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.
Sydney
The Swans, like Freo, have locked themselves in and can't move from second place on the ladder.
So this Sunday's clash at the SCG would provide the perfect opportunity for some Swans to rest their wings.
The magic trio of Charlie Curnow, Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney would be the first looked at being rested ahead of a genuine push for a premiership from Sydney.
All three will be critical for the club's chances and have played brilliant, but long seasons so far in 2026.
Emerging gun Justin McInerney may be ready to return to the senior side after recovering from a major hamstring injury.
Young midfielder Angus Sheldrick could also come back into the side.
Adding to the intrigue around selection is the investigation into Swans players over an alleged assault incident in Melbourne after Sunday's win against Essendon.
