.In the area of one shot, 18 clubs has actually come to be eight - as one of the most lovely time of the AFL period begins on Thursday evening via finals footy. As well as with that, the microscope on those who stay has actually only increased as they chase the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Sofa team on Monday night studied every club's most significant question, and highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals series - in addition to an idea for the four matches.Watch the greatest coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, along with expert analysis as well as every video game till the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during the course of play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Begin your free of cost test today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MAY BE ACQUIRING INSTEAD. Free of cost and also confidential support ring 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or explore gamblinghelponline.org.au.No top 4 staffs in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 FIXTURE AND ALSO 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, Mark Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's burning question: What carries out Ken perform with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Feline Tom Stewart is actually plainly properly recognized through Power train Ken Hinkley-- a great deal to make sure that it's actually been actually to his impairment around the final pair of years. In each of Stewart's final 3 suits, the guardian has actually been actually clamped hard by Energy tension onward Jed McEntee, who very most recently held him to 13 fingertips in their direct match-- 3 of which were kick-ins. "Final opportunity, Jed McEntee was playing on him as a defensive ahead, Stewart started as a half-backer and also kept there for the game-- (McEntee) really nullified his impact on the game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown clarified on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "Stewart's been starting a little even more through the midfield (due to the fact that Shot 9), therefore McEntee will stem from half ahead and also climb to Stewart (if he participates in midfield)-- does that method that a Tuohy and even a Jack Henry manages to obtain alone as a plus one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's excellence on Stewart was actually the stimulant for Tom Stewart moving right into the midfield for the back end of this particular time-- however while the 23-year-old has actually identified him successfully at one end of the ground, he is actually yet to accomplish the same in the midfield, which could paradoxically cause both coaches hassles structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has recently been made use of as a negator of adversary superstars in the midfield as well as at stop, however even more recently has actually been finding his very own footy as well as hurting rivals on offense. job" This is among the earliest of players visiting Tom Stewart as well as pointing out: 'You are actually certainly not possessing it on your phrases as you eat the final 4 or even 5 years, as well as it became the impetus for change-- he acquired labelled away from this half-back posture," Melbourne wonderful Garry Lyon took note." McEntee's the one, as well as you desire to keep Drew as the man who may always keep Dangerfield liable, specifically in contests," Buckley ended through pointing out. McEntee went back to the elderly side in Sphere 24 versus Fremantle after an assignment in the SANFL, and has actually played 13 games in 2024-- the majority of which have been as a protective forward in a part where the universal stat sheet does not inform the complete tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been irregular, yet I presume he is actually heading to be very important-- in addition to (Esava) Ratugolea ... especially against those good intercept marking gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort certain they can easily deal with traumas|01:48 Kitties' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: How perform they cease Port's midfield?Chris Scott has been actually challenged along with a myriad of talent-heavy midfields in his opportunity as both a gamer and trainer, as well as Slot Adelaide's this Thursday night will definitely be actually absolutely no exception.Power leader Connor Rozee leads a motor space that will definitely possess each one of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie White Wines, Willem Drew and Travis Boak running through it on Thursday evening-- leaving behind two-time premiership instructor Scott with a great deal to plan for." They've been actually prevalent all year it's an all-star midfield truly isn't it, particularly the midfielders. Horne-Francis boggled the mind in the first 40 mins to set up that large top because Sphere 9 activity," Jonathan Brown pointed out to On The Chair." Ollie Red Or White Wines (possesses) possessed an excellent year, as possesses Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- that I think is one of the most detrimental midfielder in the competitors." Ken Hinkley's edge streamed Geelong totally off the park in the earlier part of the 2024 season, at some stage venturing out to an eight-goal top effectively just before half time.The Kitties absolutely saved poise in the 2nd fifty percent, and also almost turned the top in a second-half rise at GMHBA Stadium-- but eventually failed by one major." Geelong resided in the middle of undergoing their mid-season slump (in Shot 9), and Port Adelaide put one of their far better functionalities (with each other), as well as they may put those world-class video games all together," Nathan Buckley carried on." Two critical losses though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hindering) and Dan Houston (revocation)-- they acquire a considerable amount of their operate and also hold coming from there certainly, to make sure that may be truly problematic for Slot Adelaide if they are actually dropping open space," included Brown.And along with their reductions on a segment as well as one-half back, the Energy will certainly additionally require to brace for the prospective surge that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- who has remained in very seriously powerful leading into this year's finals set. A bag of 9 goals versus North Melbourne and also 6 versus Adelaide in his final 4 suits