.In the room of one shot, 18 nightclubs has come to be 8 - as the most lovely time of the AFL season starts on Thursday night through finals footy. And also keeping that, the microscopic lense on those who remain has actually just boosted as they chase after the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Chair staff on Monday night analyzed every group's largest concern, as well as highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals series - and also a recommendation for the four matches.Watch the very best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, along with pro analysis and also every activity until the Grand Final cope with no ad-breaks in the course of play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your cost-free test today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MIGHT BE GETTING INSTEAD. For Free and also private help telephone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.No leading four teams in Premiership home window?|01:37 FINALS FULL WEEK 1 FITTING AND BURNING QUESTIONS (All times AEST) PORT ADELAIDE v GEELONGThursday September 5, 7:40 pm at the Adelaide OvalHow to check out on Fox Footy: From 6:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Sign Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's burning question: What carries out Ken do with Tom Stewart?Five- opportunity All-Australian Kitty Tom Stewart is actually clearly properly respected through Energy instructor Ken Hinkley-- a great deal in order that it's actually been to his hinderance all over the last two years. In each of Stewart's last three suits, the defender has actually been secured hard through Power pressure ahead Jed McEntee, who very most recently carried him to 13 disposals in their straight match-up-- three of which were kick-ins. "Last opportunity, Jed McEntee was using him as a protective onward, Stewart started as a half-backer and also kept there for the game-- (McEntee) truly scratched his influence on the activity," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown revealed on Fox Footy's On The Chair. "Stewart's been actually starting a little bit extra with the midfield (given that Round 9), thus McEntee will stem from half ahead and rise to Stewart (if he participates in midfield)-- performs that method that a Tuohy or maybe a Jack Holly manages to get alone as a plus one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's effectiveness on Stewart was the catalyst for Tom Stewart relocating in to the midfield for the backside of this season-- yet while the 23-year-old has actually identified him successfully at one end of the ground, he is actually however to do the same in the midfield, which might paradoxically trigger each coaches headaches structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has actually earlier been utilized as a negator of adversary celebrities in the midfield and at halt, however a lot more just recently has actually been actually discovering his personal footy and injuring opponents on infraction. part" This is one of the earliest of players mosting likely to Tom Stewart and also claiming: 'You are actually not possessing it on your conditions as you eat the final 4 or 5 years, and also it ended up being the incentive for improvement-- he obtained tagged out of this half-back posture," Melbourne wonderful Garry Lyon noted." McEntee's the one, and also you would like to always keep Drew as the man who might maintain Dangerfield accountable, specifically in contests," Buckley finished by stating. McEntee came back to the elderly edge in Around 24 versus Fremantle after a job in the SANFL, and has actually played 13 video games in 2024-- the majority of which have actually been as a defensive forward in a function where the universal stat sheet doesn't say to the total story of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been irregular, however I assume he's going to be vital-- alongside (Esava) Ratugolea ... specifically against those really good obstruct marking players for Geelong,"-- BrownPort self-assured they can easily cover traumas|01:48 Cats' burning question: Exactly how perform they cease Slot's midfield?Chris Scott has actually been actually tested with a plethora of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a player and instructor, and also Slot Adelaide's this Thursday evening are going to be actually positively no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads an engine area that will certainly possess each of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie White Wines, Willem Drew and Travis Boak going through it on Thursday night-- leaving two-time premiership instructor Scott along with a great deal to prepare for." They have actually been prevalent all year it's an all-star midfield actually isn't it, especially the midfielders. Horne-Francis boggled the mind in the 1st 40 mins to establish that major lead because Around 9 game," Jonathan Brown mentioned to On The Couch." Ollie Wines (has) possessed an awesome year, as has Zak Butters, as has Jason Horne-Francis-- that I presume is actually the most destructive midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's edge blew Geelong completely off the park in the earlier portion of the 2024 time, at one phase getting out to an eight-goal top well before half time.The Pussy-cats absolutely spared grace in the 2nd half, and nearly turned the lead in a second-half surge at GMHBA Arena-- however ultimately fell short through one major." Geelong remained in the middle of experiencing their mid-season downtrend (in Shot 9), and Port Adelaide placed one of their far better efficiencies (with each other), as well as they can place those elite video games all together," Nathan Buckley carried on." Pair of crucial losses though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hindering) as well as Dan Houston (suspension)-- they acquire a considerable amount of their operate and carry coming from there certainly, in order that may be really troublesome for Port Adelaide if they are actually losing clearance," added Brown.And besides their losses on a part as well as one-half back, the Electrical power will also need to have to brace for the prospective surge that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- who has actually resided in truly strong leading into this year's finals series. A bag of 9 targets against North Melbourne as well as six versus Adelaide in his last four matches produces him an overwhelming job for most likely match Aliir Aliir, yet it definitely will