The top X-Factors for the top nine teams as we head towards the finals

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... Collingwood Magpies 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. Adelaide Crows Crows forward Ben Keays seems to have X-Factor written all over him as they look to make a deep finals run. The running machine has so far had an amazing season up forward. Averaging 17 disposals and over one goal per game. Keays' impact on the team with his forward pressure, ability to hit the scoreboard, and the never-give-up attitude is important to what the Crows are doing. Keays seems like the player to have a three-to four-goal haul with great pressure in a potential qualifying or preliminary final for the Crows. Other pressure forwards, such as Josh Rachele and recruit Alex Neal-Bullen, could also be seen as ones to ignite the crowd in an important finals game. Brisbane Lions Kai Lohmann could be one X-Factor for the reigning premiers come September, just like he was last year. After an injury-riddled start to the year, Lohmann hasn't had the consistency or impact he may have wanted to go into the year, but he can change that come September. He was an X-Factor for the Lions last year as he kicked nine goals in their four games, including four in their Grand Final win. If he can start to get back into form soon, he can have another great finals series for the Lions. Young star forwards Cameron Rayner and Zac Bailey are also two obvious choices to be an X-Factor as they both have the potential to be the best player in a crucial finals win. Geelong Cats Tall forward Shannon Neale seems primed to be a potential X-Factor for the Cats as they potentially head to another top-four finish. Last year, the 23-year-old was a 'no-show' in Geelong's preliminary final as he was ranked as one of their worst players who played. If Neale can play some of his better football, it would be hard not to see the Cats make another Grand Final push. Neale, who is averaging over a goal a game, has proven to be someone who could be a presence down forward. His marking ability and goal-kicking can be seen as Geelong's biggest X-Factor. Young Gun Oliver Dempsey could also be seen as an X-Factor along that wing, as he can provide some dash with his defensive efforts while also hitting the scoreboard on the other end. Hawthorn Hawks Sparky forward Nick Watson is an X-Factor for the Hawks heading into their final home and away games. The 'Wizard' was an X-Factor last year in his two finals games as he was the Hawks' top goal scorer in both games. This year is no different; Watson's game suits the way finals are played with his insanely great defensive pressure in his forward 50. If he can hit the scoreboard like he did last year, there is no reason why he wouldn't be the Hawks' X-Factor. His running mates, Jack Ginnivan and Connor MacDonald, could also prove to have the same impact as Watson if Hawthorn make it to September. GWS Giants Big-time recruit Jake Stringer seems to be the difference in some of the Giants' big wins, which could see him becoming their X-Factor for the run home. Stringer has always had X-Factor potential, and that is why the Giants got him in the offseason. He had a rough start to the season, but he has now been a pivotal player in the Giants' six-game win streak. He has booted 10 goals in the past three games, as it seems like he is now starting to play his best football this year. Former captain Stephen Coniglio and Brent Daniels could be potential X-Factors if healthy and striding into form. While young forward Aaron Cadman can also prove to have some big moments in crucial games. Fremantle Dockers Silky Midfielder Hayden Young is going to be an X-Factor for the Dockers if they are to make a deep run in September. Young, who has only just played his fifth game of the season, is an instrumental part of the Dockers' midfield and ball movement. If he can provide his best while being healthy during finals, he may be their most impactful player due to Serong and Brayshaw gaining a lot of attention. He can pick apart the other team's defence with his kicking and also go forward and hit the scoreboard. Shai Bolton is also another obvious choice with his raw talent, as he can go for a 20-disposal and three-goal game at any time, while fan favourite Patrick Voss can prove to be an X-Factor with his contagious energy. Gold Coast Suns Young forward Bailey Humphrey looks destined to be a player for the big stage. The half-forward who also spends some time in the midfield is averaging 16 touches per game with his one goal this season. He is someone who can break open a finals game with his raw skill and strength. He could potentially have a game where he has close to 20 disposals and a couple of goals. Humphrey can be the difference for Gold Coast in their potential first finals series. Premiership recruit Daniel Rioli can also be an X-Factor with his run and dash off half back once back from injury, while forward Ben Long can kick a bag of goals in an important game at some stage. Western Bulldogs Young star Joel Freijah is X-Factor potential if the Bulldogs make a push for the top eight. In his second season, Freijah has been a shining light for the Dogs, as he has been referred to as the 'Mini Bont'. He has been averaging 19 touches with close to a goal a game. He can be inconsistent at times, as he is a young player, but if he can find his best form going into the final stretch of the season, he could be the Western Bulldogs' big X-Factor player. Small forward Rhylee West, who has also had an amazing season, can be seen as a player who can help score some goals alongside Darcy and Naughton. His pressure and impact on the scoreboard could be crucial for the Dogs.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	GC	3	3	0	12	191
2	WB	3	3	0	12	137.2
3	SYD	3	2	1	8	139.5
4	HAW	3	2	1	8	118.1
5	FRE	2	1	1	4	121.1
6	NMFC	2	1	1	4	116.3
7	PORT	2	1	1	4	109.3
8	ADEL	2	1	1	4	104.6
9	COLL	2	1	1	4	98.7
10	STK	3	1	2	4	92.3

The top X-Factors for the top nine teams as we head towards the finals

Have a look at the potential X-Factors that could push your team into a deep September run👇

8Gold Coast Suns

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