{"id":90167,"date":"2026-09-01T10:56:39","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T00:56:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=90167"},"modified":"2026-09-01T10:56:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T00:56:45","slug":"2026-afl-finals-week-1-tips-predictions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/09\/2026-afl-finals-week-1-tips-predictions\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 AFL Finals Week 1 Tips &amp; Predictions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The first week of Finals is about to begin, with the Blues and Dogs punching their tickets following respective Wildcard wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A packed house is expected for Thursday&#8217;s first Qualifying Final between minor premiers Fremantle and the visiting Hawks, before the first Elimination Final on Friday night between the well-rested Cats and a Carlton outfit hoping to keep the good times rolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lions head to Sydney with a selection headache to address ahead of Saturday&#8217;s QF clash with the Swans, while the Adelaide Oval is the final stop for the loser of Crows v Dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Who moves on and who goes home? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Best bets, tips, and predictions for a mammoth Week 1 of Finals below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"AFL Unpopular Opinions: Sky&#039;s The Limit\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9p5S3bzfZOg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fremantle vs Hawthorn Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n<style><\/style><div data-league=\"AFL\" data-event=\"champion-129910201-60-80\" data-market=\"null\" data-sport=\"australian_rules\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner wp-block-entain-sport-takeover-banner-block_93d9a47df997aeb674b1881dc55d1646 sport-data\">    <section class=\"sport-takeover-banner__wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"origin-banner__inner\">\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__details\">\n                <!-- Change data-countdown-to to your event date\/time. -->\n                <div\n                    class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown\"\n                    data-countdown-to=\"2026-09-03T10:10:00Z\"\n                    aria-label=\"Event countdown\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\" data-days-wrapper>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-days>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Days<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-hours>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Hours<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-minutes>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Mins<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-seconds>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Secs<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"sport-takeover-banner__title\">AFL<\/h3>\n                <p class=\"sport-takeover-banner__meta\">Optus Stadium &bull; Thursday 3rd Sep<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams\">\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--one\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-hawthorn\/ac99cfcb-8c5a-46b5-a42c-7a83e38db698\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#fremantle\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Fremantle <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-hawthorn\/ac99cfcb-8c5a-46b5-a42c-7a83e38db698\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$1.42<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams__vs\">vs<\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--two\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-hawthorn\/ac99cfcb-8c5a-46b5-a42c-7a83e38db698\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#hawthorn\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Hawthorn <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-hawthorn\/ac99cfcb-8c5a-46b5-a42c-7a83e38db698\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$2.85<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__disclaimer\">AFL odds correct as of 01\/09\/2026 and subject to change. <\/div>\n            \n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"entain-block teams-tip-block hoverable\">\n  <div class=\"teams-tip-header\">\n    <div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta\">\n      <!--div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta__inner\"-->\n        <div class=\"team-vs-team\" style=\"display:flex\">\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260821a#fremantle-dockers\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n          <div style=\"display:flex; flex-direction:row; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center; align-items:center; text-align:center; column-gap:5px; font-weight: 700\">\n            <div class=\"team_1\" style=\"flex-direction:column;\">Fremantle<\/div>\n            <div class=\"versus\" style=\"font-weight:normal;font-style:italic;\">vs<\/div>\n            <div class=\"team_2\">Hawthorn<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"info\">Thursday 3rd September 2026 8:10 PM (Optus Stadium)<\/div>\n                                              <\/div>\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260821a#hawthorn-hawks\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <!--\/div -->\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      <div class='teams-tip-content'>\n      <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A\u00a0sold out\u00a0Optus Stadium will greet the Dockers and Hawks for the first game of the finals on Thursday night.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hawthorn\u2019s form entering September is questionable to say the least, but they might find some comfort in the fact they just kicked 16 goals against West Coast on this same ground on a fortnight earlier.