AFL Finals Week 1 Preview

The Power enter the finals on the back of sensational form to round out the season following wins over the Blues, Swans and Dockers proving they earned the second spot on the ladder. It’s hard to see them losing at home and both times they have hosted the Cats this decade in finals matches they have walked away as the victor.

Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron has shown that he stands up in the most important matches and there is none more important than a finals match on the road without his partner-in-crime Tom Hawkins in the forward 50. While he is destined to get plenty of attention on him, he always manages to find his hands on the football.

In the first elimination final, the Western Bulldogs will host the Hawks in a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground. While the Bulldogs finished higher on the ladder, the Hawks have been nearly unbeatable in recent weeks after starting the season with a 0-5 record.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan ($11.50), Sam Darcy ($12.50) and Mabior Chol ($12.50) may be the three favourites to open the scoreboard but many people forget about veteran Jack Gunston. Signing a contract extension this week, Gunston knows what it means to play in the big moments and won’t shy away from the big finals stage.

In the most anticipated match of the round, the Giants will face off against the first-place Sydney Swans. While the Swans are favourites against their rivals, they actually hold a losing record of 0-3 when facing off against their inter-state rivals in the finals.

Entering the finals in career-best form, GWS key forward Jesse Hogan will be looking to continue his form in the 2024 AFL Finals series. The Coleman Medal winner has been in terrific form and is also one of the most accurate kickers in the competition meaning it’s hard to see him missing if he gets his hands on the footy in the forward 50.

A favourite for the 2024 Brownlow Medal, Patrick Cripps has been the heart and soul of Carlton’s midfield and if they are to remain in contention for the premiership, Cripps will have a massive outing. Will the Lions have an answer for the star midfielder?

The Blues will enter the match filed with confidence but the Brisbane Lions will be the favourites, especially considering their amazing record at home this season and failing to lose too many at the venue. However, the outcome of the match should be relatively close and under the 40 point market.