makes him a complicated activity for likely match-up Aliir Aliir, yet it undoubtedly will not be foreign." Aliir Aliir carried out a respectable work (on Cameron) last time 18 fingertips, 1.1 - fair varieties for an essential forward, but he didn't possess any type of actual effect on the activity," mentioned Brown." Our company have actually found Jeremy Cameron make mayhem on opposition guardians when he gets right up the industry."" That's when he goes to his most dangerous believe Buddy Franklin when he gets up (the ground) and arcs back on his left feet," Buckley ended up through saying.If the Cats can acquire the ball in to Cameron's hands-- anywhere he finds themself about the ground-- they'll be actually every chance of getting a home preparatory ultimate, however their first task will be actually to void Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" In the end of the time, if they are actually visiting go all the way to premiership grandeur once more, it is actually visiting be on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to produce an additional magnificent alright September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's suggestion: Slot Adelaide by 15 pointsHow carry out the Kitties quit Horne-Francis & co?|05:16 WESTERN SIDE BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to see on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:20 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Perform they give up velocity for experience?Luke Beveridge has been toying with this concern for many of the period, performs he trust his experienced pros to get the job done on the big phase or even will definitely he look to his more youthful brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon threw up 2 labels who could happen under option heat this week, depending on what Beveridge makes a decision to value more at the variety dining table in advance of a must-win ultimate against the in-form Hawks." It's certainly not all on Port Macrae and also Caleb Daniel ... but you're playing against a Hawthorn side (where) speed kills," Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Macrae was elevated coming from the replacement function for the clash against the Giants in circular 24, gathering 23 fingertips as well as 7 deals with, having actually accumulated two goals coming from 17 contacts in minimal time on ground the week just before versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, yet another Canine that has actually been actually out-of-favour this year, has actually participated in the last 5 matches, completing his last outing with 23 disposals as well as a target. But the Hawks do not hold off, they manage and also gun as well as leave behind no stone unchecked, which could possibly create troubles for Beveridge and his training workers. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and Josh Weddle are electric in the back half, regularly producing rebounding travel. The Hawks position 2nd in the competitors for post-clearance disputed property and also are the most effective in the category at post-clearance ground spheres. The Western Bulldogs can easily flex an undersized Hawthorn protection, however that does leave all of them along with a limited capacity to contend with Hawthorn's operating activity. Therefore, can they manage to play slower players up the ground given their high presence onward of centre? "You possess got to have the ability to match all of them, because these 3 high forwards, are they visiting be able to manage half the ground as well as attempt put some tension on?" Lyon asked. The Hawks extended the Pets like they have not been actually flexed just before back in circular 8, however Collingwood champ Nathan Buckley thinks the Bulldogs' showing versus the GWS Giants in Ballarat recently was actually a positive indicator. "What I saw coming from the Bulldogs pair of weeks back, GWS affection to play like that (swift footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and also hold is created a small amount about what the Giants have carried out the last couple of years and the Bulldogs were able to stifle that along with tough pressure, and also's exactly what they are actually going to have to do," Buckley claimed. Will certainly Bevo sacrifice speed for take in this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The 3 Major Pets" These children are actually visiting differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton ... they've remained in tearing scar ... I believe Aaron Naughton's acquired the possible to really leave the chain, a great deal interest's heading to enter the other 2."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs readied to beast speedy Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' knotty question: May they handle Bulldogs' essential forward mafia?The Hawks have appeared vulnerable to big vital forwards all season and also the Dogs have three complete tools during that space. There's no question that the three-headed beast of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy as well as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would have offered Hawks trainer Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this previous fortnight. "These boys are mosting likely to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton-- I reckon Marcus Bontempelli will stretch all of them also and also attempt and also obtain ahead," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Over the last seven suits, the Bulldogs triad have actually blended for an average of 5.7 goals, 19.6 score participations and 7.4 marks inside fifty every activity. "They have actually resided in ripping scar ... I think Aaron Naughton's got the prospective to definitely get off the chain, a great deal interest's mosting likely to enter into the other 2," Lyon incorporated." The wonderful thing is actually also, those young boys may divide and receive some individually's, certainly about it-- that makes the protective individualized competitions for Hawthorn's protectors critical," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown replied. Previously this time in Geelong's huge victory over the Hawks, Felines spearhead Jeremy Cameron caused Mitchell as well as his training workers lots of problems, booting 4.4 from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Frost, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw as well as Josh Weddle are actually properly and also really going to possess their work suitable