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Obviously, this Dockers team poses a much\u00a0sterner\u00a0test however, and no one knows that better than Hawthorn coach, Sam Mitchell.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Hawks lost by 14 points when they met Freo back in Round 9, a game that swung in the balance across all four quarters with\u00a0Hawthorn\u00a0notably leading by three goals at the main break.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As they did that night (and all season) Fremantle showed they only need one or two good quarters to put opponents away, and with rested legs and\u00a0the likes of Jye Amiss returning to the forward line, it\u2019s easy to side with the Dockers in this one.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The battle between the\u00a0mids\u00a0will be fascinating with Jack Ginnivan also back for the Hawks, but for a forward line that has sputtered over the last four weeks, the Hawks will need to be almost\u00a0perfect in front of goal to pull off the upset.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Freo limited Mitchell\u2019s men to just 42 inside 50 entries in that\u00a0previous\u00a0meeting. With Nick Watson running hot and cold week to week, and plenty of pressure around Mabior Chol and Mitch Lewis to lift their game, the Dockers\u2019 back half should have the final say here.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Prediction:<\/strong> Fremantle 1-39\u00a0@\u00a0$2.10<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Value:<\/strong> Fremantle to Win &amp; Under 164.5 Total Points\u00a0@\u00a0$2.65<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Player Pick:<\/strong> Karl Amon 20+ Disposals\u00a0@\u00a0$2.10<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n        <div class=\"teams-tip-button\">\t\t\t\n          <a class=\"track-me btn-standard bet-now-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/australian-rules\/afl\/fremantle-vs-hawthorn\/ac99cfcb-8c5a-46b5-a42c-7a83e38db698\" target=\"_blank\" \n          data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"bet now button\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"ac99cfcb-8c5a-46b5-a42c-7a83e38db698\" data-tr-event-id=\"ac99cfcb-8c5a-46b5-a42c-7a83e38db698\"  \n          >Bet Now<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Geelong Cats vs Carlton Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n<style><\/style><div data-league=\"AFL\" data-event=\"champion-129910203-70-30\" data-market=\"null\" data-sport=\"australian_rules\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner wp-block-entain-sport-takeover-banner-block_88649cdf21023347338b7832feb587c7 sport-data\">    <section class=\"sport-takeover-banner__wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"origin-banner__inner\">\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__details\">\n                <!-- Change data-countdown-to to your event date\/time. -->\n                <div\n                    class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown\"\n                    data-countdown-to=\"2026-09-04T09:40:00Z\"\n                    aria-label=\"Event countdown\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\" data-days-wrapper>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-days>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Days<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-hours>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Hours<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-minutes>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Mins<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-seconds>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Secs<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"sport-takeover-banner__title\">AFL<\/h3>\n                <p class=\"sport-takeover-banner__meta\">MCG &bull; Friday 4th Sep<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams\">\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--one\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/geelong-cats-vs-carlton\/5e8ccee6-2522-4d7e-80bf-e2ffc26107bb\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#geelong-cats\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Geelong Cats <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/geelong-cats-vs-carlton\/5e8ccee6-2522-4d7e-80bf-e2ffc26107bb\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$1.64<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams__vs\">vs<\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--two\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/geelong-cats-vs-carlton\/5e8ccee6-2522-4d7e-80bf-e2ffc26107bb\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#carlton\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Carlton <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/geelong-cats-vs-carlton\/5e8ccee6-2522-4d7e-80bf-e2ffc26107bb\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$2.25<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__disclaimer\">AFL odds correct as of 01\/09\/2026 and subject to change. <\/div>\n            \n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"entain-block teams-tip-block hoverable\">\n  <div class=\"teams-tip-header\">\n    <div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta\">\n      <!--div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta__inner\"-->\n        <div class=\"team-vs-team\" style=\"display:flex\">\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260821a#geelong-cats\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n          <div style=\"display:flex; flex-direction:row; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center; align-items:center; text-align:center; column-gap:5px; font-weight: 700\">\n            <div class=\"team_1\" style=\"flex-direction:column;\">Geelong Cats<\/div>\n            <div class=\"versus\" style=\"font-weight:normal;font-style:italic;\">vs<\/div>\n            <div class=\"team_2\">Carlton<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"info\">Friday 4th September 2026 7:40 PM (MCG)<\/div>\n                                              <\/div>\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260821a#carlton-fc\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <!--\/div -->\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      <div class='teams-tip-content'>\n      <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cats coach Chris Scott has had an extra week to prepare for this clash, which is\u00a0typically when he does his best work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s\u00a0the potentially\u00a0big news on the injury front with both Max Holmes and James\u00a0Worpel\u00a0a chance at returning,\u00a0while the Blues are sweating Will Hayward\u2019s fitness\u00a0throughout the week.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Facing a battle-tested Geelong side in the finals is a tough ask for anyone, but the Blues will be high on confidence following last week\u2019s dramatic win over Melbourne.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jagga Smith and Sam Walsh shone bright in the 19-point win, alongside brilliant individual efforts from key role players like Ollie Hollands and\u00a0Ben Ainsworth.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At the same time, the Blues trailed by three goals at quarter time, which is becoming\u00a0something\u00a0of a trend after surrendering an early margin to Fremantle\u00a0the previous week.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Taking nothing away from their\u00a0fairytale\u00a0season,\u00a0but\u00a0you could argue the Blues\u00a0benefited\u00a0from an off night in front of goal from the likes of Kozzie Pickett,\u00a0not to mention their struggles winning the ball out of the ruck.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Cats, meanwhile,\u00a0have\u00a0enjoyed\u00a0an easy run with games against the Tigers, North, and Essendon over the last month, so this does\u00a0shape as\u00a0a step\u00a0up in terms of class.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On the plus side though, they lost by four to the Blues earlier in the season where they also dominated the hit-outs and moved the ball from their defensive half with relative ease.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In what is something of a revenge game, the edge belongs to last year\u2019s Grand Final\u00a0runner-ups, but\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0be surprised if the Blues keep it close and go down swinging.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Prediction:<\/strong> Carlton to Cover (+6.5 Points)\u00a0@\u00a0$1.90<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Value:<\/strong> Geelong 1-39\u00a0@\u00a0$2.20<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Player Pick:<\/strong> Tom Stewart 25+ Disposals\u00a0@\u00a0$2.90<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n        <div class=\"teams-tip-button\">\t\t\t\n          <a class=\"track-me btn-standard bet-now-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/australian-rules\/afl\/geelong-cats-vs-carlton\/5e8ccee6-2522-4d7e-80bf-e2ffc26107bb\" target=\"_blank\" \n          data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"bet now button\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"5e8ccee6-2522-4d7e-80bf-e2ffc26107bb\" data-tr-event-id=\"5e8ccee6-2522-4d7e-80bf-e2ffc26107bb\"  \n          >Bet Now<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions<\/h2>\n\n\n<style><\/style><div data-league=\"AFL\" data-event=\"champion-129910202-160-20\" data-market=\"null\" data-sport=\"australian_rules\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner wp-block-entain-sport-takeover-banner-block_f86f69c27e5071b08836720be6a8eb4d sport-data\">    <section class=\"sport-takeover-banner__wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"origin-banner__inner\">\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__details\">\n                <!-- Change data-countdown-to to your event date\/time. -->\n                <div\n                    class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown\"\n                    data-countdown-to=\"2026-09-05T05:15:00Z\"\n                    aria-label=\"Event countdown\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\" data-days-wrapper>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-days>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Days<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-hours>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Hours<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-minutes>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Mins<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-seconds>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Secs<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"sport-takeover-banner__title\">AFL<\/h3>\n                <p class=\"sport-takeover-banner__meta\">SCG &bull; Saturday 5th Sep<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams\">\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--one\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/sydney-swans-vs-brisbane-lions\/bae6980a-884d-4686-8aff-3270bf768b5d\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#sydney-swans\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Sydney Swans <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/sydney-swans-vs-brisbane-lions\/bae6980a-884d-4686-8aff-3270bf768b5d\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$4.00<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams__vs\">vs<\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--two\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/sydney-swans-vs-brisbane-lions\/bae6980a-884d-4686-8aff-3270bf768b5d\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#brisbane-lions\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Brisbane Lions <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/sydney-swans-vs-brisbane-lions\/bae6980a-884d-4686-8aff-3270bf768b5d\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$1.25<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__disclaimer\">AFL odds correct as of 01\/09\/2026 and subject to change. <\/div>\n            \n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"entain-block teams-tip-block hoverable\">\n  <div class=\"teams-tip-header\">\n    <div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta\">\n      <!