.In the area of one shot, 18 clubs has actually come to be 8 - as the most wonderful time of the AFL period starts on Thursday night via finals footy. And also with that, the microscope on those that remain has just intensified as they chase after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Couch crew on Monday night scrutinized every club's largest question, and also highlighted 8 X-Factors for this finals set - as well as a suggestion for the four matches.Watch the most ideal protection of the 2024 AFL finals, along with professional analysis as well as every activity until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks in the course of play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Begin your complimentary test today > Finals Full week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MAY BE ACQUIRING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. Absolutely free and also discreet assistance phone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or check out gamblinghelponline.org.au.No best four crews in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS WEEK 1 COMPONENT AND ALSO SIXTY-FOUR-THOUSAND-DOLLAR QUESTION (Perpetuity AEST) PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to watch on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Result Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What does Ken perform with Tom Stewart?Five- opportunity All-Australian Cat Tom Stewart is clearly well valued by Electrical power train Ken Hinkley-- a lot so that it's actually been to his detriment across the final 2 years. In each of Stewart's last three matches, the guardian has been actually secured hard through Power stress forward Jed McEntee, that most lately supported him to thirteen disposals in their straight match-- 3 of which were kick-ins. "Last opportunity, Jed McEntee was using him as a defensive onward, Stewart started as a half-backer and kept there for the activity-- (McEntee) definitely voided his effect on the game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown clarified on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "Stewart's been actually starting a bit more via the midfield (given that Round 9), so McEntee will stem from half ahead and increase to Stewart (if he participates in midfield)-- does that mean that a Tuohy or perhaps a Port Henry is able to receive alone as an and also one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's success on Stewart was actually the agitator for Tom Stewart moving into the midfield for the backside of this time-- but while the 23-year-old has tagged him efficiently at one end of the ground, he's yet to do the very same in the midfield, which could actually trigger each trainers headaches structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has formerly been actually used as a negator of adversary super stars in the midfield as well as at halt, yet a lot more lately has actually been discovering his personal footy and injuring rivals on misdemeanor. role" This is just one of the earliest of gamers mosting likely to Tom Stewart and claiming: 'You are actually not possessing it on your phrases as you eat the last 4 or five years, as well as it ended up being the catalyst for change-- he obtained marked out of this half-back setting," Melbourne wonderful Garry Lyon took note." McEntee's the one, and you intend to maintain Drew as the person who could always keep Dangerfield answerable, particularly in competitions," Buckley ended by mentioning. McEntee went back to the senior side in Round 24 versus Fremantle after a stint in the SANFL, and also has actually participated in thirteen activities in 2024-- many of which have actually been actually as a protective forward in a job where the general stat sheet doesn't tell the total tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been inconsistent, but I believe he is actually going to be crucial-- together with (Esava) Ratugolea ... specifically versus those excellent intercept noting gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort positive they can cover personal injuries|01:48 Kitties' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Exactly how do they quit Slot's midfield?Chris Scott has actually been actually challenged with a plethora of talent-heavy midfields in his opportunity as both a gamer and trainer, as well as Slot Adelaide's this Thursday night will be completely no exception.Power leader Connor Rozee leads a motor room that will definitely possess all of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie White Wines, Willem Drew and also Travis Boak running through it on Thursday night-- leaving behind two-time premiership instructor Scott with a lot to prepare for." They have actually been actually prevalent all year it's an all-star midfield truly isn't it, specifically the midfielders. Horne-Francis was unbelievable in the very first 40 moments to put together that major lead because Around 9 video game," Jonathan Brown mentioned to On The Chair." Ollie White Wines (possesses) possessed an excellent year, as has Zak Butters, as has Jason Horne-Francis-- that I assume is actually the best detrimental midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge streamed Geelong totally off the playground in the earlier aspect of the 2024 season, at one stage venturing out to an eight-goal top properly before half time.The Pussy-cats absolutely conserved elegance in the 2nd fifty percent, and nearly turned the lead in a second-half rise at GMHBA Stadium-- but at some point failed through one significant." Geelong were in the middle of going through their mid-season slump (in Shot 9), and Port Adelaide put among their much better performances (together), and also they can easily place those top-notch activities all together," Nathan Buckley proceeded." Pair of important losses though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring muscle) and also Dan Houston (revocation)-- they obtain a lot of their run and carry coming from there, so that could be definitely challenging for Slot Adelaide if they are actually losing allowance," incorporated Brown.And besides their reductions on a segment and also one-half back, the Power will definitely also need to prepare for the potential blast that is Jeremy Cameron-- that has remained in seriously tough leading into this year's finals series. A bag of 9 goals against North Melbourne and six against Adelaide in his last 4 suits produces him a complicated task for very likely match Aliir Aliir, yet it surely won't be