.8 finalists, eight stories and also 8 possibilities at joining history. The 2024 AFL finals get underway on Thursday, and also every crew left behind in the race may still hope for magnificence by the end of September. Here's why all eight finalists may and also can't win the premiership. Watch Port Adelaide v Geelong THUR 7:40 PM AEST|LIVE & ad-break complimentary during play, readily available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Begin your totally free test today > Finals Week 1IMAGINE WHAT YOU MAY BE BUYING AS AN ALTERNATIVE. Totally free as well as private help telephone call 1800u00a0858u00a0858 or go to gamblinghelponline.org.au.Swans boosted in advance of finals clash|01:31 SYDNEY SWANS1st, 17-6, Qualifying Final vs. GWS Giants at the SCGWhy they can easily succeed the flagSydney is best-placed to gain the 2024 premiership, having had conveniently the most effective home-and-away initiative in the competitors to place itself in position to succeed its way to the decider. The Swans include one of the most fearful midfield mix the finals have to supply-- in Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney and also Errol Gulden-- but much deeper than that, this ensemble is just destructive in attack, especially after causing a turn over. For the period, Sydney ranked to begin with in the competitors for scores scored, credit rating per inside-50 cost (49 per cent), scores coming from turnover and points from their forward one-half. The Swans' scoring account is actually terribly harmful for the hostility, as well as they are set to reclaim electric forward Tom Papley in September, and he is going to certainly resume his havoc-wreaking in the attacking 50. Returning skipper Callum Mills has actually settled in protection, leaving the above mentioned set of three to carry out the burden of the harm in between the arcs, while professional Luke Parker has actually discovered an uncommon capillary of form for a player in the golden of his occupation. As if they weren't adequate main reasons to position significant religion in the Swans this September, they are actually led through among the organization's very most valued as well as experienced trains in John Longmire-- whose right-hand male and also anticipated ultimate successor in Dean Cox isn't as well poor, either. Why they can't win the flagSydney battled when opposition groups obliged it long and also wide, especially during the course of its own unusual and concerning losing extent between Beats 17-22-- consisting of a diabolic loss to Port Adelaide. The Swans weren't permitted to make use of the hallway as regularly as they had actually been throughout the very early as well as center phases of the year, leaving behind the wider AFL garden to designate doubt over the nightclub's capability to capitalise on its own early-season domination when it mattered very most. As well as while their space prestige is an amazing strength, the Swans' post-clearance work this year positions a humble 15th in the AFL. Even further, initial areas-- and also begins to activities in general-- were actually difficult for Sydney, losing 14 of 23 this year. Longmire's side merely can certainly not pay for to fall back the eight-ball in the finals. Hinkley ready for Rozee position change|02:04 PORT ADELAIDE2nd, 16-7, Qualifying Final vs. Geelong at Adelaide OvalWhy they can win the flagPort Adelaide is as well-placed to gain the banner as it has actually ever before been actually-- partially because of its existing operate of kind, however additionally because of the even attribute of this year's premiership competition. Except Sydney throughout the very first half of the year, no edge has actually looked pleasant favourites for the flag-- and that's what produces Port Adelaide's six-game winning streak all the more significant. Add their home ground benefit on Thursday evening versus Geelong as well as a possible home preliminary final right into the mix, and you have actually probably obtained the best case for a marvelous final berth of any club. Their midfield of Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and also Jason Horne-Francis-- accompanied by expert Travis Boak-- corrects up there along with the similarity Sydney as well as the Western side Bulldogs this finals set, and it can well reside in that location of the ground that the premiership is gained as well as lost. On top of that, the Power possess the solitary absolute best clearance-to-score percent in the game this time, enrolling at the very least a point coming from 29 percent of clearances. Up onward, they have loads of possibilities in the air between Mitch Georgiades and also experienced Charlie Dixon-- and also the every-growing bug fleet of Willie Rioli, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jed McEntee, Quinton Narkle and also Francis Evans each one of whom participate in important parts for Ken Hinkley inside the assaulting arc. Referring Ken, there isn't a year where his players are going to be participating in harder for him to view elusive effectiveness. Hinkley is actually really liked through all internally at Alberton, as well as