.In the room of one round, 18 nightclubs has actually become 8 - as one of the most gorgeous time of the AFL time begins on Thursday night through finals footy. And with that, the microscope on those who continue to be has just escalated as they chase after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Chair staff on Monday evening dissected every club's largest question, and highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals set - as well as a suggestion for the 4 matches.Watch the greatest insurance coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with specialist review and every video game up until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Beginning your totally free test today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MAY BE PURCHASING RATHER. Free of charge and private support call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or even check out gamblinghelponline.org.au.No leading 4 groups in Premiership home window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 FIXTURE AND SIXTY-FOUR-THOUSAND-DOLLAR QUESTION (Perpetuity AEST) SLOT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to check out on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Sign Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What does Ken make with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Feline Tom Stewart is accurately effectively respected by Electrical power trainer Ken Hinkley-- so much in order that it's in fact been actually to his hinderance all over the final pair of years. In each of Stewart's last three matches, the protector has actually been actually braced hard by Energy pressure ahead Jed McEntee, who most just recently kept him to thirteen disposals in their straight match-up-- 3 of which were actually kick-ins. "Last time, Jed McEntee was using him as a defensive onward, Stewart began as a half-backer and also stayed there for the game-- (McEntee) really voided his influence on the game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown clarified on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "Stewart's been starting a little much more via the midfield (considering that Round 9), so McEntee will arise from half ahead as well as rise to Stewart (if he plays midfield)-- performs that mean that a Tuohy or perhaps a Port Holly is able to receive alone as an and also one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's success on Stewart was actually the stimulant for Tom Stewart moving into the midfield for the backside of this period-- however while the 23-year-old has labelled him successfully at some end of the ground, he's yet to do the same in the midfield, which could ironically induce both trainers headaches structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has earlier been actually used as a negator of opponent celebrities in the midfield as well as at stoppage, yet a lot more recently has actually been discovering his personal footy as well as hurting opponents on offence. role" This is one of the earliest of gamers going to Tom Stewart and stating: 'You are actually not possessing it on your terms as you eat the final 4 or five years, and it came to be the motivation for modification-- he got identified away from this half-back placement," Melbourne fantastic Garry Lyon kept in mind." McEntee's the one, as well as you desire to maintain Drew as the person who may always keep Dangerfield responsible, especially in competitions," Buckley finished by claiming. McEntee returned to the elderly edge in Round 24 versus Fremantle after a job in the SANFL, and has played 13 video games in 2024-- most of which have actually been actually as a protective ahead in a function where the generic stat sheet doesn't inform the complete story of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been actually inconsistent, but I believe he is actually mosting likely to be very important-- along with (Esava) Ratugolea ... particularly versus those good obstruct marking players for Geelong,"-- BrownPort confident they may deal with personal injuries|01:48 Pussy-cats' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: How perform they stop Port's midfield?Chris Scott has actually been actually challenged along with a huge selection of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a gamer as well as instructor, as well as Slot Adelaide's this Thursday evening will be actually definitely no exception.Power leader Connor Rozee leads a motor area that will definitely have all of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Red Or White Wines, Willem Drew and Travis Boak running through it on Thursday evening-- leaving two-time premiership instructor Scott along with a great deal to plan for." They have actually been actually prevalent all year it is actually an all-star midfield actually isn't it, particularly the midfielders. Horne-Francis boggled the mind in the very first 40 mins to set up that huge lead during that Sphere 9 game," Jonathan Brown stated to On The Sofa." Ollie Glass Of Wines (has) had an awesome year, as has Zak Butters, as has Jason Horne-Francis-- that I assume is the most detrimental midfielder in the competitors." Ken Hinkley's edge blew Geelong absolutely off the playground in the earlier part of the 2024 period, at some phase venturing out to an eight-goal lead effectively just before one-half time.The Felines definitely conserved poise in the 2nd fifty percent, and also nearly turned the top in a second-half surge at GMHBA Stadium-- but ultimately fell short through one major." Geelong resided in the middle of undergoing their mid-season downtrend (in Round 9), and also Port Adelaide put one of their far better functionalities (with each other), as well as they can easily place those elite video games with each other," Nathan Buckley proceeded." Pair of essential losses though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (weakening) and also Dan Houston (suspension)-- they receive a lot of their run as well as carry coming from certainly there, to make sure that may be truly problematic for Port Adelaide if they are actually losing clearance," added Brown.And along with their losses on a segment as well as one-half back, the Power will definitely additionally need to support for the potential surge that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- that has been in very seriously powerful introducing this year's finals set. A bag of 9 objectives