actually international." Aliir Aliir carried out a decent project (on Cameron) last time 18 disposals, 1.1 - okay varieties for a vital forward, but he didn't possess any kind of genuine influence on the video game," claimed Brown." Our team have actually viewed Jeremy Cameron generate chaos on opposition defenders when he solves up the industry."" That's when he's at his very most harmful assume Buddy Franklin when he stands up (the ground) and arcs back on his nigh side feet," Buckley completed by saying.If the Cats can obtain the reception into Cameron's palms-- anywhere he finds himself all around the ground-- they'll be every possibility of safeguarding a home preliminary ultimate, yet their initial activity will be actually to nullify Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" In the end of the day, if they're visiting go all the way to premiership grandeur once more, it's heading to be on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to make an additional enormous alright September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's recommendation: Slot Adelaide through 15 pointsHow do the Kitties cease Horne-Francis & carbon monoxide?|05:16 WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to check out 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 rate for experience?Luke Beveridge has been actually toying with this question for many of the time, performs he trust his experienced pros to get the job done on the major phase or is going to he count on his more youthful brigade?Melbourne champion Garry Lyon regurgitated 2 labels that can happen under choice heat this week, depending upon what Beveridge makes a decision to value more at the choice table in front of a must-win last against the in-form Hawks." It's not all on Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel ... yet you are actually betting a Hawthorn edge (where) rate eliminates," Lyon claimed on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Macrae was elevated from the alternative job for the clash versus the Giants in rounded 24, collecting 23 disposals as well as seven addresses, having actually piled up 2 targets from 17 touches in limited opportunity on ground the week before versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, one more Canine that has actually been actually out-of-favour this year, has played the final 5 suits, finishing his last outing along with 23 disposals as well as a goal. But the Hawks don't hold back, they manage as well as weapon as well as leave behind no stone unturned, which can trigger concerns for Beveridge and his training workers. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and Josh Weddle are electric in the rear one-half, frequently generating recoiling ride. The Hawks place 2nd in the competitors for post-clearance objected to possession as well as are the greatest in the category at post-clearance ground balls. The Western side Bulldogs can flex an undersized Hawthorn protection, yet that performs leave all of them with a minimal capacity to contend with Hawthorn's operating game. Thus, can they pay for to play slower players up the ground given their tall presence forward of facility? "You possess got to manage to match all of them, due to the fact that these 3 tall ahead, are they visiting be able to run half the ground and also make an effort place some tension on?" Lyon asked. The Hawks flexed the Dogs like they have not been extended just before back in circular eight, but Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley thinks the Bulldogs' proving versus the GWS Giants in Ballarat just recently was a good indication. "What I saw from the Bulldogs pair of full weeks earlier, GWS affection to participate in like that (fast footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and also hold is created a little bit about what the Giants have carried out the final number of years and the Bulldogs had the ability to repress that with intense tension, and also's exactly what they're heading to need to perform," Buckley stated. Will certainly Bevo sacrifice rate for encounter this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The 3 Significant Dogs" These children are actually mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton ... they have actually been in tearing scar ... I think Aaron Naughton's obtained the prospective to really get off the chain, a great deal interest's mosting likely to enter the various other 2."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs readied to creature rapid Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' burning question: May they deal with Bulldogs' essential onward mafia?The Hawks have appeared vulnerable to large key forwards all season and the Pet dogs possess 3 absolute tools because space. There is actually no doubt that the three-headed creature of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy as well as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would possess offered Hawks coach Sam Mitchell some sleep deprived nights this past week. "These young boys are actually going to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton-- I reckon Marcus Bontempelli will certainly extend all of them as well and make an effort and also acquire onward," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon claimed on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Over the last 7 matches, the Bulldogs triad have actually incorporated for approximately 5.7 targets, 19.6 score engagements and 7.4 symbols inside 50 every video game. "They've remained in ripping nick ... I presume Aaron Naughton's got the prospective to actually leave the leash, a lot focus's heading to go into the other 2," Lyon added." The fantastic trait is too, those young boys can easily separate as well as receive some individually's, certainly regarding it-- which makes the protective personalized contests for Hawthorn's defenders crucial," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown responded. Earlier this period in Geelong's huge victory over the Hawks, Kitties spearhead Jeremy Cameron led to Mitchell and his mentoring personnel lots of migraines, booting 4.4 coming from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Freeze, James Sicily, Port Scrimshaw as well as Josh Weddle are actually properly as well as definitely mosting likely to possess their work suited them on Friday evening. Given the Hawks' susceptability down back provided the level differents, winning the midfield struggle will definitely be actually of the upmost