it is actually very easy to see why. Not that the private as well as team results isn't enough to win a premiership, yet how properly this Electrical power device has actually stuck together since Hinkley was booed off reasons merely two months is wonderful. They are actually a tight-knit, well-oiled equipment that is lastly prepared to flourish on the major phase, having merely endangered to carry out so in years gone by. Why they can't win the flagWithout trying to sound also pessimistic, performs background tell us they won't? This year does experience different for Port Adelaide, however pundits have caught this trap before, so it costs still holding an amount of care over the Power's scalp-- irrespective of just how legit you believe their claim for prominence is. In other words-- their home qualifying ultimate versus Geelong is actually extensive for their possibilities of making the large dancing. Succeed, and they're one more home win away from the final Saturday in September. But if they perform shed to the Cats? It is actually a home semi-final albeit versus some of the rampaging Hawks or Bulldogs, who absolutely no side wants to play in the very first three full weeks of finals. And even if they get past that problem, an away journey to Sydney after that impends versus among the Giants or even Swans, who will certainly be actually fresh off a two-week breather. While Slot Adelaide's document versus leading 8 crews (and also far from home) has actually enhanced this year, it performs seem like a fairly significant seek all of them to succeed next activities out of home versus such premium opposition for a flag. All of these worries will be actually lessened with a win on Thursday evening, yet also at that point, they would certainly have to oppose 17 years of history to create it to the splendid ultimate. Their opposed ball varieties away from space are actually also much from promising, ranking 16th in the competitors for the home-and-away part of the year. Ground ball receives are actually additionally a concern, sitting lifeless final in the AFL for all of them, along with only Ollie White Wines and Jason Horne-Francis ranking best for the stat. Which little forwards are ready to shoot?|03:10 GEELONG3rd, 15-8, Qualifying Final vs. Slot Adelaide at Adelaide OvalWhy they can win the flagGeelong performed the act only 2 years earlier, thus why could not it do it again? That is already sufficient main reason why they can obtain banner magnificence again, particularly when thinking about the reality that most of the Pussy-cats' 2022 premiership armada is actually in one piece. Other than the notable omissions of Joel Selwood and also Isaac Smith-- and possibly Tom Hawkins and Camera Guthrie-- the likes of Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Stewart, Jeremy Cameron, Score Blicavs and Gryan Miers, and many more, are going to be running out in the hoops against Slot Adelaide on Thursday night. Cameron particularly might cut this finals set vast open, as he meets ominous kind following a couple of significant hauls to liquidate the normal time. Even more, the Pussy-cats are still moved through perhaps the very best coach in business right now. Chris Scott led an edge that perhaps shouldn't have actually declared a top-four berth to precisely that. And also while an almighty problem awaits in the form of the Energy's midfield firepower, the Geelong faithful can feel confident the head coach are going to possess more than a handful of plans in place to fight Ken Hinkley's many important soldiers. Additionally, the bunches are going to possess plenty to fight themselves, especially in the form of wildcard Stewart. Finishing off, Geelong's biggest strength-- its own protective design and also liability-- will definitely hold it in really good standing during the course of a time period of the time when guarding issues very most. After the home-and-away season, the Felines rest third for amount of authorizations to slash against, along with 4th for scores every inside-50 against. It is actually a very bulky profile, as well as one that must delay in the finals. Why they desperate the flagThe argument of 2022 premiership adventure also works against the Cats. This brigade-- as has regularly been actually resolved talk-- remains to age, and also if it were to shed versus the Electrical power, attracting the Pets or Hawks in a semi-final, it mightn't be actually a pleasurable watch for Scott as well as his mentoring nationals. While defence has actually been actually a strong suit for Geelong, capitalising in between the arcs have not consistently been actually free-flowing-- Scott's males were 14th for intercept-to-score fee as well as 13th for clearance-to-score fee, as well as simply seventh for forward-half racking up. And also if Stewart is actually playing in the midfield, there are actually certainly additionally involves over Geelong's capability to intercept and release counter-attacks coming from the rear half. Further, if Stewart is released in between initially, it is going to suggest not enough damage is being actually performed due to the Pussy-cats' midfield-- which does not have intensity. Finally, having won merely two seasons back along with a mostly similar set, can they match the desire of, say, Port Adelaide? Or even, if they shed to the Energy on Thursday, a momentum-filled Hawthorn or even Western Bulldogs?GWS ability on the road in field period?