them on Friday evening. Given the Hawks' susceptibility down back provided the level differentials, gaining the midfield struggle will be actually of the upmost value. The Canines may have the household names in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar as well as Tom Liberatore, but Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have certainly risen this period. The Hawks place third in the competition for objected to things, sixth for approvals and 8th for scores coming from authorization differential. Undoubtedly the reduction of super star midfielder Will Day will certainly leave behind a cavernous opening in that unit, yet the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash as well as James Worpel are more than with the ability of standing in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, loves the major stage and also is a premiership player presently. We understand that he is actually grown in this particular atmosphere certainly there, I assume he gets in there along with the Witch and also makes all form of havoc down there certainly because back fifty percent, the pair up for all of them is heading to be really significant."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's idea: Bulldogs by 20 pointsSicily opens up on finals clash v Canines|02:16 SYDNEY v BETTER western side SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to view on Fox Footy: From 2:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' burning question: Have they got their mojo back?For a long period of your time this season, the Swans looked like it will just refer opportunity before they secured the premiership. But some personal injuries late in the season viewed their drive stop, gaining simply one suit between rounds 16 and 21. "I believe there's documentation in the final three weeks that they carried out-- they looked at that parch of 6 full weeks between circular 16 and also circular 21 where they only weren't capable to obtain it going they were actually one win and also 5 reductions in that time," Collingwood tale Nathan Buckley determined on Fox Footy's On The Couch. "They offence coughed and also spluttered, they were actually yielding region and also ratings from the return one-half and the approval game they rely on a great deal wasn't there certainly." However since then, the reinforcements have shown up for the Swans and that has actually been actually a major reason concerning why the Swans have discovered their mojo. The Swans ranked third in the ultimate 3 weeks of the time for aspects for, fourth for factors conceded from the protective half and also nine for authorization differential, significant enhancements coming from 13th, 17th and 18th during the course of that six-week type downtrend. "Portion of that (adjustment in kind) has managed to obtain 2 of their celebrities back right into the crease after missing out on huge parts of the year," he continued.Those pair of superstars are actually experienced Luke Parker and leader Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, small amount of facility bounce, goes forward, has actually been attacking the scoreboard and also influencing at authorization," Buckley claimed." The various other one is actually Callum Mills, who before he headed out, he was actually a genuine midfielder, maybe on an airfoil ... now he's gotten back to where he cut his pearly whites, which is basically encountering goal, half-back, great intercept marking gamer, desires to manage to take that video game on-- I assume they've had the ability to bring those children back into the fold truly effectively." The Swans are actually readied to obtain a celebrity quartet of weapons back ahead of their training final against the Giants. Defender Tom McCartin and also gun midfielder Isaac Heeney are going to both return after being handled in the last video game of the home as well as away season, while forward Tom Papley (ankle) and also the flexible Justin McInerney (knee) are likewise probably to be recollected. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is actually 90% match, the remainder of his body, his thoughts, he is actually been relaxed, he'll go back in as well as he delivers electricity and trigger, he's cherry mature all set to enter September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans timid on finals choices|02:16 Giants' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Can easily they stop the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up as well as operating, they are actually arguably the hardest group to stop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley as well as his mentoring personnel will definitely need to discover a way to cease Sydney's capability to transition the round from defensive fifty to the aggressive fifty percent if they are to become in with a shot of triumph on Saturday. "Their back-half sphere usage begs the concern of Adam Kingsley-- exactly how do they avoid all of them coming from being able to slingshot, because that's visiting be actually the inquiry that the Giants need to have to respond to," Buckley mentioned. In their 2 trips versus the Swans this time, the Giants acknowledged 51 as well as 33 points from the defensive half. "They have actually been actually a best crew at scoring coming from the back fifty percent and also the Giants will certainly desire to reduce that Sydney supply truly promptly and also score off frontal fifty percent turnovers as long as they potentially can," Buckley proceeded. The Swans have a variety of super stars in their steady, featuring 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and also Nick Blakey.That's why the potential availability of tagger Toby Bedford are going to be crucial.Bedford, a revelation this campaign, performed an enormous task of voiding Warner in their rounded 15 clash, limiting the celebrity Swan to just 18 disposals during the course of the 89 mins they were paired up. Will Kingsley give his leading tagger the job of stopping Warner again recently?" I believe you need to have to become able to perform the job, the concern with Gulden is possibly you just can easily refrain the project since he functions thus hard," Buckley pointed out." They have actually got a lot of weapons that they'll have to watch on yet so perform the Giants." Buckley tossed the glove down to the Giants' on-ball unit to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, specifically offered they dropped that struggle on each occasions this year.In both suits, the Swans succeeded the disputed property, clearances and also factors from clearances convincingly." Exactly how excellent is that for Adam Kingsley to be able to toss that to his midfield group as well as mention this is what you are actually heading to be assessed by," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon added.The Giants have actually won all three finals matches versus the Swans in their quick history as well as with a preparatory last area vulnerable, there will definitely be no shortage of inspiration for either edge happened Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It's been actually 3 weeks because he participated in a video game, when he got concussed behind time in in 2014's preliminary last versus Collingwood, he was the player that was probably to break it open, because they wanted to release him coming from his half-forward job and also find that run through the midfield, his last month of footy's been actually significant."