This weekend's opening of the 2025 AFL Finals will narrow the race for the premiership, with the remaining clubs in contention needing to settle on their squads for their first September showing.
Star players look set to return in time for the post-season, while a number of cut-throat calls will be made as coaches weigh up their best ensemble.
Here are the predicted ins, outs and lineups for all four matches in week one of the AFL Finals.
2. Geelong vs Brisbane
Friday, September 5
MCG, 7:40pm (AEST)
Geelong
Tall forward Shannon Neale is a certainty to return for the Cats on Friday night after serving a one-game suspension in Round 24. Who he replaces is the key question.
Young utility Mitch Knevitt could make way, having come into the side that defeated Richmond as a late replacement for Mark O'Connor.
O'Connor's own selection prospects remain up in the air, with little mention of his health status following a recent leg issue.
Small defender Jed Bews was the other inclusion for Chris Scott a fortnight ago, and could hold his place given his track record coming up against the Lions' small forwards.
Geelong has had one of the healthier lists in the league for most of the year, benefiting from having experienced talent in Cam Guthrie, Jake Kolodjashnij, and Mitch Duncan available if needed.
Ins: Neale
Outs: Knevitt
FB: O'Sullivan, De Koning, Henry
HB: Humphries, Stewart, Guthrie
C: Dempsey, Holmes, Blicavs
HF: Mannagh, Cameron, Close
FF: Stengle, Neale, Dangerfield
FO: Stanley, Atkins, Smith
I/C: Miers, Bews, Martin, Mullin, Bowes (sub)
Brisbane
The Lions are anticipated to have Lachie Neale and Jarrod Berry back for their clash with the Cats in what will be a major double boost for the reigning premiers' flag defence.
Both midfielders are likely to replace Sam Marshall and James Tunstill, with the latter having been the sub in the Lions' final home and away game.
Utility Bruce Reville is another who could make way, but his versatility will be a weapon for Brisbane, and could be utilised as the sub off the bench mid-game.
Key forward Eric Hipwood looks unlikely to return, and could be back for week two of the finals if the Lions fall to Geelong.
Ruckman Oscar McInerney looks ready for a recall thanks to some form in the VFL, but Brisbane may not risk a ruck change and instead keep Darcy Fort at first-string. Chris Fagan could potentially use both rucks, replacing rookie Ty Gallop in attack amid Hipwood's absence.
Ins: Neale, Berry
Outs: Marshall, Tunstill
FB: Zorko, Gardiner, Lester
HB: Wilmot, Andrews, Starcevich
C: McCluggage, Neale, Berry
HF: Cameron, Day, Bailey
FF: Rayner, Morris, Lohmann
FO: Fort, Dunkley, W. Ashcroft
I/C: Fletcher, L. Ashcroft, Ah Chee, Gallop, Reville (sub)