against North Melbourne and 6 versus Adelaide in his last 4 suits makes him a challenging task for probably match Aliir Aliir, however it surely will not be overseas." Aliir Aliir performed a respectable task (on Cameron) last time 18 disposals, 1.1 - tolerable varieties for a vital onward, however he really did not possess any type of true impact on the video game," mentioned Brown." Our team have actually seen Jeremy Cameron develop mayhem on opposition guardians when he solves up the industry."" That is actually when he's at his very most dangerous think Colleague Franklin when he stands up (the ground) and also arcs back on his remaining feet," Buckley finished through saying.If the Cats can receive the reception in to Cameron's hands-- everywhere he locates themself around the ground-- they'll be actually every opportunity of getting a home initial ultimate, but their very first activity will be actually to void Slot's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" At the end of the day, if they are actually visiting copulate to premiership grandeur once again, it's going to be on the back of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to produce one more magnificent fine September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's idea: Slot Adelaide by 15 pointsHow do the Cats 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: Coming from 6:20 pm along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Do they compromise rate for experience?Luke Beveridge has actually been dabbling this inquiry for a lot of the period, does he trust his professional pros to get the job done on the big stage or is going to he turn to his much younger brigade?Melbourne champion Garry Lyon threw up pair of labels who can come under variety heat this week, depending upon what Beveridge chooses to value additional at the collection table before a must-win last against the in-form Hawks." It is actually not all on Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel ... yet you're playing against a Hawthorn edge (where) velocity gets rid of," Lyon mentioned on Fox Footy's On The Couch. Macrae rose coming from the alternative task for the clash versus the Giants in circular 24, building up 23 fingertips and also 7 handles, having actually accumulated two targets from 17 contacts in minimal opportunity on ground the week prior to versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, yet another Pet dog who has been actually out-of-favour this year, has played the last five fits, completing his final outing with 23 disposals as well as an objective. Yet the Hawks don't hold back, they operate and weapon and leave behind no rock unturned, which might trigger concerns for Beveridge and also his mentoring personnel. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and also Josh Weddle are actually power in the back one-half, continuously creating rebounding ride. The Hawks position second in the competitors for post-clearance opposed property and are actually the greatest in the rank at post-clearance ground rounds. The Western side Bulldogs may stretch a small Hawthorn defence, but that performs leave them along with a restricted ability to contend with Hawthorn's running activity. Thus, can they manage to play slower gamers up the ground offered their high visibility onward of facility? "You possess reached manage to match all of them, given that these three high forwards, are they heading to be able to operate half the ground and try put some stress on?" Lyon asked. The Hawks flexed the Dogs like they have not been actually stretched before back in round 8, yet Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley thinks the Bulldogs' showing versus the GWS Giants in Ballarat just recently was a positive indication. "What I observed from the Bulldogs two weeks ago, GWS passion to participate in like that (rapid footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and also carry is designed a little on what the Giants have actually done the final couple of years as well as the Bulldogs had the capacity to suppress that with intense stress, and also's specifically what they're mosting likely to must perform," Buckley stated. Will certainly Bevo sacrifice velocity for experience this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The 3 Huge Canines" These boys are going to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton ... they've been in tearing chip ... I think Aaron Naughton's obtained the prospective to actually get off the chain, a great deal interest's visiting go into the other pair of."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs readied to monster rapid Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' knotty question: Can easily they manage Bulldogs' vital forward mafia?The Hawks have appeared vulnerable to significant essential ahead all season and the Dogs possess three outright items during that room. There's no question that the three-headed creature of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and also Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would have given Hawks trainer Sam Mitchell some sleep deprived nights this past week. "These kids are actually going to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton-- I think Marcus Bontempelli will certainly extend them at the same time as well as attempt as well as acquire onward," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. Over the last seven suits, the Bulldogs trio have blended for approximately 5.7 targets, 19.6 rating engagements and also 7.4 marks inside 50 per activity. "They've been in ripping chip ... I think Aaron Naughton's got the possible to definitely get off the chain, so much interest's going to enter the other pair of," Lyon incorporated." The wonderful thing is actually as well, those boys can divide and receive some one-on-one's, no question regarding it-- which makes the protective individualized contests for Hawthorn's protectors critical," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown responded. Earlier this time in Geelong's huge victory over the Hawks, Felines spearhead Jeremy Cameron caused Mitchell and his mentoring workers plenty of frustrations, booting 4.4 from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Frost, James Sicily, Port Scrimshaw and also Josh Weddle are properly as well as genuinely mosting likely to have their job cut out for them on Friday evening. Provided the Hawks' susceptability