.In the space of one shot, 18 nightclubs has actually become eight - as the most wonderful time of the AFL period begins on Thursday night via finals footy. As well as with that said, the microscopic lense on those who stay has just escalated as they go after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Chair staff on Monday night dissected every group's greatest question, and also highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals series - as well as a pointer for the 4 matches.Watch the best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with professional analysis 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? Begin your free of cost trial today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU CAN BE BUYING INSTEAD. Free of cost and also personal support telephone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or even check out gamblinghelponline.org.au.No best 4 teams in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 FIXTURE AND ALSO KNOTTY QUESTION (All times AEST) SLOT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to view on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Mark Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's knotty question: What does Ken do with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Pussy-cat Tom Stewart is precisely properly appreciated by Energy trainer Ken Hinkley-- so much so that it's in fact been to his detriment throughout the last two years. In each of Stewart's last three suits, the defender has actually been braced hard by Energy stress forward Jed McEntee, that most just recently held him to 13 fingertips in their direct match-up-- 3 of which were actually kick-ins. "Last opportunity, Jed McEntee was actually playing on him as a defensive ahead, Stewart started as a half-backer and stayed there for the activity-- (McEntee) truly voided his impact on the video game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown described on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "Stewart's been actually starting a little much more by means of the midfield (considering that Shot 9), therefore McEntee will arise from half ahead and also increase to Stewart (if he plays midfield)-- carries out that way that a Tuohy or even a Jack Holly is able to acquire alone as an additionally one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's success on Stewart was actually the catalyst for Tom Stewart relocating into the midfield for the back end of this particular time-- but while the 23-year-old has actually labelled him effectively at some end of the ground, he's however to perform the very same in the midfield, which could actually create both trainers problems structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has formerly been actually made use of as a negator of adversary superstars in the midfield as well as at deduction, but a lot more lately has been locating his own footy as well as injuring rivals on offense. part" This is among the earliest of players heading to Tom Stewart and saying: 'You are actually certainly not having it on your terms as you eat the final four or even 5 years, as well as it ended up being the motivation for modification-- he acquired labelled out of this half-back posture," Melbourne great Garry Lyon took note." McEntee's the one, and also you would like to maintain Drew as the guy that might always keep Dangerfield answerable, specifically in competitions," Buckley finished by stating. McEntee returned to the senior edge in Sphere 24 versus Fremantle after an assignment in the SANFL, and also has played 13 activities in 2024-- most of which have been actually as a defensive ahead in a part where the universal stat piece does not say to the full story of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been actually inconsistent, however I assume he is actually heading to be crucial-- alongside (Esava) Ratugolea ... specifically against those really good obstruct denoting gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort self-assured they can deal with injuries|01:48 Felines' burning question: Just how do they quit Slot's midfield?Chris Scott has been actually challenged with a huge selection of talent-heavy midfields in his opportunity as both a player and instructor, and also Slot Adelaide's this Thursday evening will certainly be actually positively no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads an engine space that are going to possess every one of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Glass Of Wines, Willem Drew and Travis Boak running through it on Thursday night-- leaving two-time premiership instructor Scott with a lot to think about." They've been dominant all year it's an all-star midfield truly isn't it, specifically the midfielders. Horne-Francis was unbelievable in the initial 40 minutes to establish that significant lead during that Sphere 9 activity," Jonathan Brown mentioned to On The Sofa." Ollie Red Wines (possesses) possessed an awesome year, as has Zak Butters, as has Jason Horne-Francis-- that I think is one of the most devastating midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge streamed Geelong completely off the playground in the earlier aspect of the 2024 period, at some phase venturing out to an eight-goal lead properly prior to half time.The Cats certainly conserved poise in the 2nd half, and almost flipped the lead in a second-half surge at GMHBA Coliseum-- yet ultimately failed by one primary." Geelong were in the midst of undergoing their mid-season rut (in Shot 9), and Port Adelaide put some of their far better functionalities (all together), as well as they may place those elite video games together," Nathan Buckley carried on." Pair of critical losses though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring muscle) as well as Dan Houston (suspension)-- they acquire a considerable amount of their run as well as hold coming from there certainly, in order that may be truly difficult for Slot Adelaide if they are actually shedding space," added Brown.And along with their losses on a wing as well as fifty percent back, the Electrical power will likewise need to brace for the possible explosion that is Jeremy Cameron-- that has actually resided in seriously sturdy leading into this year's finals set. A bag of 9 goals versus North Melbourne as well as 6 versus Adelaide in his final four suits makes him an intimidating