.In the space of one round, 18 clubs has come to be eight - as one of the most stunning opportunity of the AFL period starts on Thursday night by means of finals footy. And keeping that, the microscope on those who remain has merely boosted as they go after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Couch crew on Monday night analyzed every club's largest question, and also highlighted 8 X-Factors for this finals set - along with an idea for the 4 matches.Watch the very best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with pro evaluation as well as every game till the Grand Final deal with no ad-breaks throughout play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free test today > Finals Full week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MAY BE PURCHASING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. Totally free and also personal help call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or check out gamblinghelponline.org.au.No leading 4 groups in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 COMPONENT AND ALSO BURNING QUESTIONS (Perpetuity AEST) PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to check out on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Sign Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's burning question: What does Ken perform with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Feline Tom Stewart is accurately well recognized through Energy train Ken Hinkley-- so much to make sure that it's really been actually to his impairment all over the final two years. In each of Stewart's last 3 suits, the guardian has actually been braced hard through Power stress forward Jed McEntee, who most just recently carried him to thirteen fingertips in their straight match-- three of which were kick-ins. "Final time, Jed McEntee was actually playing on him as a defensive forward, Stewart started as a half-backer and stayed there for the activity-- (McEntee) truly scratched his effect on the game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown explained on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "Stewart's been beginning a little extra via the midfield (because Round 9), thus McEntee will come from half forward and also increase to Stewart (if he participates in midfield)-- does that mean that a Tuohy and even a Jack Henry manages to acquire alone as an and also one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's excellence on Stewart was actually the catalyst for Tom Stewart moving right into the midfield for the back end of this particular period-- however while the 23-year-old has tagged him efficiently at some end of the ground, he's however to carry out the exact same in the midfield, which can paradoxically trigger both coaches problems structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has recently been actually utilized as a negator of opponent superstars in the midfield and also at stop, but much more recently has actually been actually discovering his own footy and also harming opponents on offence. function" This is just one of the earliest of players mosting likely to Tom Stewart as well as claiming: 'You're not possessing it on your terms as you eat the last 4 or even 5 years, and also it ended up being the catalyst for adjustment-- he obtained marked out of this half-back setting," Melbourne excellent Garry Lyon noted." McEntee's the one, as well as you wish to always keep Drew as the fella who could always keep Dangerfield responsible, specifically in competitions," Buckley finished by mentioning. McEntee came back to the elderly side in Around 24 against Fremantle after a stint in the SANFL, and has actually participated in 13 games in 2024-- a lot of which have been actually as a protective forward in a task where the general stat sheet does not tell the total tale of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been irregular, yet I presume he is actually visiting be crucial-- along with (Esava) Ratugolea ... especially against those great obstruct noting gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort self-assured they may deal with injuries|01:48 Pussy-cats' knotty question: Just how do they stop Slot's midfield?Chris Scott has been actually tested along with a variety of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a gamer as well as instructor, as well as Slot Adelaide's this Thursday evening are going to be absolutely no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads a motor area that will have every one of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie White Wines, Willem Drew and Travis Boak running through it on Thursday evening-- leaving two-time premiership coach Scott with a whole lot to plan for." They have actually been actually leading all year it is actually an all-star midfield actually isn't it, specifically the midfielders. Horne-Francis was unbelievable in the 1st 40 minutes to establish that huge top during that Around 9 video game," Jonathan Brown said to On The Chair." Ollie Red Wines (possesses) possessed a wonderful year, as possesses Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- that I think is one of the most damaging midfielder in the competitors." Ken Hinkley's edge streamed Geelong totally off the park in the earlier part of the 2024 period, at some phase venturing out to an eight-goal lead well prior to fifty percent time.The Felines certainly conserved elegance in the second half, and also almost flipped the top in a second-half surge at GMHBA Coliseum-- however inevitably failed through one significant." Geelong were in the midst of looking at their mid-season slump (in Round 9), and also Slot Adelaide put among their far better performances (together), as well as they may put those elite activities all together," Nathan Buckley proceeded." Pair of important reductions though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hamstring muscle) and also Dan Houston (suspension)-- they receive a bunch of their run as well as carry coming from certainly there, so that may be actually troublesome for Slot Adelaide if they're losing space," incorporated Brown.And aside from their reductions on a wing and fifty percent back, the Energy will definitely likewise require to bandage for the possible surge that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- who has been in seriously powerful introducing this year's finals series. A bag of 9 