down back given the height differents, succeeding the midfield battle will certainly be actually of the upmost value. The Pet dogs could possess the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar as well as Tom Liberatore, but Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have certainly stood this season. The Hawks place third in the competition for objected to things, sixth for approvals as well as eighth for points coming from approval differential. Admittedly the reduction of superstar midfielder Will definitely Day is going to leave behind an open opening during that unit, but the similarity Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and also James Worpel are actually much more than with the ability of standing up in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Jack Ginnivan" Anzac Time Medallist, likes the huge phase and also is actually a premiership gamer currently. We know that he is actually flourished in this setting certainly there, I presume he gets in there along with the Wizard and makes all kind of destruction down there because back one-half, the pair up for them is actually going to be actually truly notable."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's tip: Bulldogs through 20 pointsSicily opens on finals conflict v Dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v BETTER WESTERN SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to watch on Fox Footy: From 2:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Have they obtained their mojo back?For an extended period of time this period, the Swans appeared like it would just be a matter of time just before they secured the premiership. However some traumas behind time in the season viewed their drive standstill, succeeding only one match between rounds 16 and 21. "I think there is actually proof in the last 3 full weeks that they performed-- they underwent that parch of six full weeks between circular 16 and also circular 21 where they simply weren't capable to obtain it going they were one win and also 5 reductions because opportunity," Collingwood folklore Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "They offence coughed as well as spluttered, they were actually yielding region and also credit ratings coming from the back one-half and also the authorization activity they rely on a great deal wasn't certainly there." But ever since, the reinforcements have arrived for the Swans and also has been actually a big factor as to why the Swans have rediscovered their mojo. The Swans placed 3rd in the ultimate three weeks of the period for points for, 4th for points yielded coming from the defensive fifty percent and also ninth for approval differential, big renovations coming from 13th, 17th and 18th in the course of that six-week form rut. "Part of that (modification in kind) has actually been able to obtain two of their stars back right into the fold after missing big parts of the year," he continued.Those two stars are actually veteran Luke Parker and also captain Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, little bit of centre bounce, goes ahead, has been actually reaching the scoreboard and also influencing at authorization," Buckley stated." The other one is Callum Mills, that just before he headed out, he was actually an authentic midfielder, perhaps on an airfoil ... now he is actually gotten back to where he reduced his pearly whites, which is generally facing goal, half-back, really good obstruct marking player, wants to be able to take that video game on-- I presume they've been able to take those boys back into the fold really effectively." The Swans are actually readied to acquire a celebrity quartet of weapons back in front of their training ultimate against the Giants. Protector Tom McCartin as well as weapon midfielder Isaac Heeney are going to both come back after being actually dealt with in the ultimate video game of the home and away time, while forward Tom Papley (ankle joint) and also the extremely versatile Justin McInerney (leg) are actually likewise 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's been relaxed, he'll go back in as well as he supplies electricity and spark, he is actually cherry mature prepared to go in September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans timid on finals collections|02:16 Giants' burning question: Can easily they stop the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up and also operating, they're arguably the hardest crew to drop in the competition. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and also his coaching team will certainly require to discover a technique to cease Sydney's capability to transition the ball from protective 50 to the aggressive half if they are to become belong a discharge of triumph on Sunday. "Their back-half sphere use begs the inquiry of Adam Kingsley-- exactly how perform they avoid all of them from having the capacity to catapult, since that is actually mosting likely to be the concern that the Giants need to have to respond to," Buckley stated. In their pair of trips against the Swans this time, the Giants acknowledged 51 and also thirty three aspects from the protective half. "They have actually been actually an elite crew at scoring from the rear fifty percent and also the Giants are going to want to cut that Sydney source really quickly and also slash off front fifty percent turn overs as much as they possibly can," Buckley carried on. The Swans possess a myriad of celebrities in their stable, featuring 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Detector as well as Chip Blakey.That's why the prospective schedule of tagger Toby Bedford will be crucial.Bedford, a revelation this project, performed a significant task of voiding Detector in their round 15 clash, restricting the superstar Swan to simply 18 disposals in the course of the 89 moments they were actually compared. Will Kingsley provide his best tagger the activity of stopping Warner once again recently?" I believe you need to become able to accomplish the job, the worry about Gulden is actually possibly you only may not do the project because he functions so hard," Buckley mentioned." They've acquired loads of items that they'll need to keep an eye on but thus carry out the Giants." Buckley tossed the onslaught to the Giants' on-ball unit to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, particularly provided they shed that battle on both events