|01:27 GWS GIANTS4th, 15-8, Qualifying Final vs. Sydney Swans at the SCGWhy they may win the flagPremierships are asserted on support. That is actually undoubtedly the situation, and also the supports that have the ability to take care of GWS' aggressive section this finals series should have compassion. Considering that while it is directed by celebrities Jesse Hogan as well as Toby Greene, there is deepness galore ahead of the ball for Adam Kingsley's side-- assume livewire Brent Daniels, Darcy Jones, James Peatling and Harvey Thomas, and also surfacing key-position jewel Aaron Cadman. As Well As along with Tom Veggie leading from the face in the midfield, if the Giants can easily get it inside-50 sufficient in September-- as well as they have actually been an extremely dependable scoring clothing this year-- this forward-line can enormous heights. The vaunted Orange Tidal wave will certainly deserve seeing these upcoming couple of weeks, as their stress activity-- number-one among finalists-- turns completely up with whatever to bet. GWS positions first in the AFL for both pressure rating and tension differential. The Giants dropped one point except in 2014's major dancing, as well as there suffices proof to suggest they can easily create yet another charge at it this go around. Why they can't win the flagCan the Giants elevate their blockage outcome versus Sydney when they face-off on Saturday? And also even further to that, for the whole of the finals collection? Considering that otherwise, perhaps their ruin. Despite the existence of Environment-friendly, Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly and also Callan Ward, GWS placed 17th in the AFL for clearances this season. It is actually coming up against a side in the Swans who possessed 6 players register at the very least 85 clearances over the course of this season-- the Giants had simply 2 Green as well as ruckman Kieren Briggs. As valiant as that set has resided in 2024, they can not perform it alone. They need to have support, especially if GWS is to reserve a home preparatory last. Additionally, while the Giants' stress game is actually best as well as was incomparable throughout the home-and-away round, September is actually a different creature-- and also every finalist lifts its own pressure. If GWS is actually matched in that department, what else may it offer?Plus, for an edge still teeming with young people, perform they possess the psychological determination to receive it done in the largest moments-- particularly after falling agonisingly short last September?While there is actually loads of pledge within this camping ground, there is also some doubt. Best 7 discount gets in the course of profession time period|06:14 BRISBANE LIONS5th, 14-8-1, Removal Final vs. Carlton at The GabbaWhy they can succeed the flagThis Brisbane side succeeds around the footy. It is actually as simple as that, and just as long as that stays a strength, there may not be a great deal of various other means to get around this staff. After a not-so-hot position section of the year, the Lions acquired their activity addressing the right time of the period. Over the eight rounds to close the home-and-away project, Brisbane rated initially in the competitors for contended things differential, groundball receives differential, and allowance differential. In short, to cease Brisbane in the finals, you'll need to have to stop its own respected onballers. Merely think of the danger Brisbane's midfielders and also forward-half drivers position-- particularly at The Gabba. Twin Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale leads a daunting team that additionally flaunts Hugh McCluggage, Last Will And Testament Ashcroft, Josh Dunkley and Web Cam Rayner-- and also specifically Rayner, whose game-breaking ability has been contrasted to that of Richmond legend Dustin Martin as well as the effect he invited finals series. Why they can't win the flagBrisbane is actually making its own sixth consecutive excursion to the finals adhering to unfilled gains in its own past 5 vacations. Similarly to Slot Adelaide, background proposes this nightclub, under the assistance of Chris Fagan, can not very finish the job-- despite happening oh-so near banner glory in 2015. Relating to this time especially, Brisbane's miscalculation before goals is source for concern in front of a crucial finals project. The Lions positioned dead-last over the final three cycles for shot-at-goal accuracy-- taking care of a pitiful 35 per-cent clip. Additionally, along with the means this group was actually playing at the business side of the period, it ought to have finished in the top-four-- if not for unsatisfying back-to-back losses to GWS as well as Collingwood within the final three weeks of the routine period. Right now, the Lions need to win 4 video games rather than three