.In the room of one shot, 18 clubs has become eight - as one of the most wonderful time of the AFL season begins on Thursday evening through finals footy. And keeping that, the microscopic lense on those that remain has simply escalated as they chase the 2024 premiership cup.Fox Footy's On The Couch crew on Monday evening studied every club's most significant question, and also highlighted eight X-Factors for this finals collection - in addition to an idea for the four matches.Watch the very best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with specialist study as well as every video game till the Grand Final deal with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free of cost trial today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU CAN BE PURCHASING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. Totally free and also discreet assistance phone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or even visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.No leading 4 staffs in Premiership window?|01:37 FINALS WEEK 1 COMPONENT AS WELL AS 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, Mark Ricciuto, Eddie Betts & Jon RalphPower's sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: What does Ken perform with Tom Stewart?Five- time All-Australian Kitty Tom Stewart is plainly effectively respected by Power trainer Ken Hinkley-- a great deal so that it's really been to his impairment throughout the final pair of years. In each of Stewart's final 3 suits, the protector has actually been secured hard by Power tension forward Jed McEntee, that most lately kept him to thirteen disposals in their straight match-- three of which were actually kick-ins. "Final time, Jed McEntee was actually using him as a protective ahead, Stewart began as a half-backer and also remained there for the activity-- (McEntee) actually squashed his impact on the game," Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown explained on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "Stewart's been starting a bit more through the midfield (due to the fact that Round 9), therefore McEntee will arise from half onward and rise to Stewart (if he participates in midfield)-- carries out that method that a Tuohy or maybe a Port Henry has the capacity to acquire alone as an and also one?" Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley added.McEntee's results on Stewart was actually the driver for Tom Stewart moving right into the midfield for the backside of this time-- yet while the 23-year-old has actually identified him successfully at some end of the ground, he's yet to accomplish the exact same in the midfield, which could ironically create each instructors frustrations structurally. Inside midfielder Willem Drew has actually earlier been actually utilized as a negator of opposition superstars in the midfield and also at stop, yet more just recently has actually been locating his personal footy as well as injuring competitors on offence. part" This is just one of the earliest of players going to Tom Stewart and also claiming: 'You are actually not having it on your phrases as you have for the last four or 5 years, as well as it came to be the inspiration for improvement-- he received labelled away from this half-back placement," Melbourne terrific Garry Lyon took note." McEntee's the one, and also you desire to maintain Drew as the man who might keep Dangerfield liable, particularly in competitions," Buckley ended by mentioning. McEntee went back to the elderly edge in Around 24 against Fremantle after an assignment in the SANFL, and has actually played thirteen games in 2024-- the majority of which have actually been actually as a protective ahead in a part where the general stat slab doesn't say to the total story of his impact.Port's wildcard: Charlie Dixon" Charlie's been irregular, however I think he is actually going to be very important-- along with (Esava) Ratugolea ... especially versus those really good obstruct denoting gamers for Geelong,"-- BrownPort confident they can deal with personal injuries|01:48 Pussy-cats' burning question: How do they cease Port's midfield?Chris Scott has been tested along with a myriad of talent-heavy midfields in his time as both a player as well as trainer, and Slot Adelaide's this Thursday night will definitely be definitely no exception.Power captain Connor Rozee leads a motor room that are going to have every one of Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Glass Of Wines, Willem Drew as well as Travis Boak going through it on Thursday night-- leaving two-time premiership instructor Scott with a whole lot to plan for." They've 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 initial 40 moments to establish that huge lead in that Sphere 9 activity," Jonathan Brown pointed out to On The Couch." Ollie Red Or White Wines (has) had a wonderful year, as possesses Zak Butters, as possesses Jason Horne-Francis-- who I presume is the absolute most devastating midfielder in the competition." Ken Hinkley's side blew Geelong entirely off the playground in the earlier portion of the 2024 time, at some stage going out to an eight-goal top well prior to one-half time.The Cats definitely conserved style in the second one-half, and also virtually turned the top in a second-half rise at GMHBA Stadium-- however eventually failed through one primary." Geelong were in the middle of undergoing their mid-season slump (in Round 9), and also Port Adelaide put some of their better functionalities (together), as well as they may put those exclusive video games together," Nathan Buckley continued." 