AFL Finals Week 1: Your Comprehensive Football Preview

Thursday, September 7

• Collingwood vs. Melbourne, MCG, 7.20pm (AEST)

Team News:

• Collingwood star Nick Daicos won’t make an early return and is eyeing a comeback in week two of the finals if needed.
• Key defenders Darcy Moore and Nathan Murphy, along with pressure forward Beau McCreery, are set to play, posing a selection challenge for coach Craig McRae.
• Melbourne forward Bayley Fritsch is expected to play despite some soreness, while Jake Melksham is out with an ACL injury, creating a gap in the forward line to be filled by Brodie Grundy or Tom McDonald.

Friday, September 8

• Carlton vs. Sydney, MCG, 7.50pm (AEST)

Team News:

• Blake Acres has been cleared of serious damage, and skipper Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty are set to return for Carlton.
• Jack Silvagni will miss due to a knee injury, but Matt Kennedy could be in contention.
• For the Swans, Tom Papley is expected to be fit after a hamstring issue, along with Justin McInerney (calf).

Saturday, September 9

• St Kilda vs. GWS, MCG, 3.20pm (AEST)

Team News:

• GWS hopes key defender Sam Taylor has recovered from a hamstring strain.
• Toby Bedford will miss due to a rough conduct charge.
• St Kilda’s Dougal Howard (wrist) and Josh Battle (concussion protocols) are uncertain for the elimination final.

Brisbane vs. Port Adelaide, Gabba, 7.25pm (AEST)

Team News:

• Brisbane is relatively healthy, but Lincoln McCarthy (calf) faces a fitness test.
• Jack Gunston (knee) is unlikely to play, as is veteran Daniel Rich, who will retire after the finals series.
• Port Adelaide might see the return of Trent McKenzie and Scott Lycett (knee), but Charlie Dixon (foot) remains sidelined with a foot fracture.

Stay tuned for a week of intense AFL action, and enjoy every moment of the finals series!