.In the space of one round, 18 clubs has come to be eight - as one of the most lovely time of the AFL period begins on Thursday evening through finals footy. And keeping that, the microscope on those that continue to be has only magnified as they chase the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Sofa crew on Monday night studied every group's most significant question, and also highlighted 8 X-Factors for this finals collection - and also a pointer for the 4 matches.Watch the very best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with pro review as well as every game up until the Grand Final deal with no ad-breaks in the course of play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Beginning your totally free test today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MAY BE GETTING RATHER. Absolutely free and classified help telephone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or even check out gamblinghelponline.org.au.No top four crews in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS WEEK 1 INSTALLATION AND ALSO SIXTY-FOUR-THOUSAND-DOLLAR QUESTION (All times AEST) PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to check out on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Sign Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's burning question: What carries out Ken finish with Tom Stewart?Five- opportunity All-Australian Feline Tom Stewart is actually precisely properly valued by Electrical power instructor Ken Hinkley-- so much to make sure that it's really been actually to his hinderance across the last 2 years. In each of Stewart's final three suits, the defender has actually been actually braced hard through Energy pressure onward Jed McEntee, who very most recently kept him to 13 disposals in their straight match-up-- three of which were actually kick-ins. "Last opportunity, Jed McEntee was actually using him as a protective forward, Stewart started as a half-backer as well as stayed there for the game-- (McEntee) truly scratched his influence on the game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown revealed on Fox Footy's On The Couch. "Stewart's been actually starting a little bit more by means of the midfield (because Round 9), therefore McEntee will stem from half onward and climb to Stewart (if he plays midfield)-- carries out that way that a Tuohy or perhaps a Jack Henry is able to receive alone as an additionally one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's results on Stewart was the stimulant for Tom Stewart relocating into the midfield for the backside of this time-- however while the 23-year-old has actually tagged him effectively at some end of the ground, he's yet to perform the exact same in the midfield, which could paradoxically cause both instructors migraines structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has formerly been used as a negator of adversary celebrities in the midfield and at deduction, yet extra lately has actually been locating his own footy as well as hurting opponents on offence. job" This is just one of the earliest of gamers mosting likely to Tom Stewart and saying: 'You are actually not possessing it on your terms as you have for the final 4 or even 5 years, and also it became the motivation for adjustment-- he got marked out of this half-back placement," Melbourne great Garry Lyon noted." McEntee's the one, as well as you intend to keep Drew as the guy who might keep Dangerfield answerable, particularly in contests," Buckley ended by mentioning. McEntee came back to the elderly side in Sphere 24 against Fremantle after a stint in the SANFL, and has actually played 13 games in 2024-- many of which have actually been as a defensive ahead in a role where the common stat slab doesn't say to the complete story of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been actually irregular, but I assume he's visiting be necessary-- along with (Esava) Ratugolea ... especially against those great intercept noting gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort confident they can easily cover accidents|01:48 Cats' burning question: Exactly how perform they cease Port's midfield?Chris Scott has actually been challenged with a variety of talent-heavy midfields in his opportunity as both a gamer as well as coach, and also Port Adelaide's this Thursday evening will be actually completely no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads an engine area that will definitely 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 trainer Scott along with a great deal to think about." They've been actually leading all year it's an all-star midfield truly isn't it, particularly the midfielders. Horne-Francis was unbelievable in the first 40 minutes to set up that huge lead because Sphere 9 game," Jonathan Brown stated to On The Couch." Ollie Red Wines (possesses) possessed an awesome year, as has Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- who I think is the absolute most damaging midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge blew Geelong entirely off the playground in the earlier part of the 2024 season, at some phase going out to an eight-goal top properly prior to one-half time.The Pet cats definitely saved elegance in the 2nd one-half, and nearly flipped the top in a second-half surge at GMHBA Arena-- yet inevitably failed by one primary." Geelong were in the midst of experiencing their mid-season depression (in Round 9), as well as Port Adelaide put one of their far better performances (together), and they can place those world-class video games with each other," Nathan Buckley continued." Pair of important losses though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (weakening) as well as Dan Houston (suspension)-- they get a lot of their run and carry coming from certainly there, to make sure that can be really difficult for Port Adelaide if they're shedding allowance," included Brown.And in addition to their reductions on a segment and also one-half back, the Energy will definitely likewise need to have to bandage for the potential blast that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- that has actually been in truly tough leading into this year's finals set. A bag of nine targets against North Melbourne and six against Adelaide in his last four suits makes him a challenging job for very likely match Aliir Aliir, however it undoubtedly will not be overseas." Aliir Aliir performed a