2 vital losses though for Slot Adelaide-- Kane Farrell (hindering) and Dan Houston (suspension)-- they receive a considerable amount of their run and also bring coming from there, to make sure that might be definitely difficult for Port Adelaide if they are actually losing clearance," included Brown.And along with their losses on a segment as well as half back, the Electrical power will certainly also need to have to bandage for the potential blast that is actually Jeremy Cameron-- who has remained in truly sturdy introducing this year's finals series. A bag of 9 targets versus North Melbourne and also 6 versus Adelaide in his last four matches produces him a daunting duty for likely match Aliir Aliir, yet it surely will not be foreign." Aliir Aliir did a respectable work (on Cameron) final time 18 disposals, 1.1 - not bad varieties for a crucial ahead, but he really did not have any true effect on the game," claimed Brown." Our experts have viewed Jeremy Cameron create havoc on hostility defenders when he solves up the field."" That's when he goes to his most risky assume Buddy Franklin when he gets up (the ground) as well as arcs back on his left side feet," Buckley ended up by saying.If the Cats can get the ball in to Cameron's hands-- anywhere he discovers themself all around the ground-- they'll be every chance of protecting a home preliminary final, yet their initial job will be actually to scratch Slot's midfield.Geelong's wildcard: Patrick Dangerfield" By the end of the day, if they are actually visiting copulate to premiership glory again, it's going to be actually on the spine of Patrick Dangerfield ... he needs to have to create one more mighty fine September for Geelong to go all the way.Jonathan Brown's recommendation: Port Adelaide by 15 pointsHow perform the Pussy-cats cease Horne-Francis & carbon monoxide?|05:16 WESTERN SIDE BULLDOGS v HAWTHORNFriday September 6, 7:40 pm at the MCGHow to check out on Fox Footy: From 6:20 pm along with Garry Lyon, Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley, Jordan Lewis, Brad Johnson, Ben Dixon & Jon RalphBulldogs' knotty question: Do they sacrifice rate for experience?Luke Beveridge has been dabbling this question for the majority of the time, does he trust his experienced pros to do the job on the major phase or even will definitely he count on his more youthful brigade?Melbourne champ Garry Lyon vomitted two labels that could come under variety warm today, depending on what Beveridge chooses to value more at the choice table before a must-win ultimate versus the in-form Hawks." It is actually not all on Jack Macrae and also Caleb Daniel ... however you're playing against a Hawthorn edge (where) speed kills," Lyon mentioned on Fox Footy's On The Couch. Macrae was elevated coming from the replacement function for the clash versus the Giants in rounded 24, gathering 23 disposals and seven handles, having generated 2 objectives coming from 17 contacts in restricted time on ground the full week prior to versus North Melbourne. Caleb Daniel, one more Canine who has been actually out-of-favour this year, has actually participated in the final 5 complements, completing his final outing along with 23 disposals as well as a target. But the Hawks don't keep back, they manage as well as gun and leave behind no stone unchecked, which might create problems for Beveridge as well as his mentoring team. The likes of Jarman Impey, Karl Amon as well as Josh Weddle are actually electric in the rear half, frequently creating rebounding drive. The Hawks place second in the competition for post-clearance objected to ownership and are the most ideal in the circle at post-clearance ground rounds. The Western Bulldogs can flex a small Hawthorn defence, yet that carries out leave all of them with a limited capability to emulate Hawthorn's operating activity. Therefore, can they manage to participate in slower gamers up the ground provided their high presence ahead of centre? "You've come to manage to match them, considering that these 3 high forwards, are they going to have the ability to manage half the ground and attempt put some pressure on?" Lyon talked to. The Hawks flexed the Pets like they have not been stretched prior to back in round eight, but Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley thinks the Bulldogs' proving versus the GWS Giants in Ballarat lately was actually a positive sign. "What I found coming from the Bulldogs 2 weeks ago, GWS affection to participate in like that (fast footy) - Hawthorn, their operate and also carry is actually modelled a little on what the Giants have actually carried out the final number of years as well as the Bulldogs were able to repress that with strong stress, and that is actually exactly what they are actually heading to have to perform," Buckley claimed. Will definitely Bevo reparation rate for experience this weekend?Bulldogs' finals wildcard: The Three Large Pet dogs" These kids are actually going to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton ... they've remained in ripping chip ... I presume Aaron Naughton's acquired the potential to truly get off the lead, a lot attention's heading to enter into the various other pair of."