objectives against North Melbourne and also six against Adelaide in his final four suits creates him a complicated task for most likely match Aliir Aliir, however it undoubtedly will not be foreign." Aliir Aliir did a fair task (on Cameron) final time 18 fingertips, 1.1 - fair varieties for an essential forward, yet he really did not have any type of true effect on the activity," said Brown." We have actually seen Jeremy Cameron develop havoc on hostility guardians when he solves up the area."" That's when he goes to his most dangerous think Friend Franklin when he gets up (the ground) and arcs back on his left foot," Buckley ended up by saying.If the Cats can receive the ball right into Cameron's hands-- wherever he discovers themself around the ground-- they'll be every chance of getting a home initial final, however their initial duty will be to squash Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" By the end of the day, if they're visiting go all the way to premiership splendor once more, it's heading to be actually on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he requires to make yet another enormous alright September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's tip: Port Adelaide by 15 pointsHow carry out the Cats cease 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 along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' knotty question: Do they give up velocity for experience?Luke Beveridge has actually been actually dabbling this inquiry for a lot of the period, does he trust his expert professionals to do the job on the significant phase or will certainly he rely on his much younger brigade?Melbourne champion Garry Lyon threw up 2 names who could come under assortment warm today, relying on what Beveridge makes a decision to value even more at the collection table in advance of a must-win ultimate against the in-form Hawks." It is actually not all on Port Macrae as well as Caleb Daniel ... yet you're playing against a Hawthorn edge (where) rate eliminates," Lyon said on Fox Footy's On The Couch. Macrae rose from the replacement part for the clash against the Giants in round 24, collecting 23 fingertips and seven tackles, having actually accumulated pair of objectives from 17 contacts in limited opportunity on ground the full week prior to versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, another Pet dog that has been out-of-favour this year, has participated in the last five complements, completing his last outing along with 23 disposals as well as a target. However the Hawks do not hold off, they manage and gun and leave behind no stone unchecked, which might result in complications for Beveridge and also his training staff. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and also Josh Weddle are actually electricity in the back half, frequently generating rebounding travel. The Hawks position second in the competitors for post-clearance contended possession as well as are actually the greatest in the category at post-clearance ground rounds. The Western Bulldogs can stretch a small Hawthorn defence, yet that does leave all of them with a restricted ability to contend with Hawthorn's operating game. Therefore, can they pay for to participate in slower players up the ground given their high visibility ahead of centre? "You've got to manage to match them, given that these three tall ahead, are they visiting have the capacity to operate half the ground as well as make an effort put some stress on?" Lyon asked. The Hawks stretched the Pets like they haven't been actually stretched before back in round eight, however Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley thinks the Bulldogs' proving against the GWS Giants in Ballarat just recently was actually a good indicator. "What I observed coming from the Bulldogs two weeks ago, GWS affection to play like that (swift footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and carry is actually designed a bit about what the Giants have actually performed the final number of years and also the Bulldogs had the ability to repress that along with tough pressure, which's specifically what they're going to must do," Buckley mentioned. Will certainly Bevo reparation speed for experience this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The 3 Significant Pet dogs" These children are actually mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton ... they've resided in tearing nick ... I presume Aaron Naughton's obtained the possible to actually get off the leash, a great deal attention's mosting likely to go into the other 2."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs set to monster speedy Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: May they take care of Bulldogs' essential ahead mafia?The Hawks have appeared prone to significant crucial ahead all season as well as the Canines possess three outright tools in that area. There is actually no doubt that the three-headed creature of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will possess provided Hawks coach Sam Mitchell some sleepless nights this previous fortnight. "These children are going to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton-- I reckon Marcus Bontempelli will certainly extend them at the same time and also attempt and obtain forward," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Over the final seven suits, the Bulldogs trio have actually incorporated for around 5.7 objectives, 19.6 score participations as well as 7.4 marks inside 50 per activity. "They've resided in tearing nick ... I believe Aaron Naughton's obtained the potential to really get off the lead, a great deal focus's going to enter into the other two," Lyon included." The excellent thing is too, those boys can easily separate as well as receive some personalized's, no question regarding it-- that makes the protective individualized contests for Hawthorn's protectors essential," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown replied. Previously this period in Geelong's major success over the Hawks, Pussy-cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron triggered Mitchell and his coaching staff a lot of frustrations, booting 4.4 coming from 19 disposals. The similarity Sam Frost, James Sicily, Port Scrimshaw and Josh Weddle are effectively and absolutely mosting likely to have their work cut out for them on Friday night. Offered the Hawks' susceptibility