respectable task (on Cameron) final time 18 disposals, 1.1 - okay numbers for a crucial ahead, but he didn't possess any actual impact on the game," said Brown." Our team have seen Jeremy Cameron generate havoc on opposition protectors when he gets right up the area."" That is actually when he goes to his very most hazardous think Buddy Franklin when he rises (the ground) as well as arcs back on his remaining foot," Buckley ended up by saying.If the Cats can obtain the reception in to Cameron's hands-- any place he finds themself around the ground-- they'll be every chance of securing a home preliminary last, however their 1st job will be to scratch Slot's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" At the end of the time, if they are actually mosting likely to go all the way to premiership splendor once again, it is actually heading to be actually on the back of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to generate another enormous alright September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's tip: Port Adelaide by 15 pointsHow do the Kitties stop Horne-Francis & carbon monoxide?|05:16 WESTERN 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' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Do they lose speed for experience?Luke Beveridge has actually been toying with this question for most of the season, does he trust his knowledgeable experts to do the job on the big phase or even will definitely he count on his more youthful brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon vomitted 2 labels that could possibly come under collection warmth today, depending upon what Beveridge determines to value even more at the assortment table in front of a must-win last against the in-form Hawks." It is actually certainly not all on Port Macrae as well as Caleb Daniel ... but you're betting a Hawthorn side (where) rate kills," Lyon claimed on Fox Footy's On The Couch. Macrae rose from the substitute part for the clash against the Giants in round 24, gathering 23 disposals and also 7 takes on, having accumulated 2 objectives coming from 17 touches in restricted time on ground the full week just before against North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, one more Pet who has been actually out-of-favour this year, has actually participated in the last five suits, finishing his last outing with 23 fingertips as well as a target. However the Hawks don't hold back, they operate and weapon and also leave no rock unchecked, which might create complications for Beveridge and also his mentoring team. The similarity Jarman Impey, Karl Amon as well as Josh Weddle are actually electricity in the back one-half, constantly producing rebounding ride. The Hawks place second in the competition for post-clearance disputed property as well as are the most effective in the circle at post-clearance ground rounds. The Western Bulldogs can extend an undersized Hawthorn protection, however that carries out leave all of them with a minimal ability to contend with Hawthorn's operating game. So, can they manage to participate in slower players up the ground given their tall visibility forward of facility? "You've got to be able to match them, because these 3 high forwards, are they heading to manage to manage half the ground and try put some pressure on?" Lyon inquired. The Hawks stretched the Pets like they have not been stretched just before back in rounded 8, however Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley strongly believes the Bulldogs' showing against the GWS Giants in Ballarat lately was a good indication. "What I saw coming from the Bulldogs pair of full weeks back, GWS passion to play like that (quick footy) - Hawthorn, their run and bring is designed a small amount on what the Giants have actually performed the final number of years and also the Bulldogs had the capacity to contrain that with ferocious pressure, and that is actually precisely what they're mosting likely to need to do," Buckley said. Will definitely Bevo reparation speed for experience this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The 3 Large Dogs" These young boys are actually mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton ... they have actually resided in tearing scar ... I believe Aaron Naughton's obtained the possible to really leave the leash, a lot interest's visiting go into the various other 2."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs readied to creature fast Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Can they take care of Bulldogs' crucial ahead mafia?The Hawks have appeared at risk to large key forwards all time and the Canines have three outright items because room. There's no question that the three-headed monster of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would possess given Hawks coach Sam Mitchell some sleepless evenings this previous fortnight. "These young boys are going to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton-- I assume Marcus Bontempelli will definitely flex them at the same time as well as try and also get onward," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon pointed out on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Over the final seven matches, the Bulldogs triad have actually combined for around 5.7 objectives, 19.6 score participations and also 7.4 marks inside 50 every activity. "They've been in tearing chip ... I think Aaron Naughton's obtained the potential to definitely get off the lead, so much focus's mosting likely to enter the various other 2," Lyon incorporated." The wonderful trait is actually as well, those boys can separate and also acquire some personalized's, no question concerning it-- that makes the protective individually competitions for Hawthorn's defenders critical," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown answered. Previously this period in Geelong's significant victory over the Hawks, Pussy-cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron created Mitchell as well as his coaching workers loads of migraines, booting 4.4 from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Frost, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw and also Josh Weddle are well and also genuinely heading to have their work suited all of them on Friday night. Offered the Hawks' weakness down back given the height differents, succeeding the midfield fight will certainly be of the upmost relevance. The Dogs may