September has officially arrived, and every team remaining will naturally have optimism.
Fremantle appears to be the clear front-runner for the flag; Brisbane's experience holds it in good stead, and Hawthorn and Geelong are among the challengers.
So what does every club need to focus on?
Geelong
Maximising Ollie Dempsey
This is a different one compared to the other sides which focus on weaknesses. No side has such a significant advantage on the wing as the Cats with Ollie Dempsey, who runs goalpost to goalpost and hits the scoreboard regularly.
Shaping the ball in a way that allows him to get involved is something they have done well throughout the home and away season, but maintaining that through finals will be critical.
Players have less time with the ball and their decision-making needs to be certain to allow his offensive weapons and ball movement to shine.
He averaged 20 disposals and kicked 30 goals in 2026, his first All-Australian season and is particularly damaging late in quarters and games as his aerobic capacity comes to the fore.
In a taxing September battle, he's one who could rise.
