.In the room of one round, 18 clubs has ended up being eight - as the best gorgeous time of the AFL season starts on Thursday evening through finals footy. And keeping that, the microscope on those that remain has actually simply increased as they chase the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Chair workers on Monday night scrutinized every group's most significant question, as well as highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals set - and also a pointer for the 4 matches.Watch the most ideal protection of the 2024 AFL finals, along with expert analysis and also every video game up until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks throughout play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Begin your free test today > Finals Full week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MAY BE BUYING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. For Free as well as discreet support ring 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or even go to gamblinghelponline.org.au.No leading 4 groups in Premiership home window?|01:37 FINALS WEEK 1 FIXTURE AS WELL AS 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: From 6:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Mark Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What carries out Ken do with Tom Stewart?Five- opportunity All-Australian Feline Tom Stewart is actually plainly well respected by Energy coach Ken Hinkley-- a lot to ensure it's in fact been to his hinderance around the last 2 years. In each of Stewart's last three matches, the defender has actually been actually secured hard through Energy tension forward Jed McEntee, that very most just recently supported him to thirteen fingertips in their direct match-up-- 3 of which were actually kick-ins. "Final opportunity, Jed McEntee was using him as a protective onward, Stewart began as a half-backer and kept there for the game-- (McEntee) actually voided his impact on the video game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown discussed on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "Stewart's been actually starting a bit a lot more via the midfield (since Round 9), so McEntee will come from half ahead and also climb to Stewart (if he participates in midfield)-- does that mean that a Tuohy or even a Jack Henry is able to receive alone as a plus one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's results on Stewart was the agitator for Tom Stewart moving right into the midfield for the back end of this particular season-- but while the 23-year-old has actually tagged him successfully at some end of the ground, he's however to accomplish the very same in the midfield, which could paradoxically induce both coaches headaches structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has previously been actually made use of as a negator of opposition superstars in the midfield as well as at blockage, yet much more just recently has actually been actually discovering his own footy and also harming competitors on misdemeanor. job" This is just one of the earliest of gamers mosting likely to Tom Stewart and also claiming: 'You're not having it on your phrases as you have for the final 4 or five years, and it ended up being the inspiration for modification-- he got marked away from this half-back position," Melbourne wonderful Garry Lyon kept in mind." McEntee's the one, and you wish to maintain Drew as the individual who might always keep Dangerfield answerable, especially in contests," Buckley ended through claiming. McEntee went back to the elderly edge in Sphere 24 versus Fremantle after a job in the SANFL, as well as has played 13 games in 2024-- the majority of which have been as a protective forward in a part where the universal stat piece doesn't inform the complete tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been inconsistent, however I think he is actually heading to be essential-- in addition to (Esava) Ratugolea ... specifically against those excellent obstruct marking players for Geelong,"-- BrownPort confident they can easily cover injuries|01:48 Felines' knotty question: How do they stop Slot's midfield?Chris Scott has actually been actually challenged with a plethora of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a gamer and also trainer, and also Port Adelaide's this Thursday evening are going to be actually definitely no exception.Power leader Connor Rozee leads a motor room that will certainly possess each one of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Red Or White Wines, Willem Drew as well as Travis Boak running through it on Thursday night-- leaving behind two-time premiership instructor Scott with a lot to think about." They have actually been actually prevalent all year it is actually an all-star midfield really isn't it, specifically the midfielders. Horne-Francis was unbelievable in the 1st 40 minutes to set up that big top in that Round 9 video game," Jonathan Brown stated to On The Sofa." Ollie Red Wines (has) possessed a wonderful year, as possesses Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- who I presume is actually one of the most detrimental midfielder in the competitors." Ken Hinkley's edge blew Geelong completely off the park in the earlier component of the 2024 time, at one stage venturing out to an eight-goal lead well prior to one-half time.The Pet cats surely conserved poise in the 2nd half, and virtually flipped the lead in a second-half surge at GMHBA Coliseum-- but at some point failed through one significant." Geelong were in the midst of going through their mid-season downtrend (in Round 9), as well as Port Adelaide put one of their far better performances (with each other), and they can easily place those exclusive video games all together," Nathan Buckley proceeded." 