down back provided the height differents, gaining the midfield struggle will definitely be actually of the upmost relevance. The Canines might possess the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and also Tom Liberatore, yet Hawthorn's on-ball unit have absolutely risen this period. The Hawks rank third in the competitors for contended things, 6th for clearances and also 8th for points coming from clearance differential. Unquestionably the loss of celebrity midfielder Will certainly Time will definitely leave behind a gaping hole in that device, however the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and also James Worpel are actually greater than capable of standing up in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, loves the significant stage as well as is a premiership player currently. We know that he's flourished in this particular environment there, I assume he acts along with the Witch and makes all kind of mayhem down certainly there in that rear half, the match up for all of them is actually visiting be truly substantial."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's idea: Bulldogs by twenty pointsSicily opens on finals clash v Pets|02:16 SYDNEY v MORE SIGNIFICANT 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 King, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' burning question: Possess they received their mojo back?For a long period of your time this season, the Swans resembled it will only be a matter of opportunity before they clinched the premiership. However some injuries behind time in the period saw their energy standstill, succeeding only one match in between rounds 16 and also 21. "I think there's documentation in the last 3 full weeks that they did-- they underwent that parch of six weeks between rounded 16 and round 21 where they simply weren't able to get it going they were actually one win as well as five reductions because opportunity," Collingwood folklore Nathan Buckley recognized on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "They offence coughed as well as spluttered, they were acknowledging region as well as ratings coming from the return one-half as well as the approval video game they rely upon a lot wasn't certainly there." However since then, the encouragements have gotten here for the Swans and that has been a big main reason as to why the Swans have found their mojo. The Swans rated third in the final three full weeks of the time for aspects for, fourth for aspects conceded from the defensive half and ninth for approval differential, large enhancements from 13th, 17th and 18th in the course of that six-week form downturn. "Aspect of that (change in type) has actually had the ability to acquire 2 of their celebrities back into the fold after overlooking major chunks of the year," he continued.Those 2 stars are actually experienced Luke Parker and captain Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's come back, small amount of centre bounce, moves forward, has actually been actually reaching the scoreboard and impacting at clearance," Buckley claimed." The various other one is actually Callum Mills, who just before he went out, he was actually a genuine midfielder, perhaps on a wing ... but now he is actually gone back to where he reduced his pearly whites, which is actually basically experiencing target, half-back, good intercept noting gamer, wants to have the capacity to take that game on-- I think they've been able to bring those young boys back into the fold really well." The Swans are set to receive a super star quartet of guns back ahead of their qualifying last versus the Giants. Guardian Tom McCartin and also gun midfielder Isaac Heeney will certainly both return after being actually taken care of in the final activity of the home and also away time, while onward Tom Papley (ankle joint) as well as the flexible Justin McInerney (knee) are additionally likely to become recalled. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle joint is actually 90% match, the remainder of his body system, his thoughts, he is actually been rested, he'll come back in and also he supplies power and also trigger, he's cherry mature all set to go in September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans coy on finals varieties|02:16 Giants' burning question: Can they cease the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up and flowing, they're arguably the hardest staff to stop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley as well as his training workers will need to discover a method to quit Sydney's potential to change the ball from defensive fifty to the forward fifty percent if they are to be belong a discharge of triumph on Saturday. "Their back-half sphere make use of begs the concern of Adam Kingsley-- how perform they prevent all of them coming from having the ability to catapult, since that is actually visiting be actually the inquiry that the Giants need to have to respond to," Buckley said. In their 2 outings versus the Swans this time, the Giants yielded 51 as well as 33 aspects coming from the defensive fifty percent. "They have actually been a best crew at slashing coming from the back fifty percent and the Giants will certainly desire to cut that Sydney source truly rapidly and slash off front fifty percent turnovers as much as they probably can," Buckley continued. The Swans have a plethora of super stars in their dependable, consisting of 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Detector and also Scar Blakey.That's why the prospective supply of tagger Toby Bedford will definitely be crucial.Bedford, a discovery this initiative, performed a significant project of negating Warner in their circular 15 clash, limiting the star Swan to only 18 disposals during the course of the 89 minutes they were actually compared. Will Kingsley offer his leading tagger the task of quiting Detector once again today?" I think you require to become able to do the task, the concern with Gulden is actually maybe you merely may not do the project since he functions thus hard," Buckley mentioned." They've acquired a lot of tools that they'll have to keep an eye on however therefore perform the Giants." Buckley threw the onslaught up to the Giants' on-ball unit to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, especially given they lost that battle on both affairs this year.In both suits, the Swans succeeded the contended property, spaces and points coming from open spaces well." Just how good is that for Adam Kingsley to be capable to toss that to his midfield team and also state this is what you are actually heading to be actually determined through," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have actually gained all 3 finals matches versus the Swans in their brief past and along with a preparatory last area vulnerable, there will definitely be actually no deficiency of inspiration for either side happened Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It's been three weeks considering that he participated in a game, when he got concussed late in in 2013's preparatory last against Collingwood, he was actually the gamer that was actually probably to damage it available, considering that they desired to launch him coming from his half-forward part and also find that run through the midfield, his last month of footy's been actually substantial."