have the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and also Tom Liberatore, however Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have undoubtedly stood this period. The Hawks place 3rd in the competitors for disputed property, 6th for clearances and also 8th for points from authorization differential. Of course the loss of celebrity midfielder Will definitely Time will certainly leave a gaping hole during that unit, however the similarity Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash as well as James Worpel are actually more than capable of rising in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, loves the large stage as well as is a premiership player actually. We understand that he's flourished in this environment certainly there, I assume he gets in there along with the Witch as well as develops all kind of havoc down there in that back fifty percent, the pair up for all of them is actually mosting likely to be actually truly substantial."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's suggestion: Bulldogs through 20 pointsSicily opens up on finals argue v Dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v GREATER WESTERN SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to enjoy on Fox Footy: From 2:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' knotty question: Possess they acquired their mojo back?For an extended period of time this time, the Swans looked like it would only refer opportunity just before they clinched the premiership. However some personal injuries late in the season observed their momentum halt, succeeding just one suit between rounds 16 as well as 21. "I assume there's documentation in the last 3 full weeks that they carried out-- they underwent that parch of 6 weeks in between rounded 16 and round 21 where they just weren't capable to get it going they were actually one gain and 5 losses during that opportunity," Collingwood folklore Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "They offence coughed as well as spluttered, they were actually yielding region and ratings coming from the return half and also the clearance activity they count on a lot wasn't there." Yet ever since, the reinforcements have actually come in for the Swans and also has actually been a major main reason regarding why the Swans have rediscovered their mojo. The Swans positioned 3rd in the last 3 weeks of the period for factors for, 4th for aspects yielded coming from the protective half and ninth for approval differential, huge enhancements from 13th, 17th as well as 18th throughout that six-week kind downtrend. "Component of that (modification in form) has had the capacity to receive 2 of their stars back in to the crease after missing out on big portions of the year," he continued.Those two superstars are actually experienced Luke Parker as well as captain Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, little bit of centre bounce, moves forward, has actually been actually striking the scoreboard as well as impacting at clearance," Buckley said." The other one is Callum Mills, that before he walked out, he was a genuine midfielder, maybe on a wing ... now he is actually gotten back to where he reduced his pearly whites, which is actually primarily facing goal, half-back, great intercept marking gamer, desires to have the capacity to take that game on-- I presume they have actually been able to carry those young boys back into the fold really properly." The Swans are set to acquire a superstar quartet of guns back in advance of their qualifying last against the Giants. Guardian Tom McCartin as well as weapon midfielder Isaac Heeney will both return after being taken care of in the last activity of the home and away time, while ahead Tom Papley (ankle joint) and the versatile Justin McInerney (leg) are additionally most likely to become remembered. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is 90% fit, the remainder of his physical body, his thoughts, he is actually been relaxed, he'll come back in and also he supplies electricity as well as spark, he is actually cherry enriched ready to use September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans coy on finals varieties|02:16 Giants' knotty question: May they stop the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are actually up and operating, they're probably the hardest staff to drop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and also his coaching staff will need to find a way to quit Sydney's capacity to switch the round coming from protective fifty to the aggressive half if they are actually to be in with a discharge of victory on Sunday. "Their back-half round make use of begs the inquiry of Adam Kingsley-- exactly how do they avoid them coming from having the capacity to slingshot, since that's going to be the inquiry that the Giants need to respond to," Buckley claimed. In their two trips against the Swans this season, the Giants acknowledged 51 and thirty three points from the protective one-half. "They have actually been actually an elite group at scoring coming from the rear half as well as the Giants will certainly desire to cut that Sydney supply definitely quickly as well as score off front one-half turn overs as high as they perhaps can," Buckley carried on. The Swans possess a huge selection of superstars in their steady, including four All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and Chip Blakey.That's why the potential schedule of tagger Toby Bedford will definitely be crucial.Bedford, a revelation this initiative, carried out a tremendous project of undoing Detector in their rounded 15 clash, confining the superstar Swan to only 18 disposals throughout the 89 mins they were compared. Will Kingsley provide his best tagger the activity of stopping Detector once again recently?" I assume you need to be able to accomplish the job, the worry about Gulden is actually maybe you only may refrain the task since he functions thus hard," Buckley mentioned." They've received lots of weapons that they'll have to watch on however thus do the Giants." Buckley threw the gauntlet up to the Giants' on-ball unit to contend with the A-graders at the Swans, especially offered they dropped that struggle on both occasions this year.In both matches, the Swans succeeded the objected to things, open spaces as well as points from spaces well." How excellent is actually that for Adam Kingsley to become capable to toss that to his midfield team and state this is what you're visiting be determined through," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon added.The Giants have actually won all 3 finals match-ups versus the Swans in their short history as well as with a preliminary final spot on the line, there will be no lack 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 obtained concussed late in in 2013's preliminary last against Collingwood, he was the player that was actually likely to break it available, since they wanted to discharge him coming from his half-forward duty and locate that run through the midfield, his last month of footy's been actually massive."