Every year, there are X-Factors for the best teams come finals time, and as we enter the last stretch of the home and away season, it is no better time for these players to start gaining form.
Take a look at the top nine teams' potential X-Factor players heading into September...
Daniel Houston seems to be one who could be a very big X-Factor for the top of the table pies.
The back-to-back All-Australian was seen as one of the top recruits in the offseason, but he has yet to show that level of football consistently, with a drop from 23 disposals per game to 17.
He has found it hard to find his role along that backline, especially with Josh Daicos playing in that distributor position that Houston has excelled in.
There's no denying that the Collingwood backman is a rare talent with his kicking ability. If Houston can find his form, Collingwood would essentially add another All-Australian level player heading into September.
Collingwood also has star Jordan De Goey set to return, who has also been an X-Factor for the Pies throughout the years, while Beau McCreery and Bobby Hill could be seen as one for that role.
