WHO PLAYS WHO IN AFL FINALS, WEEK ONE
THURSDAY, Sept 7
First qualifying final
Adelaide v GWS at Adelaide Oval, 7.50pm (AEST)
For much of this season, these two were considered the likely grand finalists. While the Crows finished minor premiers, they have lost their last two games. There are also question marks over the Giants, who surrendered home-ground advantage at the start of the finals with a 44-point loss to Geelong.
FRIDAY, Sept 8
Second qualifying final
Geelong v Richmond at the MCG, 7.50pm
The venue is contentious, given Geelong are the "home" team. But they will have no fears about playing at the MCG. And they boast a stellar record against the Tigers - 13 wins in a row and only one loss in their last 21 clashes. Momentum is everything and Geelong have impressed with three-straight wins. The Tigers have lost only once since the round-16 horror against St Kilda
SATURDAY, Sept 9
Second elimination final
Sydney v Essendon at SCG, 4.20pm
The Swans are the hottest favourites in week one of the finals. They are the first team to make the finals after a 0-6 start to the season and they have lost only twice since. Essendon have done well to reach the top eight for the first time since 2014, but this looks as far as they will go. Sydney are in the premiership conversation, while the Bombers look too brittle.
First elimination final
Port Adelaide v West Coast at Adelaide Oval, 7.50pm (AEST)
Port start favourites, but their round-20 Showdown disaster looms large in the memory. Their three-game winning run leading into the finals was against teams outside the top eight. West Coast's season has been blighted by chronic inconsistency - they have not won two in a row since their three-straight wins from rounds 6-8. And their round-seven win? Against Port Adelaide, at Adelaide Oval.
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