to win the premiership. It's a much more durable street than in 2015, as well as the 2024 model of Fagan's Lions could not fall to it. Dogs 'inconclusive' at begin of time|02:17 western side BULLDOGS6th, 14-9, Elimination Final vs. Hawthorn at the MCGWhy they may gain the flagThe Western Bulldogs possess very useful assets all over the field. Rory Lobb has revitalised this protective system, which ranks bests in the AFL in multiple crucial steps. The Bulldogs ranked initially this time in aspects against coming from turnover, in addition to for conceding defensive-50-to-inside-50 transitions. They additionally rested third for aspects versus and also 4th for conceding scores per inside-50. We understand defence is actually of utmost usefulness happened September, and the Canines have the resources in the back half to fight the challenging attacking systems this year's finalists have to use. At that point there is the midfield and also assaulting firepower at Luke Beveridge's fingertip. Marcus Bontempelli is taken into consideration every chance of snagging this year's Brownlow Award, while Adam Treloar only got his first All-Australian blazer in his 13th season-- which does without discussing burgeoning onballer Ed Richards and trustworthy competed creature Tom Liberatore. Don't fail to remember the three-headed forward-line beast that is actually Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and also Sam Darcy. There is tantalising skill everywhere. This is a side constructed to succeed a premiership now, and also if they surpass the very hot Hawks on Friday, they are going to be actually a frightening proposition as they look to repeat the glory of 2016. Why they can't win the flagYou merely require to look as far as their challenger in Friday's elimination last. Hawthorn is actually the kind side of the competition-- the enemy nobody intends to confront if it could be steered clear of. While the Dogs show up an also match for the Hawks abstractly, Sam Mitchell's men come in with simply the absolute most momentum out of any sort of finalist-- which is main reason for anxiety. Further, Beveridge's side have not been actually the absolute most steady throughout various factors in the year, as well as straight when it appeared the Canines were actually genuine banner thinks up, they were actually pantsed due to the meek Crows in Round 23. As well as even with their obvious attacking firepower, the Bulldogs' goalkicking miscalculation was an aching factor to close out the routine time. In the home-and-away period's last six shots, the Bulldogs positioned a humble 17th in chance at target reliability, addressing a puny 41 per cent clip. That isn't going to cut it versus the most ideal sides. In general, there may not be a ton of explanations to doubt the Dogs, but there are actually concerns, nevertheless. Mitchell unafraid to speak 'Premiership'|01:27 HAWTHORN7th, 14-9, Elimination Final vs. Western Bulldogs at the MCGWhy they can succeed the flagHave you watched these endure, bold and also dazzling Hawks in these past few months?It's all about Hok-Ball, a run-and-gun play style that has actually found Sam Mitchell's edge transform an 0-5 document right into a remarkable finals berth. Considering that Cycle 16, the Hawks have been actually the best switch group in the competition, producing 43 points coming from the protective half as well as switching a defensive-50 belongings into a forward-50 submission 27 percent of the time. Simply put, the Hawks are jogging staffs shabby, spreading out the sphere as well as utilizing every component of the ground. Outside distance runners Jarman Impey and Josh Weddle in particular kind an essential part of that, often observed breaking out of the defensive fifty to create threatening aggressive rides. The Hawks dispersed exceptionally properly from the contest, using their speed and running ability to break groups apart. At that point there's the 'rascal pack', headlined by previous Cake Port Ginnivan as well as enthusiasm machine Chip Watson. Both symbolize the fun that is actually being had at Waverley Playground this season, with their quirky objective celebrations as well as lively individualities sparkling brightly for the regulation football landscape to find. Vice-captain Dylan Moore is additionally a participant of the mosquito squadron, and his season was actually recognised finally week's AFL Awards evening when he was actually granted his maiden All-Australian sports jacket. Moore was actually left on the footballing scrapheap in 2020, however a dogged judgment to create his smudge on the large phase has viewed him turn into among the video game's ideal half-forwards. Do not forget about Connor MacDonald too, that has silently come to be a damaging resource for Sam Mitchell's edge in a complicated role. The Hawks have succeeded 8 away from their previous 10 games and also 14 away from the past 18 to make them probably the trendiest crew in the competitors. They are actually having even more exciting playing volleyball than any individual else in the competitors, as well as there are hues of the golden age beginning ahead to lighting. Attempt