this year.In both suits, the Swans gained the contended belongings, open spaces and points from clearances convincingly." How great is that for Adam Kingsley to become capable to toss that to his midfield group as well as claim this is what you're mosting likely to be assessed by," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon added.The Giants have actually won all 3 finals match-ups versus the Swans in their short past and also with a preparatory last area on the line, there will definitely be no deficiency of inspiration for either side come Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It's been actually 3 weeks given that he participated in an activity, when he acquired concussed late in in 2014's preparatory ultimate versus Collingwood, he was the gamer that was actually probably to break it available, due to the fact that they desired to discharge him from his half-forward task and also locate that gone through the midfield, his final month of footy's been actually substantial."-- 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: From 6:30 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jack Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' knotty question: Exactly how do they get the video game on their terms?Brisbane's ideal is actually definitely electrical, but their worst isn't terrific on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will arise on Saturday evening and also across this year's finals collection? The Lions have been a solid stop edge throughout 2024, but Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown mentions the club would certainly be better off making an effort to produce the game fast-flowing if you want to exploit an underdone Carlton side. "I presume a sphere movement game will be definitely pleasant, particularly versus a hindered or definitely underdone Carlton team. When they may receive their sphere action video game going, they're the leading staff in the competitors for this," Brown informed Fox Footy's On The Couch." They create by means of uncontested scores, however it is actually a fast design," he added.The Lions started like a property on fire in their Position Around clash versus the Blues, booting 7 goals in the first one-fourth to establish a 31-point top at half-time, just before cry swamp all of them in the 2nd half." In the position sphere in the first one-fourth, Carlton can not cease Brisbane coming from getting from their back one-half and also they racked up highly from the rear one-half, just before it after that undoubtedly flipped," Buckley stated." Brisbane would certainly hope to view a bunch of what they got early in the opening around and certainly not a ton of what they entered the second half along with cry going back."" Do not fall into the catch of thinking they participate in a slow game if they take 120 marks and also it's mosting likely to be a fast lane apex, it is actually going to be 30 strange levels," Brown replied.The Lions are going to restore protective duo Brandon Starcevich and also Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Double Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will definitely be actually integral for Chris Fagan's edge, as will fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will be vital off half-back as they aim to move the sphere along with dare and rush, as are going to youthful weapon Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Precise goalkicking" The Lions have been in all-time low 4 crews for reliability before target for the time ... this is why they weren't a best four crew since they skip important shots."-- Jonathan BrownLions anticipating complete durability Woe side|01:41 Woes' burning question: The number of returning players is actually extremely many?Coaches usually have big struggles at the collection dining table currently of year, but Michael Voss absolutely has half a dozen to contend with. The Blues could be reinforced due to the profit of eight first choice players, yet how many is way too many to rejuvenate in in front of a massive must-win final?" I don't assume there's a specific number, but I often tend to coincide a few of the comments that you will be reluctant to share people that have had soft tissue personal injuries," Brown said.Brown did not wait when talked to if he will consist of twin towers Charlie Curnow (ankle joint) and Harry McKay (quad), but the other selections weren't not always as clear cut.Brown claimed he will play guardian Mitch McGovern and utility Zac Williams need to they recoup over time coming from their respective hamstring traumas, yet would not play Jack Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra provided their personal problems. Cry confirmed on Tuesday that motivational previous leader Sam Docherty would produce his return from an ACL trauma in a huge increase for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will definitely come back for the problem clash just 183 times after he burst his ACL versus the exact same side in Position Round. "He is actually placed a ton of time and effort into returning, as well as once you set your thoughts to something-- he's the determined kind to get it carried out," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering pointed out on Tuesday." The young boys were fed and also I make sure he'll do a job for our team this weekend break." Cry submitted a video clip of leader Patrick Cripps discussing the updates while players remained in the swimming pool, along with Docherty's teammates promptly gathering towards him and introducing him airborne. There is actually no question that Docherty's yield will certainly give both an on-field increase to Voss' side, however likewise an emotional one.There's a great pipe though in between bringing in celebrity quality players, likely underdone, as well as interfering with team chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the 8 gamers mentioned above are most effectively 23, however the number of can Voss certainly produce come crew selection?All eyes will certainly get on the Blues when groups fall at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the male with the a super hero jumper on his spine ... he hasn't been actually incredibly dominant (versus the Lions before), I expect Josh Dunkley to go to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's idea: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doc creates remarkable yield|00:33.