks because he played an activity, when he got concussed late in last year's preliminary final against Collingwood, he was actually the player that was likely to damage it open, since they would like to launch him from his half-forward part and locate that gone through the midfield, his final month of footy's been actually significant."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's pointer: Sydney through thirteen pointsHiding in simple attraction - Are Swans back?|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' knotty question: How perform they acquire the game on their terms?Brisbane's best is positively electric, but their worst isn't wonderful on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will emerge on Sunday night and all over this year's finals set? The Lions have been a tough halt edge around 2024, but Brisbane champ Jonathan Brown says the nightclub would certainly be actually much better off attempting to create the game fast-flowing so as to exploit an underdone Carlton edge. "I believe a round action video game would certainly be actually actually nice, particularly against an interfered with or even absolutely underdone Carlton team. When they can easily receive their ball activity video game going, they're the top group in the competition for this," Brown said to Fox Footy's On The Couch." They develop by means of uncontested marks, but it is actually a quick type," he added.The Lions began like a house on fire in their Position Round clash against the Blues, loading seven goals in the very first quarter to create a 31-point lead at half-time, just before the Blues swamp them in the 2nd half." In the position sphere in the very first one-fourth, Carlton could certainly not stop Brisbane coming from receiving from their rear fifty percent and they racked up greatly coming from the back one-half, prior to it after that undoubtedly flipped," Buckley claimed." Brisbane will expect to observe a considerable amount of what they acquired early in the opening sphere and not a considerable amount of what they got inside the second half with the Blues coming back."" Don't fall into the trap of thinking they participate in a slow video game if they take 120 proofs as well as it's mosting likely to be a fast track apex, it's going to be actually 30 weird degrees," Brown replied.The Lions will regain defensive duo Brandon Starcevich and also Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will be integral for Chris Fagan's side, as will fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and Willpower Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will be actually essential off half-back as they hope to move the ball along with attempt as well as dash, as will certainly young weapon Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Exact goalkicking" The Lions have actually remained in the bottom four groups for accuracy in front of target for the time ... this is actually why they weren't a best 4 staff considering that they miss out on important gos."-- Jonathan BrownLions anticipating total strength Woe edge|01:41 Woes' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: The amount of coming back gamers is extremely many?Coaches usually have large problems at the choice dining table currently of year, however Michael Voss truly possesses six to contend with. The Blues may be reinforced due to the yield of eight odds-on-favorite gamers, however the amount of is actually too many to revive in in front of a massive must-win last?" I don't think there's a particular amount, but I often tend to agree with some of the comments that you will hesitate to share guys who have actually possessed delicate tissue accidents," Brown said.Brown did certainly not wait when asked if he would certainly include twin high rises Charlie Curnow (ankle joint) and Harry McKay (quad), but the various other selections weren't certainly not essentially as clear cut.Brown mentioned he would play guardian Mitch McGovern and electrical Zac Williams ought to they bounce back in time from their corresponding hamstring traumas, however would not participate in Jack Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra offered their personal issues. The Blues confirmed on Tuesday that inspiring previous captain Sam Docherty would certainly make his profit coming from an ACL injury in a significant increase for Michael Voss' side.Docherty are going to come back for the problem clash merely 183 days after he burst his ACL against the same edge in Position Cycle. "He's put a considerable amount of effort and time in to getting back, as well as as soon as you prepare your thoughts to something-- he is actually the determined type to obtain it done," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering stated on Tuesday." The young boys were fed and also I'm sure he'll do a job for us this weekend break." Cry submitted a video recording of captain Patrick Cripps sharing the headlines while players were in the pool, with Docherty's teammates rapidly gathering towards him and releasing him in the air. There is actually no question that Docherty's gain are going to deliver both an on-field boost to Voss' edge, yet additionally a psychological one.There's a fine line though in between introducing celebrity high quality gamers, likely underdone, and also interrupting team chemistry.Undoubtedly mostly all of the 8 gamers mentioned above are well 23, yet the number of can easily Voss understandably bring in happened team selection?All eyes will certainly get on cry when staffs go down at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He is actually the guy along with the superman jumper on his spine ... he have not been actually super leading (against the Lions before), I anticipate Josh Dunkley to head to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's recommendation: Lions through 15 pointsSCENES as Doc makes incredible gain|00:33.