Welcome to September! The finals continue with a qualifying final. between Fremantle and Hawthorn on Thursday night, before Geelong hosts Carlton in an elimination blockbuster at the MCG.
Keep up to date with all of the fixtures, games, ins and outs, team news, tips, odds, results, reaction, and video as they come to hand.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Fremantle vs. Hawthorn
Team news: The Dockers will unfortunately be without Brennan Cox after he injured his calf in Round 24. But Just Longmuir's side is expected to welcome back Jye Amiss, Heath Chapman, Sam Switkowski, and Murphy Reid. The Hawks, meanwhile, have hardly an injury list. Jack Ginnivan missed the trip to Perth in the final round of the season due to back soreness but should regain his place in the team this week.
ESPN tip: Dockers by 9 points
Pointsbet odds: Dockers $1.42, Hawks $2.85
Get your tips in now on the ESPNfootytips app!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Geelong vs. Carlton
Team news: Geelong star Max Holmes trained on Monday and is doing everything he can to be fit and available for Friday night's massive game. If he does return, it would be his first match since fracturing his ankle in Round 19, which also required syndesmosis surgery. James Worpel (hamstring) is also a watch during the week. For the Blues, Will Hayward didn't pass a fitness test last week but will be given another chance after dealing with an ankle injury, while Nick Haynes tweaked his ankle against the Dees and required a jab at half time to get through the contest.
ESPN tip: Cats by 22 points
Pointsbet odds: Cats $1.68, Blues $2.20
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Sydney vs. Brisbane
Team news: The Swans could welcome back Justin McInerney (hamstring) and Joel Amartey (Achilles) off extended injury layoffs, with Hayden McLean another option having exited concussion protocols and kicking two goals in the VFL over the weekend. Meanwhile, the Lions will receive a huge boost with Hugh McCluggage (calf) set to return after missing the final three matches of the season. Who that's at the expense of remains the big question.
ESPN tip: Lions by 25 points
Pointsbet odds: Swans $3.70, Lions $1.27
Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs
Team news: The Crows will make at least one change this week after Zac Taylor suffered a hamstring injury in the final round of the home-and-away season, with Callum Ah Chee the likely replacement after being managed for that clash. James Peatling and Jordon Butts could also be in the mix but will both need to prove their fitness this week after dealing with hip and ankle soreness respectively. For the Dogs, there'll be a watch on key forward Aaron Naughton after he clutched at his hamstring in the final moments of the win over Collingwood, while Matt Kennedy has entered concussion protocols and is set to miss.
ESPN tip: Crows by 17 points
Pointsbet odds: Crows $1.44, Dogs $2.75
