We've finally hit the 2023 AFL Finals series, and the race for the flag is currently wide open.
Collingwood managed to win the minor premiership after a bumpy run home, but are they still the favourites? They'll meet fellow contender Melbourne in week one in a game that could ultimately decide who stands on the dais on the last Saturday of the month.
Or, will the Brisbane Lions find themselves in a grand final? They have been tantalisingly close on multiple occasions and after securing a home qualifying final this season they loom as a strong chance to go on and secure a home preliminary final.
Whilst it is harder for teams outside the top four to find themselves tasting premiership success, Carlton are riding a wave of belief into finals. Most of their players have never played in a final before but will be ready against the experienced Sydney Swans side who will be out to rectify the mistakes they made in last year's decider.
With such a wide open premiership race, we have broken down how every team performs; what to expect from them, their strengths, weaknesses, star player and a player who could break September wide open.
Brisbane Lions
What to expect: Securing a home final at the Gabba was crucial to Brisbane's premiership hopes, as a win at their Gabba Fortress would also ensure a home preliminary final. The Lions have won their last four games in a row and head into the finals series in strong form.
Strengths: There are stars everywhere in this line up, all with an abundance of finals experience. While Will Ashcroft may be out injured, the addition of Josh Dunkley to their midfield makes them even stronger around the ball, combining with the likes of Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage and Dayne Zorko. Going forward, they have goal sneak Charlie Cameron who's forward pressure is virtually unstoppable, whilst Joe Daniher has not been held goalless since Round 20.
Weaknesses: Port Adelaide and Brisbane last played each other in Round 1, when the Power had an astounding 54 point win over Brisbane. Brisbane were well beaten going forward and will have to watch out again, with 40 inside 50s for the match at 37.5 percent efficiency, whilst the Power had 65 inside 50s at 60 percent efficiency.
Star player: Lachie Neale
Lachie Neale's season has been somewhat overlooked, largely due to the success of others around him. However, the superstar, once again, looms as a Brownlow contender and his fine form from this season looks set to continue into finals, particularly with Brisbane cementing a home qualifying final. Neale had an impressive finals series in 2022, collecting 39 disposals against Richmond and a further 27 against Melbourne in back-to-back wins.
Breakout player: Keidean Coleman
After a breakout season in 2022, Coleman has continued to consistently perform for Brisbane and looms as a critical player come September. Against Collingwood in Round 23, Coleman had 21 disposals, seven marks, and a goal to be one of Brisbane's best. Produces strong efforts week in, week out and no doubt finals will be the same.
