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.
4. Fremantle vs Gold Coast
Saturday, September 6
Optus Stadium, 7:35pm (AEST)
Fremantle
The Dockers will be forced into at least one change for their home final, with tagger Corey Wagner ruled out of the remaining weeks with a pectoral injury.
Forward Sam Switkowski is a test with a knee issue picked up in Round 24, but is inclusion appears unlikely.
As for Wagner's replacement, Matt Johnson could come into the side after missing out on a reprieve following his recent ankle injury. However, Nathan O'Driscoll looms as a likelier option for Justin Longmuir.
Nat Fyfe could resume his role as the tactical sub, which seems to be working for the Dockers.
Ins: O'Driscoll
Outs: Wagner
FB: Pearce, Cox, Ryan
HB: Clark, Worner, Chapman
C: Wagner, Bolton, O'Meara
HF: Reid, Voss, Switkowski
FF: Frederick, Treacy, Amiss
FO: Jackson, Serong, Brayshaw
I/C: Darcy, Young, Erasmus, Banfield, Fyfe (sub)
Gold Coast
The Suns are set to regain star recruit Daniel Rioli from his late-season knee injury in what will be a big boost for Damien Hardwick's premiership prospects.
Riolo could come into the side in place of recent debutant Lachie Gulbin or veteran Alex Sexton, with Hardwick potentially shuffling his stocks around.
Inaugural Sun David Swallow is another in the mix, with the former Pick 1 selection deserving of a September chance.
He could slot into the sub role, promoting Sam Flanders back onto the field alongside Rioli.
Ins: Rioli, Swallow
Outs: Gulbin, Sexton
FB: Collins, Andrew, Powell
HB: Rioli, Uwland, Noble
C: Fiorini, Rowell, Weller
HF: Budarick, Ainsworth, Miller
FF: King, Farrar, Long
FO: Witts, Adams, Anderson
I/C: Davies, Read, Flanders, Jeffrey, Swallow (sub)