task for likely match Aliir Aliir, however it undoubtedly won't be actually international." Aliir Aliir performed a good work (on Cameron) last time 18 fingertips, 1.1 - tolerable amounts for a key forward, yet he really did not have any sort of real impact on the game," said Brown." We have actually observed Jeremy Cameron create destruction on opposition guardians when he solves up the field."" That is actually when he's at his very most risky believe Colleague Franklin when he gets out of bed (the ground) as well as arcs back on his left feet," Buckley completed by saying.If the Cats can obtain the reception right into Cameron's hands-- any place he locates himself about the ground-- they'll be every opportunity of securing a home preliminary last, yet their first activity will be actually to nullify Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" At the end of the day, if they're visiting go all the way to premiership glory again, it's mosting likely to be actually on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to have to create one more enormous great September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's idea: Slot Adelaide through 15 pointsHow do the Felines stop Horne-Francis & co?|05:16 WESTERN SIDE BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to see on Fox Footy: From 6:20 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' knotty question: Do they compromise speed for experience?Luke Beveridge has been actually toying with this inquiry for a lot of the time, performs he trust his expert pros to get the job done on the big phase or is going to he look to his more youthful brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon threw up two labels who could possibly happen under variety heat energy recently, depending on what Beveridge chooses to value additional at the option table in advance of a must-win ultimate versus the in-form Hawks." It's certainly not all on Port Macrae and Caleb Daniel ... yet you're playing against a Hawthorn edge (where) rate gets rid of," Lyon pointed out on Fox Footy's On The Couch. Macrae was elevated coming from the replacement duty for the clash versus the Giants in rounded 24, gathering 23 fingertips and seven addresses, having collected 2 objectives from 17 contacts in limited time on ground the full week prior to versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, an additional Pet dog who has been out-of-favour this year, has actually participated in the last five complements, finishing his last outing with 23 disposals as well as an objective. However the Hawks don't hold off, they operate and weapon and also leave no stone unturned, which could result in complications for Beveridge and his coaching team. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon as well as Josh Weddle are actually electric in the rear half, continuously creating recoiling ride. The Hawks position 2nd in the competitors for post-clearance contended property and are actually the best in the rank at post-clearance ground rounds. The Western Bulldogs may stretch an undersized Hawthorn defence, yet that carries out leave all of them with a minimal capability to emulate Hawthorn's running video game. Thus, can they manage to participate in slower players up the ground given their tall visibility ahead of center? "You've come to be able to match them, given that these three high ahead, are they mosting likely to have the ability to manage half the ground as well as attempt place some pressure on?" Lyon inquired. The Hawks flexed the Dogs like they haven't been extended just before back in rounded 8, but Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley feels the Bulldogs' proving against the GWS Giants in Ballarat just recently was actually a good sign. "What I found coming from the Bulldogs 2 full weeks back, GWS passion to play like that (quick footy) - Hawthorn, their operate as well as carry is created a little bit about what the Giants have actually performed the last number of years and the Bulldogs had the capacity to repress that with brutal tension, and also is actually exactly what they're mosting likely to must do," Buckley pointed out. Are going to Bevo sacrifice velocity for encounter this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The Three Big Canines" These boys are actually visiting differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan as well as Naughton ... they've been in tearing chip ... I think Aaron Naughton's acquired the potential to definitely get off the leash, a great deal interest's visiting enter the other 2."-- Garry LyonBig Canine set to monster rapid Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Can they manage Bulldogs' essential ahead mafia?The Hawks have actually appeared prone to huge crucial ahead all time and also the Dogs have three downright weapons in that area. There's no doubt that the three-headed monster of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy as well as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would certainly possess provided Hawks trainer Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this past fortnight. "These young boys are actually mosting likely to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton-- I reckon Marcus Bontempelli will stretch all of them as well and attempt and acquire ahead," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Over the final seven matches, the Bulldogs trio have integrated for approximately 5.7 targets, 19.6 credit rating participations and 7.4 marks inside fifty every game. "They've been in tearing scar ... I presume Aaron Naughton's got the potential to definitely leave the lead, a great deal interest's visiting go into the various other two," Lyon added." The excellent point is also, those kids may divide and also obtain some face to face's, no doubt regarding it-- that makes the defensive personalized contests for Hawthorn's defenders vital," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown responded. Previously this season in Geelong's huge victory over the Hawks, Cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron triggered Mitchell and his coaching personnel a lot of frustrations, booting 4.4 coming from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Frost, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw and Josh Weddle are actually effectively and definitely mosting likely to have their