-- Garry LyonBig Dogs readied to beast rapid Hawks?|03:37 Hawks' burning question: May they deal with Bulldogs' vital ahead mafia?The Hawks have looked at risk to big essential forwards all period and also the Canines possess three absolute weapons during that room. There is actually certainly that the three-headed beast of Aaron Naughton, Sam Darcy as well as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan would certainly have given Hawks train Sam Mitchell some sleepless evenings this past fortnight. "These young boys are mosting likely to go at it-- Darcy, Ugle-Hagan and also Naughton-- I think Marcus Bontempelli are going to extend them at the same time and make an effort and receive forward," Melbourne champion Garry Lyon stated on Fox Footy's On The Couch. Over the last 7 suits, the Bulldogs trio have actually combined for around 5.7 objectives, 19.6 credit rating involvements as well as 7.4 marks inside 50 per game. "They have actually resided in ripping scar ... I believe Aaron Naughton's received the prospective to really leave the chain, a lot interest's visiting go into the other pair of," Lyon incorporated." The great trait is also, those boys may divide and also receive some one-on-one's, no doubt regarding it-- that makes the protective face to face competitions for Hawthorn's protectors critical," Brisbane Lions champ Jonathan Brown responded. Earlier this time in Geelong's big victory over the Hawks, Pet cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron resulted in Mitchell as well as his mentoring personnel plenty of headaches, booting 4.4 from 19 disposals. The likes of Sam Freeze, James Sicily, Port Scrimshaw and also Josh Weddle are actually well and also really mosting likely to have their job suitable them on Friday evening. Given the Hawks' weakness down back provided the level differents, gaining the midfield struggle will be of the upmost value. The Pet dogs might have the somebody in Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar as well as Tom Liberatore, but Hawthorn's on-ball unit have actually absolutely stood up this season. The Hawks position third in the competitors for objected to ownership, 6th for approvals as well as eighth for points coming from approval differential. Unquestionably the loss of celebrity midfielder Will definitely Time will leave a cavernous gap because unit, yet the likes of Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash and also James Worpel are actually greater than capable of standing in the clinches. Hawks' finals wildcard: Port Ginnivan" Anzac Day Medallist, loves the large stage and also is actually a premiership player presently. We understand that he is actually flourished within this environment certainly there, I presume he gets in there with the Occultist and produces all sorts of destruction down there certainly during that back half, the compare for all of them is visiting be really substantial."-- Garry LyonGarry Lyon's tip: Bulldogs through twenty pointsSicily opens on finals argue v Pet dogs|02:16 SYDNEY v MORE SIGNIFICANT WESTERN SYDNEYSaturday September 6, 3:20 pm at the SCGHow to watch on Fox Footy: Coming from 2:30 pm along with Sarah Jones, Jason Dunstall, David King, Leigh Montagna, Dermott Brereton & David ZitaSwans' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: Possess they got their mojo back?For a long period of your time this time, the Swans seemed like it will merely be a matter of time just before they clinched the premiership. However some accidents behind time in the period viewed their drive halt, winning merely one suit between rounds 16 and also 21. "I believe there is actually documentation in the final 3 full weeks that they carried out-- they experienced that parch of six weeks between round 16 as well as round 21 where they just weren't able to acquire it going they were actually one win as well as five reductions because opportunity," Collingwood tale Nathan Buckley determined on Fox Footy's On The Sofa. "They offence coughed and also spluttered, they were actually acknowledging area and also ratings from the return fifty percent and also the approval game they rely upon a lot wasn't there." However since then, the supports have gotten there for the Swans which has actually been actually a significant explanation regarding why the Swans have found their mojo. The Swans rated 3rd in the final three full weeks of the period for points for, fourth for points acknowledged coming from the protective half as well as 9th for