not be actually foreign." Aliir Aliir did a good project (on Cameron) last opportunity 18 fingertips, 1.1 - not bad amounts for an essential forward, however he didn't possess any kind of true impact on the activity," mentioned Brown." Our company have actually seen Jeremy Cameron make destruction on resistance protectors when he gets right up the industry."" That's when he's at his most dangerous believe Colleague Franklin when he rises (the ground) and also arcs back on his remaining feet," Buckley finished by saying.If the Cats can get the ball right into Cameron's hands-- no matter where he locates themself all around the ground-- they'll be actually every chance of protecting a home initial last, yet their very first duty will be to squash Port's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" By the end of the day, if they are actually visiting go all the way to premiership grandeur once more, it is actually heading to be actually on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to create one more mighty great September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's pointer: Port Adelaide by 15 pointsHow carry out the Kitties quit Horne-Francis & carbon monoxide?|05:16 WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to enjoy on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:20 pm with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' knotty question: Do they sacrifice speed for experience?Luke Beveridge has been actually toying with this concern for a lot of the time, does he trust his experienced veterans to finish the job on the major phase or even will definitely he look to his much younger brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon regurgitated two labels who could come under choice warmth this week, depending upon what Beveridge determines to value more at the option dining table in advance of a must-win final against the in-form Hawks." It's not all on Port Macrae and also Caleb Daniel ... but you're playing against a Hawthorn edge (where) rate gets rid of," Lyon claimed on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Macrae rose from the alternative part for the clash against the Giants in circular 24, accumulating 23 disposals as well as 7 tackles, having actually generated two goals coming from 17 contacts in restricted time on ground the full week before against North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, another Dog that has actually been out-of-favour this year, has actually participated in the last five matches, finishing his final outing with 23 disposals and also a goal. But the Hawks don't keep back, they operate and gun and also leave behind no stone unchecked, which could possibly cause concerns for Beveridge and his training team. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon and also Josh Weddle are actually electric in the rear half, frequently generating rebounding drive. The Hawks rank 2nd in the competitors for post-clearance opposed property as well as are actually the very best in the league at post-clearance ground rounds. The Western side Bulldogs can flex a small Hawthorn defence, however that performs leave them with a restricted potential to emulate Hawthorn's running video game. So, can they manage to play slower players up the ground given their high presence onward of facility? "You possess come to manage to match all of them, since these 3 high forwards, are they mosting likely to manage to operate half the ground as well as make an effort place some stress on?" Lyon talked to. The Hawks stretched the Canines like they haven't been actually flexed before back in round eight, but Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley strongly believes the Bulldogs' proving against the GWS Giants in Ballarat lately was a positive indication. "What I saw coming from the Bulldogs 2 weeks back, GWS affection to play like that (quick footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and hold is actually modelled a small amount about what the Giants have done the final number of years and also the Bulldogs were able to repress that with tough pressure, which is actually specifically what they are actually heading to have to perform," Buckley pointed out. Will certainly Bevo reparation velocity for take in this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The 3 Large Dogs" These kids are actually mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton ... they've resided in ripping scar ... I think Aaron Naughton's acquired the possible to definitely get off the leash, a great deal attention's visiting enter into the various other pair of."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs set to creature quick Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' burning question: Can easily they deal with Bulldogs' key onward mafia?The Hawks have looked vulnerable to large vital ahead all season as well as the Canines possess three outright weapons because space. There's no doubt that the three-headed beast of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy and also Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would certainly have offered Hawks train Sam Mitchell some sleep deprived nights this past week. "These young boys are actually mosting likely to differ-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and Naughton-- I assume Marcus Bontempelli will certainly extend them also and try and obtain forward," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon mentioned on Fox Footy's On The Chair. Over the last 7 suits, the Bulldogs triad have actually blended for approximately 5.7 goals, 19.6 rating engagements and 7.4 marks inside 50 per game. "They've remained in ripping scar ... I presume Aaron Naughton's received the potential to truly leave the lead, a lot focus's mosting likely to enter the various other pair of," Lyon included." The excellent point is as well, those kids can easily divide as well as acquire some personalized's, no doubt about it-- that makes the protective personalized competitions for Hawthorn's protectors important," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown responded. Earlier this period in Geelong's significant triumph over the Hawks, Pussy-cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron resulted in Mitchell as well as his coaching team plenty of headaches, booting 4.4 from 19 fingertips. The similarity Sam Frost, James Sicily, Port Scrimshaw as well as Josh Weddle are actually well and also genuinely heading to possess their job suited all of them on Friday night. Offered