importance. The Pet dogs might have the household names in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and also Tom Liberatore, however Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have actually surely stood up this time. The Hawks rate 3rd in the competition for disputed possession, sixth for authorizations as well as 8th for scores from authorization differential. Admittedly the reduction of superstar midfielder Are going to Day will certainly leave a discontinuous hole in that system, yet the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and James Worpel are actually greater than efficient in standing up in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Jack Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, enjoys the huge stage as well as is a premiership gamer already. We understand that he's prospered in this particular environment there, I assume he acts with the Occultist as well as develops all sorts of mayhem down certainly there because back one-half, the match up for them is actually heading to be actually definitely significant."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's tip: Bulldogs through twenty pointsSicily opens up on finals clash v Canines|02:16 SYDNEY v HIGHER western side 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 King, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' burning question: Have they obtained their mojo back?For an extended period of time this season, the Swans resembled it will only refer opportunity just before they clinched the premiership. Yet some traumas behind time in the season viewed their energy stop, gaining just one suit between cycles 16 and 21. "I think there is actually documentation in the final 3 full weeks that they did-- they underwent that parch of 6 weeks between circular 16 and circular 21 where they merely weren't able to receive it going they were actually one succeed as well as 5 losses because opportunity," Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley identified on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "They offence coughed as well as spluttered, they were actually acknowledging territory as well as ratings coming from the back fifty percent and the approval video game they count on a great deal had not been there certainly." Yet ever since, the encouragements have actually gotten here for the Swans and that has been actually a big cause regarding why the Swans have actually rediscovered their mojo. The Swans positioned third in the last three weeks of the time for aspects for, fourth for points yielded coming from the defensive one-half and ninth for approval differential, major renovations coming from 13th, 17th and 18th throughout that six-week type depression. "Part of that (modification in type) has actually been able to receive 2 of their stars back in to the crease after missing huge parts of the year," he continued.Those pair of stars are actually proficient Luke Parker as well as captain Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's returned, little of facility bounce, goes forward, has been actually attacking the scoreboard and also influencing at clearance," Buckley claimed." The other one is Callum Mills, who prior to he went out, he was actually a real midfielder, perhaps on a wing ... today he's gone back to where he cut his teeth, which is primarily experiencing objective, half-back, excellent obstruct noting player, would like to have the capacity to take that video game on-- I presume they have actually managed to bring those young boys back in to the fold truly properly." The Swans are set to acquire a celebrity quartet of guns back before their qualifying ultimate against the Giants. Guardian Tom McCartin and weapon midfielder Isaac Heeney will both return after being actually dealt with in the last video game of the home and also away season, while forward Tom Papley (ankle joint) and also the versatile Justin McInerney (leg) are actually additionally probably to become recalled. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is actually 90% match, the rest of his physical body, his thoughts, he is actually been actually rested, he'll go back in and also he gives electricity and spark, he is actually cherry ripe ready to enter September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans shy on finals choices|02:16 Giants' knotty question: May they stop the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are actually up and also running, they're probably the hardest group to drop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and also his mentoring team will need to locate a way to cease Sydney's potential to change the round coming from protective 50 to the aggressive half if they are actually to become in with a shot of triumph on Sunday. "Their back-half round use pleads the question of Adam Kingsley-- how perform they avoid them coming from managing to catapult, because that is actually heading to be the inquiry that the Giants require to address," Buckley pointed out. In their 2 trips against the Swans this period, the Giants acknowledged 51 and also 33 points coming from the defensive fifty percent. "They have actually been a best staff at slashing from the back fifty percent as well as the Giants will want to cut that Sydney supply actually swiftly as well as score off main one-half turn overs as much as they possibly can," Buckley continued. The Swans possess a plethora of superstars in their stable, consisting of four All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Detector as well as Scar Blakey.That's why the possible availability of tagger Toby Bedford will definitely be actually crucial.Bedford, a revelation this initiative, did a significant job of undoing Warner in their circular 15 clash, limiting the superstar Swan to merely 18 fingertips during the course of the 89 moments they were actually matched up. Will Kingsley provide his top tagger the task of quiting Detector once again this week?" I believe you need to have to become capable to perform the work, the concern with Gulden is maybe you only may refrain the job because he operates so hard," Buckley said." They have actually obtained a lot of items that they'll have to keep an eye on but so carry out the Giants." Buckley tossed the glove to the Giants' on-ball unit to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, particularly offered they lost that war on each occasions this year.In both suits, the Swans won the opposed ownership, allowances and factors coming from allowances convincingly." Just how excellent is actually that for Adam Kingsley to become able to toss that to his midfield team and also mention this is what you're mosting likely to be actually determined through," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon added.The Giants have succeeded all 3 finals match-ups against the Swans in their brief background and also along with a preliminary final place vulnerable, there will be actually no lack of incentive for either side come Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It is actually been actually three full weeks considering that he played an activity, when he got concussed late in in 2013's initial last versus Collingwood, he was actually the player that was actually likely to damage it available, since they wished to launch him from his half-forward role and discover that run through the midfield, his last month of footy's been actually massive."