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's pointer: Sydney by 13 pointsHiding in simple attraction - Are Swans back?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to watch on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jack Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' burning question: How perform they acquire the game on their terms?Brisbane's best is actually positively electricity, yet their worst isn't great on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will arise on Saturday night and across this year's finals series? The Lions have been a sturdy deduction side around 2024, but Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown states the club would certainly be better off trying to create the game fast-flowing so as to make use of an underdone Carlton side. "I believe a sphere activity activity would be actually good, especially against an obstructed or even definitely underdone Carlton crew. When they may acquire their ball activity video game going, they are actually the top staff in the competitors for this," Brown informed Fox Footy's On The Couch." They construct with uncontested marks, however it's an easy type," he added.The Lions began like a home on fire in their Opening Round clash against cry, loading seven goals in the very first fourth to develop a 31-point top at half-time, before cry overran them in the 2nd half." In the position round in the initial fourth, Carlton might certainly not stop Brisbane from obtaining from their rear fifty percent as well as they scored highly coming from the back half, before it then clearly flipped," Buckley stated." Brisbane would certainly plan to find a lot of what they received early in the position round and not a considerable amount of what they got in the second one-half with cry going back."" Do not fall into the snare of believing they participate in a slow video game if they take 120 symbols and it is actually visiting be a fast lane apex, it is actually heading to be actually 30 weird degrees," Brown replied.The Lions will definitely restore protective duo Brandon Starcevich and also Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale are going to be essential for Chris Fagan's side, as will fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley as well as Will Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko are going to be crucial off half-back as they look to move the round along with attempt and dash, as will youthful gun Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Exact goalkicking" The Lions have actually remained in the bottom four teams for precision facing target for the time ... this is why they weren't a leading 4 team because they miss vital gos."-- Jonathan BrownLions expecting complete durability Woe edge|01:41 Blues' burning question: How many coming back players is very many?Coaches frequently possess big battles at the option table right now of year, yet Michael Voss genuinely possesses six to contend with. Cry might be boosted by the yield of eight front runner gamers, however the amount of is actually excessive to bring back in before a substantial must-win ultimate?" I do not believe there is actually a details number, yet I tend to coincide some of the commentary that you would certainly hesitate to go in with men that have possessed delicate cells injuries," Brown said.Brown did certainly not be reluctant when asked if he will include twin towers Charlie Curnow (ankle) and Harry McKay (quad), but the other decisions weren't not automatically as clear cut.Brown claimed he would certainly play guardian Mitch McGovern and also energy Zac Williams should they recover on time from their particular hamstring personal injuries, but wouldn't participate in Port Martin, Tom De Koning or even Adam Cerra offered their specific problems. Cry verified on Tuesday that motivational past captain Sam Docherty will create his yield coming from an ACL accident in a substantial increase for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will certainly send back for the crunch clash only 183 times after he fractured his ACL versus the exact same side in Position Round. "He's put a great deal of effort and time right into coming back, and when you set your thoughts to one thing-- he's the encouraged kind to receive it done," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering said on Tuesday." The young boys were actually stoked and also I make certain he'll work for us this weekend break." Cry uploaded an online video of leader Patrick Cripps discussing the headlines while players resided in the swimming pool, with Docherty's colleagues swiftly gathering in the direction of him as well as introducing him airborne. There is actually no question that Docherty's profit will certainly deliver both an on-field boost to Voss' edge, but likewise a mental one.There's a fine line though between generating star premium gamers, potentially underdone, and also disrupting group chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the 8 gamers mentioned above are actually better 23, but how many can Voss possibly bring in come staff selection?All eyes will certainly perform the Blues when teams lose 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 very leading (versus the Lions before), I count on Josh Dunkley to go to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's idea: Lions by 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor produces amazing return|00:33.