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.
Port Adelaide
What to expect: Port Adelaide thumped Brisbane in Round 1 by 54 points, albeit on their own turf, and will have the method on what it takes to beat them. The Power won't be scared about travelling to the Gabba, having come close to beating the Lions there last year. The big question mark will be surrounding whether or not Charlie Dixon plays, whilst they'll be bolstered by Zak Butters' strong end to the home and away season.
Strengths: The likes of Brownlow contender Butters, recruit Jason Horne-Francis and Connor Rozee have all been stars for Port Adelaide this season and heavily contributed to the Power's ability to turn their season around. Horne-Francis has demonstrated why he was the No.1 Draft Pick in 2021, kicking 15 goals for the year and finding himself amongst the Power's best players on multiple occasions.
Weaknesses: The Power's rucking looms as an issue as they take on Brisbane, with Scott Lycett a test to play his first game since Round 19. It'll be a challenge either way, with Oscar McInerney in strong form. Against Collingwood's Darcy Cameron, 'The Big O' had 16 disposals, 41 hitouts and two shots on goal to be one of Brisbane's best players. If Lycett doesn't return, Jeremy Finlayson may find himself balancing key forward and rucking duties.
Star player: Zak Butters
Butters will undeniably bring the X factor for Port Adelaide this finals series, having won the Most Courageous Player and AFLCA Champion of the Year Awards on Wednesday. With a tough challenge at the Gabba in week one against the Brisbane Lions' midfield, Butters looms as the difference against players like Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale and Dayne Zorko.
Breakout player: Jeremy Finlayson
Finlayson's 2023 season has been reminiscent of his 2019 season at GWS, having kicked 38 goals and providing another genuine target up forward for Port Adelaide. With Charlie Dixon under an injury cloud for week one, and having only played 13 games for the season, Finlayson could prove to be the number one forward at the Gabba up against the likes of Harris Andrews.
