Despite the AFL's league-wide warning about resting mass players ahead of finals, it seems clubs will be willing to risk potential fines to best prepare their squads for a premiership tilt.
With the top 10 locked in with a round remaining, every finals-qualified side will be weighing up the pros and cons of who to play for Round 24, and who to give an extra week's break.
Do minor premiers Fremantle risk messing with its form by resting key players for the Dockers' trip to Melbourne?
How does Collingwood balance bringing back some injured guns, while managing the workload of its stars?
Should Carlton sit back and rest its key players for Wildcard Round, or do the Blues need to win so they can stay in Melbourne?
These are the decisions the finals-bound coaches must make ahead of an intriguing Round 24.
Carlton
The Blues are safe in the Wildcard Round after a thrilling draw against the Bulldogs on Sunday. But they can't rest on their laurels given a win against ladder-leader Fremantle on Saturday would mean Carlton probably gets to stay in Victoria - if the Bulldogs lose to Melbourne - instead of likely heading to Adelaide to take on the Crows.
Will Hayward injured his right foot after landing awkwardly in a genuine Mark of the Year contender on Sunday. He should be rested, if he doesn't have to miss through injury anyway, as he will be critical to Carlton's run in finals.
Notably from a performance but also experience capacity as Hayward has played plenty in September during his stint at Sydney.
Given Carlton's unbelievable turnaround in fortune and form, coach Josh Fraser wouldn't want to mess with the momentum too much.
If the Blues were to rest some stars, young gun Jagga Smith could be looked at for a break after his first full season of playing at AFL level.
Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps will also want to feel fresh and ready for their return to finals in navy blue.
