Finals has arrived! And it all begins with a huge clash between Port Adelaide and Geelong on Thursday night.
Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Port Adelaide vs. Geelong
Team news: Ken Hinkley has made two changes to his side ahead of Thursday night's game against Geelong. With two of their best ball users in Dan Houston (suspension) and Kane Farrell (hamstring) ruled out for the entire finals series, the Power have elected to recall key forward Charlie Dixon and former Cat Quinton Narkle, while Dante Visentini (omitted) also comes out of the side. Meanwhile, the Cats will go in unchanged from their team that thrashed West Coast in Round 24, Chris Scott resisting the temptation to bring back key position utility Sam De Koning despite his strong outing in the VFL last week on return from a knee injury. De Koning has been named an emergency alongside Gary Rohan and Oisin Mullin. Scott has also hinted that veteran duo Tom Hawkins and Cam Guthrie will play in the Cats' VFL semifinal this weekend, instead of throwing them straight into the AFL side.
ESPN tip: Power by 15 points
Pointsbet odds: Power $1.50, Cats $2.60
Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn
Team news: Hawthorn has lost Will Day to a collarbone injury in a big blow to Sam Mitchell's midfield, but there's a chance he could feature if the Hawks progress to the next week. It opens a path for Changkuoth Jiath to return to the side after spending some time on the sidelines with a calf injury, while Finn Maginness racked up 31 disposals, seven tackles and a goal in Box Hill's VFL final loss to remind Mitchell he has a number of options. For the Dogs, Rhylee West missed Round 24 with a broken jaw but could be available this week.
ESPN tip: Bulldogs by 17 points
Pointsbet odds: Bulldogs $1.70, Hawks $2.15
READ: ESPN's 2024 AFL All-Australian team
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Sydney Swans vs. GWS Giants
Team news: GWS swung three late changes ahead of their Round 24 clash with the Bulldogs, with Toby Bedford, Conor Stone, and Brent Daniels all being replaced. The trio are expected to be available to face the Swans, along with Lachie Ash (suspension), Isaac Cumming (hamstring) and Jake Riccardi (finger), so expect the Giants to be bolstered one way or another. Meanwhile, the Swans rested star dup Tom McCartin and Isaac Heeney ahead of the bye week and will regain both, with Tom Papley (ankle) and Justin McInerney (knee) also in the selection frame.
ESPN tip: Giants by 1 point
Pointsbet odds: Swans $1.65, Giants $2.25
Brisbane Lions vs. Carlton
Team news: The Blues were able to get through their fortnight from hell (on the injury front), which means they will be massively boosted for their trip to the Gabba. Carlton has already confirmed Sam Docherty will return from a ruptured ACL, while Adam Cerra, Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning, Jack Martin, and Mitch McGovern are all looming as potential inclusions. For the Lions, Chris Fagan's backline will be strengthened if Jack Payne is deemed fit to return from a foot injury.
ESPN tip: Blues by 7 points
Pointsbet odds: Lions $1.28, Blues $3.70