How the Hawks handle favouritism? Have the Giants been defeated mentally? What is Port's response? Here's the big question each AFL semifinalist must answer this weekend.
Brisbane
vs. GWS, Giants Stadium
Can the Lions overcome their inaccuracy woes?
We might be starting to sound like a broken record, but the efficiency of the Lions inside forward 50 really will make or break their September campaign. In six of their last seven games Brisbane has finished with more behinds than goals on the board. It's a worrying trend, and in a tight final, perhaps this one against the Giants, could be the reason why they ultimately come up short. In the win over the Blues, the Lions kicked 15 behinds and missed three further shots, with eight different players responsible for missing. They need to take these chances, particularly against a GWS outfit that is one of the competition's most efficient in front of the big sticks.
GWS
vs. Brisbane, Giants Stadium
Have the Giants been defeated mentally?
Midway through the final quarter at the SCG, GWS had all but sewn up a home preliminary final. Adam Kingsley's side led their cross-town rival by the better part of four goals and appeared to have full control of the game. Then came the brilliance of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, and Tom Papley, and in the blink of an eye that advantage turned into a deficit, soon their fate confirmed. Suffering such a heartbreaking loss will sting immensely, but the Giants need to brush it off and focus on the task at hand this week: a Brisbane outfit that eased past the Blues. That's easier said than done, however, and it's only natural the players and coaches will be dwelling on the 'what ifs' of Saturday afternoon's epic qualifying final.
Hawthorn
vs. Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
How does favouritism sit with these Hawks?
Hawthorn has passed every test in 2024 with flying colours and after Friday night's crushing of the Western Bulldogs now loom as a genuine premiership chance. The Hawks started that elimination final as the outsider, but this week, against a Port Adelaide side that was humiliated by Geelong on their home deck are the team expected to win. Bookmakers installed the Hawks as a $1.59 favourite, with a Port win paying $2.36. That's a foreign position to be in. Hawthorn hasn't won a game in September it started favourite in since the 2015 Grand Final against the Eagles some nine years ago. Will the pressure of expectation get to them or will it be yet another challenge they are up for?
READ: Confidence, baby: How the Hawks turned 2024 around
Port Adelaide
vs. Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval
Can Port bounce back from one of its worst losses ... ever?
Port Adelaide has suffered losses with greater margins and losses when they felt near certainties to win, but Thursday night's utter capitulation against the Cats, at home, might well be the worst in history, certainly the worst under Ken Hinkley. The Power were smashed all over the ground, finishing the night -80 in disposals, -75 in uncontested possessions, -27 in marks, -15 in marks inside 50, and -20 in shots at goal. It was a totally embarrassing performance and one the playing group will be desperate to make amends for. But can they? The last time Port lost by 80+ points, Round 22, 2019, they bounced back the following week with a 43-point win. Plus, Port became the 12th qualifying final side this century to lose by 50+ points. All 11 prior teams won the next week. It's not going to be easy against the red-hot Hawks, and we'll likely know in the opening minutes if they're up for the challenge.
Former coach Rodney Eade says Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is squeezing the best out of his side, and if the club decides to replace him, they likely won't be as competitive.