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's suggestion: Sydney through 13 pointsHiding in simple view - 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 with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jack Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' knotty question: How perform they get the game on their terms?Brisbane's ideal is actually definitely electrical, but their worst isn't excellent on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will emerge on Saturday night and also around this year's finals collection? The Lions have been actually a sturdy stoppage side across 2024, yet Brisbane champ Jonathan Brown points out the club would certainly be better off making an effort to make the video game fast-flowing if you want to make use of an underdone Carlton edge. "I think a ball motion game would be really nice, particularly versus an interfered with or even absolutely underdone Carlton group. When they may receive their sphere activity activity going, they're the leading group in the competition for this," Brown told Fox Footy's On The Couch." They create by means of easy marks, but it's a simple type," he added.The Lions began like a home on fire in their Position Around clash against the Blues, starting 7 targets in the first quarter to set up a 31-point lead at half-time, prior to cry overran all of them in the 2nd one-half." In the position round in the initial fourth, Carlton could certainly not cease Brisbane coming from getting from their rear one-half and also they scored highly coming from the back one-half, prior to it at that point clearly flipped," Buckley said." Brisbane will plan to find a ton of what they got early in the position round and also certainly not a lot of what they entered the second one-half with cry returning."" Do not fall under the catch of presuming they participate in a sluggish video game if they take 120 proofs as well as it is actually going to be actually a fast lane up there, it's visiting be 30 strange levels," Brown replied.The Lions will definitely restore protective duo Brandon Starcevich as well as Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Double Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will definitely be integral for Chris Fagan's side, as will certainly fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley as well as Willpower Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will be critical off half-back as they try to move the ball with dare and scurry, as will definitely younger gun Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Exact goalkicking" The Lions have actually been in the bottom four staffs for reliability in front of goal for the season ... this is why they weren't a leading 4 staff given that they miss out on critical gos."-- Jonathan BrownLions anticipating total strength Woe side|01:41 Blues' burning question: The amount of returning players is extremely many?Coaches frequently have major struggles at the collection table right now of year, yet Michael Voss absolutely has half a dozen to contend with. Cry may be boosted due to the return of eight first choice players, yet the amount of is actually excessive to rejuvenate in before a big must-win last?" I do not think there's a specific variety, however I have a tendency to agree with a few of the discourse that you would certainly be reluctant to go in with guys that have actually had smooth cells traumas," Brown said.Brown performed certainly not wait when talked to if he will consist of twin towers Charlie Curnow (ankle) and also Harry McKay (quad), but the various other selections weren't not automatically as very clear cut.Brown said he will play guardian Mitch McGovern and utility Zac Williams ought to they recuperate over time coming from their corresponding hamstring traumas, however definitely would not play Port Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra offered their specific worries. The Blues confirmed on Tuesday that inspirational past leader Sam Docherty will create his gain from an ACL accident in a large improvement for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will return for the problem clash only 183 days after he fractured his ACL versus the same side in Opening Round. "He is actually put a considerable amount of time and effort into coming back, and the moment you specify your mind to one thing-- he is actually the enthusiastic kind to get it carried out," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering pointed out on Tuesday." The boys were actually fed as well as I make certain he'll work for our company this weekend." The Blues 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 releasing him in the air. There is actually no question that Docherty's return are going to offer both an on-field improvement to Voss' edge, however likewise a mental one.There's a fine pipe though between producing star premium gamers, likely underdone, as well as disrupting team chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the 8 gamers stated above are actually most ideal 23, however the amount of can easily Voss certainly introduce happened crew selection?All eyes will definitely be on cry when teams lose at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the male along with the a super hero jumper on his back ... he have not been tremendously prevalent (versus the Lions previously), I expect Josh Dunkley to go to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's suggestion: Lions through 15 pointsSCENES as Doc creates miraculous profit|00:33.