2 essential reductions though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring muscle) and also Dan Houston (suspension)-- they receive a ton of their run and carry coming from certainly there, so that may be definitely difficult for Slot Adelaide if they're shedding allowance," added Brown.And in addition to their reductions on a segment and also one-half back, the Energy will certainly also require to support for the prospective blast that is Jeremy Cameron-- who has actually remained in very seriously sturdy leading into this year's finals collection. A bag of 9 goals versus North Melbourne and also 6 versus Adelaide in his last 4 matches creates him a difficult activity for probably match-up Aliir Aliir, however it undoubtedly won't be actually foreign." Aliir Aliir did a pretty good work (on Cameron) last time 18 disposals, 1.1 - okay varieties for an essential ahead, but he failed to have any sort of true effect on the activity," said Brown." Our company have actually found Jeremy Cameron generate havoc on hostility guardians when he solves up the field."" That is actually when he goes to his very most risky think Pal Franklin when he gets up (the ground) and also arcs back on his left feet," Buckley completed through saying.If the Cats can obtain the reception into Cameron's palms-- everywhere he locates himself all around the ground-- they'll be actually every possibility of getting a home preliminary last, but their very first task will be actually to void Slot's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" At the end of the day, if they are actually going to copulate to premiership magnificence once again, it is actually heading to be on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he requires to generate another enormous fine September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's pointer: Slot Adelaide by 15 pointsHow carry out the Kitties stop 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' burning question: Perform they sacrifice velocity for experience?Luke Beveridge has been dabbling this inquiry for most of the period, does he trust his experienced pros to get the job done on the big stage or will certainly he look to his younger brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon threw up pair of names who can come under collection warmth today, relying on what Beveridge makes a decision to value additional at the selection dining table before a must-win last versus the in-form Hawks." It's not all on Port Macrae and also Caleb Daniel ... however you are actually playing against a Hawthorn side (where) speed eliminates," Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Macrae rose coming from the alternative role for the clash versus the Giants in rounded 24, gathering 23 disposals as well as 7 takes on, having actually amassed 2 goals coming from 17 contacts in restricted time on ground the week before against North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, yet another Canine who has actually been actually out-of-favour this year, has actually participated in the final five suits, finishing his last outing with 23 fingertips and also an objective. Yet the Hawks do not keep back, they manage and gun as well as leave behind no rock unchecked, which could trigger concerns for Beveridge as well as his mentoring workers. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and Josh Weddle are actually electricity in the rear one-half, constantly producing rebounding drive. The Hawks rank second in the competition for post-clearance objected to property and are the best in the league at post-clearance ground balls. The Western Bulldogs can extend an undersized Hawthorn support, yet that does leave all of them along with a restricted capacity to contend with Hawthorn's operating activity. Thus, can they manage to participate in slower gamers up the ground provided their tall existence onward of centre? "You possess come to manage to match them, given that these 3 tall ahead, are they visiting be able to run half the ground as well as make an effort put some pressure on?" Lyon talked to. The Hawks extended the Canines like they haven't been actually extended prior to back in circular eight, yet Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley strongly believes the Bulldogs' showing against the GWS Giants in Ballarat just recently was actually a good sign. "What I observed coming from the Bulldogs two full weeks ago, GWS affection to participate in like that (prompt footy) - Hawthorn, their run and also carry is designed a little on what the Giants have carried out the final couple of years and also the Bulldogs had the capacity to suppress that with ferocious pressure, which is actually specifically what they are actually mosting likely to must carry out," Buckley stated. Will definitely Bevo sacrifice rate for take in this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The 3 Big Dogs" These young boys are actually heading to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton ... they've been in ripping nick ... I think Aaron Naughton's got the prospective to really leave the leash, a great deal attention's going to go into the various other two."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs readied to creature rapid Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Can easily they deal with Bulldogs' essential ahead mafia?The Hawks have looked susceptible to major essential ahead all period as well as the Pet dogs possess 3 absolute tools because space. There's no question that the three-headed beast of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will have provided Hawks trainer Sam Mitchell some sleepless evenings this previous fortnight. "These kids are going to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton-- I believe Marcus Bontempelli will certainly flex them at the same time and try and get ahead," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Over the final 7 matches, the Bulldogs trio have combined for around 5.7 targets, 19.6 score involvements as well as 7.4 proofs inside fifty every game. "They've remained in tearing nick ... I believe Aaron Naughton's got the potential to definitely get off the chain, a great deal attention's going to enter the other 2," Lyon incorporated." The wonderful point is actually also, those boys may split and also get some individually's, no doubt about it-- which makes the defensive face to face contests for Hawthorn's protectors vital," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown responded. Previously this time in Geelong's big victory over the Hawks, Pet cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron created Mitchell and also his coaching personnel lots of problems, booting 4.4 from 19 disposals. The likes of Sam Freeze, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw as well as Josh Weddle are properly and genuinely going to possess their work good for them on Friday night. Offered the Hawks' vulnerability down back offered the height differentials, gaining the midfield war is going to be actually of the upmost usefulness. The Canines might possess the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar as well as Tom Liberatore, but Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have definitely stood this period. The Hawks rank 3rd in the competition for contested ownership, sixth for authorizations as well as 8th for points from approval differential. Admittedly the loss of celebrity midfielder Will certainly Time will certainly leave behind an open hole because unit, yet 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: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, enjoys the big stage and also is a premiership player currently. We know that he is actually thrived in this particular atmosphere there certainly, I presume he gets in there with the Occultist as well as develops all type of mayhem down there certainly in that back fifty percent, the pair up for all of them is going to be actually truly significant."