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?

Fremantle

Second ruck

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 09: Mason Cox of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the round 18 AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium, on July 09, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 09: Mason Cox of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the round 18 AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium, on July 09, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

It is hard to find a weakness for a Fremantle side which has been virtually all-conquering this year, but the second ruck position is one to watch.

With Sean Darcy having not played since Round 17, the Dockers are seemingly all in on Mason Cox, who offers more than Darcy with his marking around the ground - but Darcy's hot form at state league level means the conversation around who should support Luke Jackson won't go away.

Cox, it should be said, is a proven September performer - but if he has a quiet game and Fremantle lose, will the Dockers blink?

Darcy adds aggression and physicality, particularly important in contest-heavy finals.

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