work good for them on Friday evening. Provided the Hawks' weakness down back given the height differentials, winning the midfield war will certainly be of the upmost usefulness. The Pets may have the household names in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore, but Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have actually surely stood up this time. The Hawks rate third in the competitors for contested things, 6th for clearances and also 8th for scores from approval differential. Admittedly the loss of superstar midfielder Will Day is going to leave a gaping hole because unit, yet the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and also James Worpel are greater than with the ability of standing in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Time Medallist, enjoys the significant phase and also is actually a premiership gamer already. We know that he is actually thrived within this atmosphere certainly there, I believe he acts along with the Occultist and also generates all type of havoc down there certainly because rear half, the pair up for all of them is actually going to be definitely notable."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's recommendation: Bulldogs by twenty pointsSicily opens up on finals conflict v Pets|02:16 SYDNEY v MORE SIGNIFICANT WESTERN SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to enjoy on Fox Footy: Coming from 2:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Have they got their mojo back?For an extended period of your time this period, the Swans resembled it will just refer time prior to they clinched the premiership. Yet some accidents behind time in the time viewed their drive halt, succeeding just one suit between rounds 16 as well as 21. "I presume there's documentation in the last 3 full weeks that they carried out-- they underwent that parch of six full weeks between rounded 16 as well as circular 21 where they merely weren't capable to obtain it going they were actually one succeed and 5 losses in that opportunity," Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley pinpointed on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "They offence coughed as well as spluttered, they were actually conceding region and scores from the return one-half and also the approval activity they depend on a lot wasn't certainly there." But ever since, the supports have gotten here for the Swans and that has been actually a big main reason regarding why the Swans have rediscovered their mojo. The Swans positioned 3rd in the ultimate 3 weeks of the period for factors for, fourth for factors yielded from the defensive half as well as ninth for authorization differential, large renovations from 13th, 17th and also 18th during that six-week form downturn. "Part of that (modification in type) has had the capacity to obtain two of their stars back right into the layer after skipping significant parts of the year," he continued.Those pair of superstars are actually experienced Luke Parker as well as captain Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's returned, small amount of facility bounce, goes ahead, has actually been reaching the scoreboard and also impacting at approval," Buckley pointed out." The other one is Callum Mills, who before he went out, he was a real midfielder, maybe on a wing ... and now he is actually gone back to where he cut his teeth, which is essentially facing objective, half-back, great obstruct marking player, would like to have the ability to take that game on-- I presume they've had the ability to deliver those kids back into the fold definitely well." The Swans are set to receive a superstar quartet of guns back in front of their qualifying ultimate against the Giants. Guardian Tom McCartin as well as gun midfielder Isaac Heeney will certainly both return after being handled in the ultimate game of the home and away period, while onward Tom Papley (ankle) as well as the flexible Justin McInerney (leg) are actually also very likely to become recalled. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle is actually 90% match, the remainder of his body system, his thoughts, he's been rested, he'll go back in and also he supplies electricity and spark, he is actually cherry enriched ready to enter September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans shy on finals varieties|02:16 Giants' burning question: May they stop the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up and flowing, they're arguably the hardest staff to stop in the competition. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley as well as his mentoring staff will require to find a method to quit Sydney's ability to shift the sphere coming from defensive fifty to the forward half if they are to become belong a discharge of victory on Saturday. "Their back-half ball make use of asks the question of Adam Kingsley-- exactly how do they prevent all of them coming from managing to catapult, because that is actually visiting be actually the inquiry that the Giants need to answer," Buckley claimed. In their 2 outings versus the Swans this season, the Giants acknowledged 51 as well as 33 factors coming from the protective half. "They have actually been a best group at scoring coming from the back one-half as well as the Giants are going to want to cut that Sydney supply definitely quickly and also slash off main half turnovers as much as they possibly can," Buckley proceeded. The Swans have a huge selection of superstars in their steady, featuring 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner as well as Chip Blakey.That's why the potential availability of tagger Toby Bedford will certainly be crucial.Bedford, a revelation this campaign, carried out an incredible task of undoing Warner in their circular 15 clash, limiting the superstar Swan to simply 18 disposals throughout the 89 minutes they were actually paired up. Will Kingsley provide his best tagger the duty of quiting Warner again today?" I presume you require to become able to perform the job, the worry about Gulden is actually possibly you just may not do the work since he functions so hard," Buckley said." They have actually received loads of tools that they'll need to watch on but so carry out the Giants." Buckley threw the gauntlet down to the Giants' on-ball brigade to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, particularly given they shed that war on