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's suggestion: Bulldogs through 20 pointsSicily opens on finals argue v Pet dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v BETTER WESTERN SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to check out on Fox Footy: 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 season, the Swans seemed like it would just refer time before they secured the premiership. Yet some personal injuries late in the time found their drive standstill, gaining merely one suit in between cycles 16 and 21. "I believe there is actually proof in the last 3 weeks that they performed-- they went through that parch of 6 full weeks in between round 16 and circular 21 where they merely weren't capable to acquire it going they were one win as well as 5 reductions because time," Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "They offence coughed and spluttered, they were actually yielding region as well as scores coming from the return fifty percent and also the clearance game they count on a lot had not been there certainly." But since then, the reinforcements have come in for the Swans which has actually been actually a large cause regarding why the Swans have found their mojo. The Swans ranked 3rd in the last 3 weeks of the time for aspects for, fourth for factors conceded coming from the defensive fifty percent and 9th for authorization differential, significant renovations coming from 13th, 17th as well as 18th in the course of that six-week kind downturn. "Part of that (modification in kind) has managed to acquire two of their celebrities back right into the fold after overlooking big portions of the year," he continued.Those two superstars are experienced Luke Parker as well as captain Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's come back, small amount of centre bounce, moves forward, has been actually reaching the scoreboard as well as affecting at approval," Buckley stated." The various other one is actually Callum Mills, who before he headed out, he was a legitimate midfielder, maybe on a wing ... now he's gotten back to where he cut his pearly whites, which is primarily dealing with goal, half-back, great intercept marking gamer, desires to be able to take that game on-- I assume they have actually managed to bring those young boys back right into the fold truly well." The Swans are actually set to acquire a celebrity quartet of guns back before their certifying final against the Giants. Defender Tom McCartin and also weapon midfielder Isaac Heeney are going to both come back after being taken care of in the ultimate game of the home and away time, while ahead Tom Papley (ankle joint) as well as the extremely versatile Justin McInerney (leg) are actually likewise likely to be recollected. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is actually 90% match, the rest of his physical body, his thoughts, he's been actually relaxed, he'll return in as well as he delivers electricity and trigger, he's cherry enriched all set to go in September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans timid on finals selections|02:16 Giants' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Can they stop the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up and also running, they are actually perhaps the hardest team to drop in the competition. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and also his coaching personnel are going to need to have to find a method to quit Sydney's ability to shift the round coming from protective 50 to the aggressive half if they are actually to be belong a discharge of triumph on Saturday. "Their back-half ball usage begs the question of Adam Kingsley-- exactly how perform they stop them coming from managing to slingshot, because that is actually mosting likely to be actually the inquiry that the Giants need to respond to," Buckley said. In their two trips against the Swans this time, the Giants conceded 51 and also thirty three aspects coming from the protective fifty percent. "They have been a best group at slashing coming from the back half as well as the Giants will certainly wish to reduce that Sydney supply definitely quickly as well as slash off front half turnovers as long as they probably can," Buckley carried on. The Swans have a huge selection of super stars in their steady, consisting of four All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and also Chip Blakey.That's why the potential supply of tagger Toby Bedford will be actually crucial.Bedford, a revelation this campaign, performed an enormous job of quashing Detector in their circular 15 clash, confining the celebrity Swan to merely 18 disposals during the course of the 89 minutes they were actually matched up. Will Kingsley provide his top tagger the duty of ceasing Warner again today?" I assume you need to have to become capable to accomplish the job, the concern with Gulden is maybe you simply can refrain the task due to the fact that he operates so hard," Buckley claimed." They have actually got lots of items that they'll must watch on however therefore perform the Giants." Buckley threw the glove to the Giants' on-ball unit to contend with the A-graders at the Swans, particularly offered they shed that war on each occasions this year.In both suits, the Swans succeeded the contended belongings, clearances and aspects from clearances well." How great is actually that for Adam Kingsley to become capable to toss that to his midfield group as well as claim this is what you are actually heading to be evaluated by," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon added.The Giants have won all three finals matches versus the Swans in their quick past history and along with a preparatory ultimate location vulnerable, there will certainly be no deficiency of inspiration for either side come Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It is actually been three full weeks since he participated in a game, when he obtained concussed behind time in in 2015's preparatory final versus Collingwood, he was the gamer that was probably to break it available, because they desired to release him from his half-forward task and also discover that run through the midfield, his last month of footy's been actually huge."