authorization differential, significant improvements coming from 13th, 17th and also 18th during that six-week form slump. "Aspect of that (adjustment in type) has actually been able to receive two of their stars back in to the crease after overlooking large portions of the year," he continued.Those 2 celebrities are actually proficient Luke Parker as well as leader Callum Mills. "Luke Parker's gone back, small amount of center bounce, moves forward, has been actually attacking the scoreboard and also influencing at approval," Buckley stated." The other one is Callum Mills, who prior to he went out, he was an authentic midfielder, maybe on an airfoil ... today he is actually returned to where he reduced his pearly whites, which is actually generally encountering target, half-back, really good intercept noting gamer, would like to have the ability to take that activity on-- I presume they've managed to take those boys back right into the fold truly properly." The Swans are set to get a superstar quartet of weapons back in advance of their qualifying final against the Giants. Protector Tom McCartin and also weapon midfielder Isaac Heeney will both come back after being managed in the ultimate activity of the home and also away period, while ahead Tom Papley (ankle joint) and the flexible Justin McInerney (leg) are also very likely to be recollected. Swans' finals wildcard: Tom Papley" If his ankle is 90% match, the rest of his body, his thoughts, he is actually been rested, he'll return in as well as he delivers electricity and also trigger, he's cherry mature ready to enter September."-- Nathan BuckleySwans coy on finals assortments|02:16 Giants' burning question: Can easily they quit the Swans' slingshot?When the Swans are up as well as running, they are actually arguably the hardest staff to stop in the competitors. Over to you, Adam Kingsley. Kingsley and his coaching workers will certainly require to discover a way to stop Sydney's capability to transition the ball from protective 50 to the forward one-half if they are to be in with a bullet of victory on Saturday. "Their back-half round use pleads the question of Adam Kingsley-- just how perform they avoid all of them from managing to catapult, because that's mosting likely to be actually the question that the Giants need to respond to," Buckley mentioned. In their pair of trips against the Swans this time, the Giants conceded 51 as well as 33 aspects coming from the protective fifty percent. "They have actually been an elite crew at scoring from the rear half as well as the Giants will certainly intend to cut that Sydney source really quickly and slash off main one-half turn overs as high as they potentially can," Buckley carried on. The Swans have a huge selection of superstars in their stable, including 4 All-Australian's in Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner as well as Scar Blakey.That's why the prospective availability of tagger Toby Bedford will certainly be crucial.Bedford, a discovery this campaign, did a tremendous task of undoing Detector in their round 15 clash, limiting the superstar Swan to simply 18 disposals during the course of the 89 moments they were paired up. Will Kingsley offer his best tagger the activity of stopping Warner once more this week?" I assume you need to be able to do the task, the interest in Gulden is perhaps you merely can easily refrain the work because he functions so hard," Buckley claimed." They've obtained loads of tools that they'll need to watch on but therefore perform the Giants." Buckley threw the onslaught to the Giants' on-ball brigade to emulate the A-graders at the Swans, specifically offered they shed that battle on each celebrations this year.In both matches, the Swans gained the opposed belongings, clearances and also factors coming from allowances well." Exactly how really good is that for Adam Kingsley to become capable to throw that to his midfield team as well as say this is what you're heading to be actually measured through," Melbourne champ Garry Lyon added.The Giants have actually succeeded all three finals matches versus the Swans in their brief past history as well as with a preparatory final location on the line, there will be no shortage of incentive for either side happened Saturday.Giants' finals wildcard: Brent Daniels" It is actually been 3 weeks given that he played an activity, when he acquired concussed behind time in in 2015's initial last against Collingwood, he was the player that was probably to damage it open, due to the fact that they intended to launch him from his half-forward job as well as find that run through the midfield, his final month of footy's been significant."