The AFL's four matches for the opening week of this year's finals series are locked in, with minor premiers Sydney to host New South Wales rivals GWS in one of two qualifying finals.
The two Harbour City sides will battle at the SCG on Saturday afternoon, with a preliminary final spot up for grabs for the winner, while the loser will need to take the long route to the grand final to keep their flag prospects alive.
The second qualifying final will be held between Port Adelaide and Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Thursday evening with the Power securing second spot on the ladder following their Round 24 win against Fremantle in the final game of the home and away season.
The Cats managed to finish in third off the back of a significant percentage boost from their final game of the season - a 93-point win at home over West Coast.
Two win-or-go-home elimination finals will be held during week one, with Brisbane, Hawthorn, the Western Bulldogs and Carlton securing spots fifth through eighth on the AFL ladder.
The Lions will host Carlton at the Gabba on Saturday evening to commence their next September campaign after falling short at the final hurdle in last year's grand final - a match they secured their place in after knocking off the Blues at the same venue in the penultimate game of 2023.
The winner of that match will face the loser of Sydney vs GWS in the second week of the post-season series in a semi-final.
The other elimination final - to be held at the MCG between the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn will see the two Victorian clubs play off on Friday night for a spot in the other semi-final against the losing side from the qualifying final between Port Adelaide and Geelong.
Week one matchups for 2024 AFL finals
Thursday, September 5
Second Qualifying Final, Port Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval, 7.40 pm AEST/7.10 pm local
Friday, September 6
Second Elimination Final, Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, MCG, 7.40 pm AEST
Saturday, September 7
First Qualifying Final, Sydney Swans v GWS GIANTS, SCG, 3.20 pm AEST
First Elimination Final, Brisbane Lions v Carlton, The Gabba, 7.30 pm AEST