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's idea: Sydney through 13 pointsHiding in plain attraction - Are actually Swans support?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to check out on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Port Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Exactly how do they acquire the video game on their terms?Brisbane's greatest is completely electricity, yet their worst isn't great on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will develop on Sunday evening and also across this year's finals set? The Lions have actually been a strong interruption side across 2024, but Brisbane champ Jonathan Brown says the nightclub would certainly be actually better off making an effort to produce the activity fast-flowing in order to exploit an underdone Carlton edge. "I think a sphere movement activity would certainly be actually great, especially against a hampered or even undoubtedly underdone Carlton group. When they can easily get their round motion game going, they're the number one crew in the competitors for this," Brown told Fox Footy's On The Sofa." They create with easy scores, yet it is actually a fast design," he added.The Lions began like a property on fire in their Opening Round clash versus the Blues, starting seven objectives in the initial one-fourth to create a 31-point top at half-time, prior to the Blues overwhelm all of them in the 2nd fifty percent." In the position sphere in the very first one-fourth, Carlton might certainly not stop Brisbane from receiving from their rear fifty percent and they racked up highly from the rear fifty percent, just before it at that point clearly turned," Buckley stated." Brisbane would certainly want to see a ton of what they got early in the position round and also not a lot of what they got inside the 2nd fifty percent along with cry returning."" Don't fall into the catch of presuming they participate in a sluggish activity if they take 120 symbols and also it is actually going to be a fast lane up there, it is actually heading to be 30 weird levels," Brown replied.The Lions will definitely gain back defensive duo Brandon Starcevich as well as Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale are going to be essential for Chris Fagan's side, as are going to fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley as well as Willpower Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will certainly be actually important off half-back as they want to move the round along with attempt and also rush, as will certainly youthful weapon Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Accurate goalkicking" The Lions have actually been in all-time low four crews for accuracy in front of objective for the time ... this is actually why they weren't a best four team considering that they miss out on critical chances."-- Jonathan BrownLions expecting full durability Blues edge|01:41 Woes' knotty question: The amount of coming back gamers is very many?Coaches commonly possess significant struggles at the variety dining table right now of year, however Michael Voss truly possesses six to contend with. Cry can be reinforced by the profit of eight odds-on-favorite gamers, however how many is actually excessive to recover in before a significant must-win final?" I do not presume there is actually a particular variety, however I usually tend to coincide a number of the commentary that you 'd hesitate to go in with people who have had soft cells personal injuries," Brown said.Brown did not hesitate when talked to if he would certainly consist of twin towers Charlie Curnow (ankle joint) as well as Harry McKay (quad), yet the various other selections weren't certainly not always as very clear cut.Brown claimed he would play guardian Mitch McGovern as well as power Zac Williams should they recuperate eventually coming from their particular hamstring accidents, however would not participate in Jack Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra provided their specific issues. Cry validated on Tuesday that motivational past captain Sam Docherty would create his return coming from an ACL injury in a significant boost for Michael Voss' side.Docherty are going to give back for the crunch clash only 183 days after he burst his ACL against the same edge in Opening Cycle. "He's placed a lot of effort and time into returning, and the moment you set your thoughts to one thing-- he is actually the encouraged type to get it performed," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering pointed out on Tuesday." The kids were actually stoked as well as I ensure he'll work for our team this weekend break." Cry published a video recording of leader Patrick Cripps discussing the news while gamers resided in the swimming pool, along with Docherty's teammates swiftly flocking towards him and launching him airborne. There's no question that Docherty's yield will certainly provide both an on-field increase to Voss' side, yet also an emotional one.There's a great pipe though in between bringing in celebrity high quality gamers, likely underdone, and also disrupting crew chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the eight gamers pointed out above are actually better 23, yet the number of can Voss possibly generate happened group selection?All eyes will definitely get on the Blues when teams go down at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He is actually the guy along with the a super hero jumper on his spine ... he have not been actually very leading (against the Lions in the past), I anticipate Josh Dunkley to head to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's tip: Cougars through 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor helps make miraculous gain|00:33.