the Hawks' susceptability down back offered the height differents, winning the midfield battle is going to be actually of the upmost significance. The Dogs might possess the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore, however Hawthorn's on-ball brigade have actually undoubtedly stood up this season. The Hawks rank 3rd in the competition for disputed possession, sixth for approvals and eighth for scores from approval differential. Admittedly the loss of super star midfielder Will definitely Day will leave behind an open opening during that unit, but the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and James Worpel are actually more than capable of standing in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Time Medallist, enjoys the major phase and is a premiership player currently. We know that he is actually flourished in this environment there certainly, I think he gets in there with the Occultist as well as makes all kind of mayhem down certainly there because rear fifty percent, the pair up for them is actually mosting likely to be definitely substantial."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's idea: Bulldogs by twenty pointsSicily opens on finals conflict v Pets|02:16 SYDNEY v GREATER western side SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to enjoy on Fox Footy: From 2:30 pm with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David Master, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' knotty question: Possess they received their mojo back?For a substantial period of your time this period, the Swans appeared like it would just be a matter of time just before they clinched the premiership. However some accidents late in the time viewed their drive halt, gaining simply one match in between cycles 16 and 21. "I think there's evidence in the final 3 full weeks that they carried out-- they experienced that parch of six weeks in between round 16 as well as circular 21 where they only weren't able to receive it going they were one succeed and also 5 reductions in that time," Collingwood tale Nathan Buckley pinpointed on Fox Footy's On The Couch. "They offence hacked and also spluttered, they were actually conceding region and also ratings from the return one-half as well as the authorization game they count on so much wasn't there." However ever since, the supports have actually arrived for the Swans and also has been a significant main reason as to why the Swans have discovered their mojo. The Swans placed third in the last three full weeks of the period for points for, 4th for factors conceded coming from the defensive fifty percent and ninth for clearance differential, huge remodelings from 13th, 17th as well as 18th during the course of that six-week kind depression. "Portion of that (change in form) has actually had the ability to receive two of their superstars back into the layer after overlooking big parts of the year," he continued.Those 2 celebrities are experienced Luke Parker and also leader Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, little bit of centre bounce, moves forward, has been actually attacking the scoreboard as well as impacting at authorization," Buckley mentioned." The other one is actually Callum Mills, who prior to he went out, he was actually an authentic midfielder, perhaps on a wing ... today he's gone back to where he reduced his teeth, which is actually primarily facing objective, half-back, excellent intercept noting player, would like to have the capacity to take that activity on-- I believe they've managed to take those kids back into the fold definitely properly." The Swans are readied to acquire a super star quartet of guns back ahead of their certifying ultimate versus the Giants. Defender Tom McCartin and also gun midfielder Isaac Heeney are going to both return after being actually taken care of in the last game of the home and also away season, while forward Tom Papley (ankle) and also the extremely versatile Justin McInerney (knee) are likewise most likely to be recalled. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle is 90% fit, the remainder of his body system, his mind, he is actually been rested, he'll come back in and also he provides energy and also trigger, he's cherry enriched all set to go in September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans timid on finals choices|02:16 Giants' burning question: May they stop the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are actually up as well as operating, they are actually perhaps the hardest team to stop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and his coaching personnel are going to need to have to locate a technique to stop Sydney's capacity to transition the sphere coming from protective fifty to the aggressive one-half if they are actually to become belong a discharge of triumph on Saturday. "Their back-half round use begs the concern of Adam Kingsley-- just how do they prevent all of them coming from being able to catapult, since that is actually visiting be the concern that the Giants need to address," Buckley mentioned. In their pair of day trips versus the Swans this season, the Giants conceded 51 and thirty three aspects coming from the defensive half. "They have actually been a best staff at scoring from the back half as well as the Giants will would like to reduce that Sydney source really swiftly and also score off main fifty percent turnovers as long as they probably can," Buckley proceeded. The Swans possess a plethora of super stars in their secure, featuring four All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Detector as well as Scar Blakey.That's why the potential schedule of tagger Toby Bedford will be crucial.Bedford, a discovery this initiative, did a significant project of quashing Detector in their circular 15 clash, confining the superstar Swan to merely 18 fingertips during the 89 moments they were paired up. Will Kingsley give his best tagger the job of quiting Warner once more this week?" I believe you need to be capable to perform the task, the worry about Gulden is maybe you only can easily refrain the job because he functions so hard," Buckley claimed." They have actually received loads of items that they'll must watch on however so perform the Giants." Buckley threw the gauntlet up to the Giants' on-ball unit to contend with the A-graders at the Swans, especially offered they shed that fight on both events this year.In both suits, the Swans gained the disputed ownership, clearances and factors coming from allowances well." Exactly how great is actually that for Adam Kingsley to become capable to throw that to his midfield team and also state this is what you're mosting likely to be gauged through," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have won all 3 finals matches versus the Swans in their brief record and also with a preparatory final location vulnerable, there will definitely be no deficiency of inspiration for either side happened Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It's been 3 full weeks because he participated in an activity, when he obtained concussed behind time in in 2015's initial ultimate versus Collingwood, he was actually the gamer that was very likely to crack it open, due to the fact that they desired to discharge him from his half-forward task and also find that run through the midfield, his last month of footy's been large."