to aspiration, Hawks followers. Why they can't win the flagThe Hawks look prone as a protective device, especially when it comes to contending with tall lumber. It isn't fantastic information, provided they handle the Bulldogs, who perhaps possess the most effective trio of high forwards in the competitors in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy. Guardians Sam Freeze, Josh Weddle, Jack Scrimshaw and also James Sicily will possess their palms complete on Friday night, as the club participates in an unusual night video game at the MCG. Hawthorn's vulnerabilities in the back half are exactly why it has dealt with to take Saints star Josh Struggle as well as West Coast gun Tom Barrass to the nightclub, particularly with Frost nearing completion of his job. Yet as long as Fight as well as Barrass will certainly be actually exceptional achievements for the 2025 season, they can't assist all of them this weekend.Earlier this period in Geelong's significant success over the Hawks, Pussy-cats spearhead Jeremy Cameron created Mitchell and also his training staff loads of frustrations, booting 4.4 coming from 19 fingertips as the Cats sent off the guests. It is actually why the midfield struggle looms as a complete key, not simply this week but for some other video games if the Hawks improvement through September.Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and also Conor Nash are going to be actually important to that, as will ruck Lloyd Meek-- all discovering kind in the back fifty percent of the normal time. Will Day's trauma is actually a monster blow, as he is probably Hawthorn's essential player as well as incorporates yet another size to Mitchell's midfield mix-- one they won't possess when they confront the Canines' star-studded engine space. Time's gain from injury at the beginning of the period coincided with Hawthorn's enhanced kind, as well as he'll leave a gaping gap in their midfield after being actually eliminated along with a collarbone trauma. The Hawks can easily appear a small amount one-paced without him in there, yet this side possesses additional perspective as well as exhilaration than some other in the premiership nationality, thus don't rule a magic out. Docherty returns after 183 days|05:21 CARLTON8th, 13-10, Eradication Final vs. Brisbane Lions at The GabbaWhy they can gain the flagThe Blues have performed a favorable velocity for a couple of seasons currently, and also after last year's thrilling September run to an initial final, it is actually time for this edge to make the next surge to Grand Final time-- regardless of whether they merely got approved for 8th after a disappointing 2nd one-half of the year. Efficiently, Carlton's standstill profile page possesses again satisfied, having ranked second in the AFL for objected to things differential, fifth in allowance differential, and also fourth in points scored from clearances. Along with the similarity Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh leading by example-- in addition to the corresponding George Hewett-- the Blues have had the ability to depend on their hard-at-it nature, particularly happen the finals-- when every thing hardens up. Even more, the cavalry is beginning to get here. Sam Docherty's come back to The Gabba is positively certain to muscle building supplement cries along with a psychological increase, in addition to reinforce what has been actually a lacklustre support. Better, while Charlie Curnow isn't a certainty, spearhead Harry McKay are going to return into the crease to add the type of assaulting flair needed to have to create a declaration in September. The longshot element could additionally be in play for the 'Baggers. For the second successive year, the Blues will plunge into The Gabba for a critical final as the edge certainly not anticipated to succeed. They virtually shook off the line in 2023 after a prompt beginning-- can easily they end up the task this time around around?Why they desperate the flagCarlton's well-documented defensive flaws have actually been well-documented for good factor, and those issues do not bode effectively for their chances of proceeding to the second week of finals or past. Carlton's protective struggles have actually been under the spotlight for all to criticise. Cry rated 14th for points versus, 10th for scores-per-inside-50 versus, and 16th in points against coming from clearances. That last is specifically involving not merely from a midfield point of view, yet because it suggests unsatisfactory protective framework and also organization inside defensive fifty as resistance ahead lead bent on the round. There's likewise the reality cry ended up eighth. We know exactly how hard it is actually to stage a flag-winning range from outside the top 4, not to mention coming from eighth place. The moment considered the very likely second best to Sydney for this year's slight premiership, Michael Voss' edge slip to only just scratch right into the finals-- as well as they need to take a trip to the vaunted Gabba first-up, and also if they dominate that challenge, a similarly difficult one awaits in Sydney in a semi-final.