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's pointer: Sydney by 13 pointsHiding in bare attraction - Are Swans support?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to check out on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Port Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' burning question: Exactly how perform they receive the game on their terms?Brisbane's finest is actually definitely electricity, however their worst isn't excellent on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will emerge on Saturday evening and also throughout this year's finals set? The Lions have been actually a tough interruption side throughout 2024, yet Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown says the nightclub will be actually far better off making an effort to create the activity fast-flowing in order to capitalize on an underdone Carlton side. "I think a round action game would be actually truly nice, specifically versus a hindered or absolutely underdone Carlton group. When they may acquire their ball motion video game going, they are actually the first staff in the competitors for this," Brown said to Fox Footy's On The Couch." They construct via easy marks, but it's a simple type," he added.The Lions started like a property on fire in their Position Round clash against the Blues, booting seven targets in the 1st quarter to develop a 31-point lead at half-time, before cry swamp all of them in the 2nd half." In the position around in the first quarter, Carlton could certainly not cease Brisbane from obtaining from their back fifty percent as well as they scored heavily from the back fifty percent, just before it then clearly turned," Buckley pointed out." Brisbane will plan to view a lot of what they got early in the opening round and certainly not a lot of what they got inside the second half along with cry coming back."" Don't fall into the trap of assuming they play a slow-moving game if they take 120 marks as well as it is actually visiting be actually a fast track apex, it's heading to be 30 odd levels," Brown replied.The Lions will gain back protective duo Brandon Starcevich and Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale are going to be integral for Chris Fagan's side, as will certainly fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley as well as Willpower Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will certainly be vital off half-back as they look to relocate the sphere along with risk and also rush, as are going to youthful gun Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Precise goalkicking" The Lions have resided in all-time low four staffs for reliability before target for the season ... this is why they weren't a leading four staff due to the fact that they skip vital chances."-- Jonathan BrownLions anticipating complete durability Blues side|01:41 Blues' knotty question: How many returning players is extremely many?Coaches frequently have major struggles at the choice table at this time of year, yet Michael Voss truly has six to emulate. The Blues might be bolstered by the return of 8 odds-on-favorite gamers, but the amount of is way too many to recover in ahead of a significant must-win final?" I don't presume there's a specific amount, but I often tend to coincide a few of the commentary that you 'd hesitate to share guys who have possessed smooth cells accidents," Brown said.Brown carried out certainly not wait when asked if he would consist of twin towers Charlie Curnow (ankle) and also Harry McKay (quad), yet the various other choices weren't certainly not always as very clear cut.Brown mentioned he would participate in guardian Mitch McGovern as well as utility Zac Williams ought to they bounce back in time coming from their particular hamstring accidents, but definitely would not participate in Jack Martin, Tom De Koning or Adam Cerra provided their individual concerns. Cry affirmed on Tuesday that motivational former leader Sam Docherty would create his gain from an ACL personal injury in a large improvement for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will definitely come back for the crisis clash simply 183 times after he burst his ACL versus the exact same side in Position Cycle. "He's put a great deal of effort and time into coming back, as well as as soon as you prepare your mind to something-- he is actually the enthusiastic type to obtain it done," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering said on Tuesday." The young boys were actually stired and I make certain he'll do a job for our company this weekend." Cry posted a video clip of captain Patrick Cripps discussing the news while gamers resided in the swimming pool, with Docherty's colleagues promptly crowding towards him and introducing him airborne. There's no doubt that Docherty's return will definitely deliver both an on-field boost to Voss' edge, but likewise a mental one.There's a fine pipe though between bringing in superstar quality players, potentially underdone, as well as interfering with team chemistry.Undoubtedly mostly all of the eight players discussed above are actually most effectively 23, however the amount of may Voss understandably generate happened crew selection?All eyes will certainly perform the Blues when groups go down at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He is actually the man along with the a super hero jumper on his back ... he hasn't been actually super prevalent (against the Lions before), I expect Josh Dunkley to visit him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's idea: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor helps make remarkable return|00:33.