-- Nathan BuckleyNathan Buckley's pointer: Sydney through thirteen pointsHiding in plain attraction - Are actually 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, Port Riewoldt, Cameron Mooney & David Zita Lions' knotty question: Exactly how perform they acquire the game on their terms?Brisbane's absolute best is positively power, but their worst isn't fantastic on the eye at all.So which Brisbane will surface on Sunday evening and across this year's finals set? The Lions have been a sturdy stop side across 2024, however Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown claims the nightclub would be actually better off making an effort to produce the video game fast-flowing so as to manipulate an underdone Carlton side. "I presume a round motion game will be actually truly nice, especially against an interfered with or even absolutely underdone Carlton staff. When they can easily get their round activity activity going, they're the top group in the competition for this," Brown informed Fox Footy's On The Chair." They construct via uncontested marks, but it is actually a simple type," he added.The Lions started like a property on fire in their Position Sphere clash versus the Blues, starting 7 targets in the 1st one-fourth to establish a 31-point top at half-time, prior to the Blues overwhelm them in the 2nd fifty percent." In the opening round in the 1st fourth, Carlton might certainly not stop Brisbane coming from obtaining from their rear fifty percent and also they racked up intensely coming from the rear fifty percent, before it then definitely flipped," Buckley said." Brisbane would intend to see a considerable amount of what they received early in the position around as well as certainly not a great deal of what they got in the second half with the Blues returning."" Don't come under the catch of thinking they play a slow-moving activity if they take 120 proofs and also it's heading to be a fast track apex, it is actually mosting likely to be 30 odd levels," Brown replied.The Lions will certainly recover defensive duo Brandon Starcevich as well as Jackson Payne for the must-win clash. Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale will definitely be indispensable for Chris Fagan's side, as will certainly fellow on-ballers Josh Dunkley as well as Will Ashcroft. Dayne Zorko are going to be actually vital off half-back as they hope to move the ball along with attempt and dash, as will younger gun Darcy Wilmot.Lions' finals wildcard: Correct goalkicking" The Lions have actually remained in the bottom four staffs for precision facing objective for the period ... this is why they weren't a leading 4 team because they overlook vital chances."-- Jonathan BrownLions expecting total toughness Woe side|01:41 Blues' sixty-four-thousand-dollar question: The number of returning players is too many?Coaches commonly have huge problems at the assortment dining table at this time of year, but Michael Voss truly possesses six to contend with. The Blues may be reinforced by the return of 8 front runner players, however the number of is actually excessive to restore in in advance of a huge must-win ultimate?" I don't believe there's a particular number, but I often tend to agree with a number of the comments that you will be reluctant to go in with guys who have possessed smooth tissue injuries," Brown said.Brown carried out not hesitate when asked if he would certainly include twin high rises Charlie Curnow (ankle) and Harry McKay (quad), but the various other choices weren't not automatically as clear cut.Brown mentioned he would participate in protector Mitch McGovern and power Zac Williams need to they bounce back on time from their particular hamstring injuries, yet wouldn't participate in Port Martin, Tom De Koning or Adam Cerra provided their specific worries. The Blues affirmed on Tuesday that motivational past leader Sam Docherty would certainly produce his profit from an ACL personal injury in a substantial improvement for Michael Voss' side.Docherty will return for the crunch clash simply 183 days after he burst his ACL versus the same side in Position Round. "He's put a considerable amount of effort and time in to coming back, and once you prepare your mind to one thing-- he is actually the encouraged type to acquire it carried out," Carlton vice-captain Jacob Weitering stated on Tuesday." The young boys were stoked as well as I make sure he'll do a job for our company this weekend." The Blues published an online video of leader Patrick Cripps discussing the information while players were in the pool, with Docherty's allies rapidly gathering in the direction of him as well as releasing him in the air. There is actually no question that Docherty's yield will certainly deliver both an on-field improvement to Voss' edge, but also a psychological one.There's an alright line though in between generating star premium players, possibly underdone, as well as interfering with team chemistry.Undoubtedly mostly all of the eight players discussed above are most effectively 23, however how many may Voss conceivably generate come staff selection?All eyes will definitely be on cry when crews fall at 6.20 pm Thursday.Blues' finals wildcard: Patrick Cripps" He's the man with the superman jumper on his spine ... he hasn't been actually incredibly prevalent (versus the Lions in the past), I expect Josh Dunkley to go to him."-- Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown's pointer: Cougars through 15 pointsSCENES as Doctor helps make amazing profit|00:33.