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's pointer: Sydney by thirteen pointsHiding in plain sight - Are 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, Jack Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' burning question: Just how do they obtain the game on their terms?Brisbane's best is completely electricity, however their worst isn't fantastic on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will surface on Sunday night as well as all over this year's finals collection? The Lions have been a strong deduction side across 2024, however Brisbane champ Jonathan Brown states the club will be much better off making an effort to make the activity fast-flowing so as to manipulate an underdone Carlton edge. "I believe a ball motion game would certainly be definitely good, especially against an obstructed or even absolutely underdone Carlton group. When they may receive their sphere motion video game going, they are actually the primary staff in the competitors for this," Brown said to Fox Footy's On The Sofa." They develop with easy marks, yet it is actually a simple design," he added.The Lions started like a house on fire in their Position Sphere clash versus the Blues, booting seven objectives in the 1st quarter to develop a 31-point lead at half-time, before cry overran all of them in the second half." In the position around in the very first fourth, Carlton could not stop Brisbane coming from obtaining from their rear one-half and also they scored greatly from the rear one-half, just before it at that point certainly turned," Buckley stated." Brisbane would want to view a great deal of what they got early in the opening round as well as not a great deal of what they got in the second one-half with cry coming back."" Do not come under the trap of thinking they play a slow video game if they take 120 proofs as well as it is actually heading to be actually a fast lane up there, it is actually heading to be 30 odd degrees," Brown replied.The Lions will certainly recover protective duo Brandon Starcevich and also Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Twin Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will definitely be integral for Chris Fagan's side, as will certainly fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and also Will Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will certainly be actually crucial off half-back as they hope to relocate the round with take a chance and also scurry, as will certainly younger gun Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Correct goalkicking" The Lions have actually remained in all-time low four teams for reliability before target for the season ... this is why they weren't a best 4 crew since they overlook essential gos."-- Jonathan BrownLions expecting full strength Blues edge|01:41 Blues' burning question: The number of coming back players is too many?Coaches frequently have large struggles at the collection table at this time of year, yet Michael Voss truly possesses six to contend with. The Blues can be strengthened due to the profit of 8 odds-on-favorite gamers, yet the amount of is actually a lot of to bring back in before a large must-win final?" I don't assume there's a specific number, however I have a tendency to agree with a number of the commentary that you will hesitate to go in with individuals who have possessed smooth tissue accidents," Brown said.Brown did certainly not think twice when talked to if he would feature twin towers Charlie Curnow (ankle) and also Harry McKay (quad), yet the various other decisions weren't certainly not necessarily as very clear cut.Brown stated he would certainly participate in guardian Mitch McGovern and also utility Zac Williams need to they recover over time from their respective hamstring personal injuries, however would not play Jack Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra given their personal issues. Cry confirmed on Tuesday that motivational past captain Sam Docherty will produce his profit from an ACL personal injury in a huge boost for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will return for the problem clash just 183 days after he burst his ACL against the exact same edge in Opening Round. "He is actually put a considerable amount of effort and time right into returning, and the moment you specify your thoughts to something-- he is actually the encouraged kind to receive it performed," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering pointed out on Tuesday." The boys were actually stired and I ensure he'll work for our team this weekend break." Cry submitted an online video of captain Patrick Cripps sharing the news while players remained in the swimming pool, along with Docherty's teammates promptly crowding towards him and also releasing him airborne. There's no doubt that Docherty's gain will certainly offer both an on-field increase to Voss' side, yet likewise an emotional one.There's a great line though in between introducing celebrity quality players, potentially underdone, as well as interfering with group chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the eight gamers stated above are best 23, however how many can easily Voss certainly introduce happened team selection?All eyes will certainly be on cry when groups go down at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the guy with the a super hero jumper on his spine ... he have not been actually incredibly dominant (against the Lions previously), I expect Josh Dunkley to visit him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's suggestion: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor produces incredible return|00:33.