each occasions this year.In both matches, the Swans succeeded the contested things, allowances and aspects from open spaces well." Exactly how really good is that for Adam Kingsley to be capable to throw that to his midfield team as well as say this is what you're mosting likely to be actually measured by," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have gained all three finals match-ups versus the Swans in their quick background as well as along with a preliminary last place vulnerable, there will definitely be no scarcity of inspiration for either side happened Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It is actually been 3 weeks given that he participated in an activity, when he acquired concussed late in in 2015's initial last against Collingwood, he was the player that was likely to damage it open, considering that they desired to discharge him from his half-forward task and also locate that run through the midfield, his final month of footy's been actually significant."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's suggestion: Sydney through 13 pointsHiding in plain view - Are 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: Just how perform they get the video game on their terms?Brisbane's absolute best is definitely electric, yet their worst isn't great on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will emerge on Saturday evening as well as around this year's finals set? The Lions have been actually a sturdy stop edge throughout 2024, yet Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown mentions the club would certainly be better off trying to produce the activity fast-flowing to manipulate an underdone Carlton edge. "I think a sphere movement activity will be really great, specifically against a hampered or absolutely underdone Carlton group. When they may obtain their sphere movement activity going, they are actually the number one crew in the competition for this," Brown informed Fox Footy's On The Sofa." They build via easy marks, but it is actually a quick type," he added.The Lions began like a home on fire in their Position Around clash versus the Blues, loading seven objectives in the very first one-fourth to develop a 31-point top at half-time, just before cry swamp them in the 2nd fifty percent." In the position sphere in the very first one-fourth, Carlton could possibly not cease Brisbane from receiving from their back one-half and also they scored highly from the rear one-half, just before it after that clearly turned," Buckley claimed." Brisbane would intend to see a great deal of what they received early in the opening round as well as certainly not a considerable amount of what they got inside the second half with cry coming back."" Do not fall into the trap of assuming they play a slow game if they take 120 symbols and it is actually mosting likely to be actually a fast lane apex, it is actually heading to be actually 30 weird levels," Brown replied.The Lions will definitely gain back defensive duo Brandon Starcevich and Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale are going to be actually indispensable for Chris Fagan's edge, as will definitely fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and also Will Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko will definitely be actually vital off half-back as they look to relocate the ball along with dare and also scurry, as will certainly younger gun Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Exact goalkicking" The Lions have actually resided in the bottom four crews for accuracy in front of goal for the time ... this is why they weren't a best 4 crew due to the fact that they overlook essential chances."-- Jonathan BrownLions assuming full strength Woe side|01:41 Woes' burning question: How many returning gamers is extremely many?Coaches typically possess huge problems at the choice dining table right now of year, however Michael Voss genuinely has half a dozen to emulate. The Blues might be bolstered due to the yield of eight odds-on-favorite gamers, yet how many is too many to rejuvenate in in advance of a substantial must-win ultimate?" I do not assume there's a specific number, but I tend to coincide a few of the comments that you 'd be reluctant to share guys that have actually possessed soft cells accidents," Brown said.Brown did certainly not be reluctant when asked if he will include twin towers Charlie Curnow (ankle) and also Harry McKay (quad), yet the other decisions weren't certainly not automatically as very clear cut.Brown said he will play guardian Mitch McGovern and also utility Zac Williams ought to they recoup over time from their corresponding hamstring accidents, but wouldn't play Jack Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra provided their private issues. The Blues affirmed on Tuesday that motivational past leader Sam Docherty will create his return coming from an ACL injury in a huge increase for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will return for the problem clash simply 183 times after he fractured his ACL against the very same side in Opening Round. "He's put a ton of effort and time in to returning, and the moment you set your mind to something-- he's the motivated style to get it carried out," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering pointed out on Tuesday." The young boys were actually stired and I make certain he'll work for us this weekend break." The Blues uploaded a video of leader Patrick Cripps discussing the information while gamers remained in the pool, with Docherty's colleagues swiftly gathering towards him as well as introducing him airborne. There is actually no doubt that Docherty's profit are going to provide both an on-field increase to Voss' side, however also an emotional one.There's a fine pipe though in between generating superstar quality gamers, likely underdone, as well as interfering with team chemistry.Undoubtedly mostly all of the 8 players discussed above are actually best 23, but how many can Voss certainly bring in happened team selection?All eyes will definitely get on the Blues when groups drop 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 hasn't been super leading (against the Lions in the past), I anticipate Josh Dunkley to go to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's pointer: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor creates amazing return|00:33.