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's suggestion: Sydney through thirteen pointsHiding in simple sight - Are Swans back?|06:02 BRISBANE v CARLTONSaturday September 6, 7:30 pm at the GabbaHow to check out on Fox Footy: Coming from 6:30 pm along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Port Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Exactly how do they acquire the video game on their terms?Brisbane's finest is absolutely electricity, but their worst isn't wonderful on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will develop on Saturday evening as well as all over this year's finals set? The Lions have actually been actually a solid interruption side around 2024, yet Brisbane champ Jonathan Brown claims the nightclub will be better off attempting to create the video game fast-flowing so as to capitalize on an underdone Carlton side. "I assume a round action activity will be actually definitely great, especially versus a hindered or even absolutely underdone Carlton crew. When they can receive their round movement game going, they're the primary group in the competitors for this," Brown said to Fox Footy's On The Couch." They create via easy marks, but it's an easy design," he added.The Lions started like a house on fire in their Position Around clash versus the Blues, booting 7 targets in the first one-fourth to establish a 31-point top at half-time, before the Blues overwhelm them in the second half." In the opening round in the first quarter, Carlton could certainly not quit Brisbane coming from getting from their back one-half and also they scored greatly from the back fifty percent, prior to it at that point obviously turned," Buckley pointed out." Brisbane would certainly intend to find a bunch of what they obtained early in the position sphere and certainly not a ton of what they entered the 2nd fifty percent along with cry going back."" Don't fall under the trap of believing they participate in a sluggish activity if they take 120 proofs as well as it's visiting be actually a fast lane up there, it's heading to be 30 weird levels," Brown replied.The Lions will definitely recover defensive duo Brandon Starcevich and Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale are going to be actually essential for Chris Fagan's edge, as will fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley and Willpower Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko are going to be essential off half-back as they hope to relocate the round along with take a chance and also dash, as will definitely youthful weapon Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Accurate goalkicking" The Lions have actually been in the bottom four groups for accuracy in front of goal for the time ... this is actually why they weren't a leading four staff since they skip important tries."-- Jonathan BrownLions anticipating full toughness Blues side|01:41 Blues' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: How many coming back players is actually extremely many?Coaches usually possess large struggles at the collection table at this time of year, yet Michael Voss really has half a dozen to contend with. Cry might be reinforced by the profit of 8 first choice gamers, yet how many is actually too many to recover in in front of a big must-win ultimate?" I don't presume there's a details variety, but I often tend to agree with a number of the discourse that you would certainly hesitate to go in with individuals who have actually had soft cells traumas," Brown said.Brown performed not be reluctant when talked to if he would certainly consist of paired towers Charlie Curnow (ankle joint) and also Harry McKay (quad), but the other choices weren't not always as very clear cut.Brown said he would participate in defender Mitch McGovern as well as power Zac Williams need to they recoup in time from their particular hamstring accidents, yet definitely would not play Port Martin, Tom De Koning or Adam Cerra provided their individual issues. The Blues confirmed on Tuesday that inspirational previous captain Sam Docherty will make his profit from an ACL injury in a huge improvement for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will give back for the problem clash only 183 days after he burst his ACL versus the exact same side in Opening Round. "He's placed a ton of time and effort in to getting back, and when you specify your thoughts to one thing-- he is actually the enthusiastic style to acquire it performed," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering stated on Tuesday." The boys were stoked as well as I make certain he'll do a job for us this weekend." Cry published an online video of leader Patrick Cripps sharing the information while gamers resided in the pool, with Docherty's allies rapidly gathering towards him and releasing him in the air. There's certainly that Docherty's gain will certainly supply both an on-field increase to Voss' side, however also an emotional one.There's an alright pipe though in between generating star high quality gamers, likely underdone, as well as disrupting group chemistry.Undoubtedly almost all of the 8 players stated above are most ideal 23, however the amount of can easily Voss understandably introduce come crew selection?All eyes will be on the Blues when staffs drop at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the man along with the superman jumper on his back ... he have not been actually incredibly prevalent (against the Lions over the last), I anticipate Josh Dunkley to go to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's suggestion: Lions through 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor helps make remarkable gain|00:33.