--div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta__inner\"-->\n        <div class=\"team-vs-team\" style=\"display:flex\">\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260821a#sydney-swans\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n          <div style=\"display:flex; flex-direction:row; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center; align-items:center; text-align:center; column-gap:5px; font-weight: 700\">\n            <div class=\"team_1\" style=\"flex-direction:column;\">Sydney Swans<\/div>\n            <div class=\"versus\" style=\"font-weight:normal;font-style:italic;\">vs<\/div>\n            <div class=\"team_2\">Brisbane Lions<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"info\">Saturday 5th September 2026 3:15 PM (SCG)<\/div>\n                                              <\/div>\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260821a#brisbane-lions\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <!--\/div -->\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      <div class='teams-tip-content'>\n      <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Lions head back to the SCG on Saturday, the site of a\u00a044 point\u00a0drubbing at the hands of the Swans way back in Round 1.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0back to back\u00a0premiers had their revenge at the Gabba in late June when they ran out winners by\u00a0a very similar\u00a0margin, setting up a fascinating rubber match with team selections at the forefront of\u00a0everyone\u2019s\u00a0mind.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hugh McCluggage is fit and ready to return to Brisbane\u2019s midfield, but who\u00a0misses out\u00a0ahead of Team List Thursday will be fascinating with names like Oscar Allen, Darcy Fort, and Jarrod Berry potentially on the chopping block.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With top line talent missing, the Swans are also in for a potential boost with Justin McInerney and Joel Amartey both a chance at lacing the\u00a0boots up\u00a0off long injury stints.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For a pick, the Swans\u00a0winning\u00a0and\u00a0maybe making\u00a0it as far as the Grand Final would go down as one of the greatest stories in footy. But when you stop and look at Brisbane\u2019s recent three-game winning streak,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0obvious the Lions have clicked into top gear with\u00a0demoralising\u00a0victories over Hawthorn, Gold Coast, and Collingwood.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The goals have been\u00a0flowing\u00a0and it\u00a0hasn\u2019t\u00a0been just one guy piling on the points, with All-Australians Logan Morris and Zac Bailey, plus Charlie Cameron and even Eric Hipwood enjoying the spoils.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Down back, Harris Andrews has returned to career-best form, not to mention Will Ashcroft, who is said to have a chip on his shoulder after\u00a0missing out on\u00a0AA\u00a0selection\u00a0last week.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All up, the Swans still have the pieces to make a game of this, but the Lions\u2019 depth and talent\u00a0looks\u00a0too much.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Prediction:<\/strong> Lions to Cover (-25.5 Points)\u00a0@\u00a0$1.90<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Value:<\/strong> Lions 40+\u00a0@\u00a0$2.55<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Player Pick:<\/strong> Will Ashcroft 35+ Disposals\u00a0@\u00a0$2.95<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n        <div class=\"teams-tip-button\">\t\t\t\n          <a class=\"track-me btn-standard bet-now-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/australian-rules\/afl\/sydney-swans-vs-brisbane-lions\/bae6980a-884d-4686-8aff-3270bf768b5d\" target=\"_blank\" \n          data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"bet now button\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"bae6980a-884d-4686-8aff-3270bf768b5d\" data-tr-event-id=\"bae6980a-884d-4686-8aff-3270bf768b5d\"  \n          >Bet Now<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n<style><\/style><div data-league=\"AFL\" data-event=\"champion-129910204-10-140\" data-market=\"null\" data-sport=\"australian_rules\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner wp-block-entain-sport-takeover-banner-block_180aa75c8ddbe9fee27f095fde993df8 sport-data\">    <section class=\"sport-takeover-banner__wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"origin-banner__inner\">\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__details\">\n                <!-- Change data-countdown-to to your event date\/time. -->\n                <div\n                    class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown\"\n                    data-countdown-to=\"2026-09-05T09:35:00Z\"\n                    aria-label=\"Event countdown\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\" data-days-wrapper>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-days>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Days<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-hours>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Hours<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-minutes>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Mins<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-seconds>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Secs<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"sport-takeover-banner__title\">AFL<\/h3>\n                <p class=\"sport-takeover-banner__meta\">Adelaide Oval &bull; Saturday 5th Sep<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams\">\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--one\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/adelaide-crows-vs-western-bulldogs\/9e32bb6d-7955-4c9c-b6ac-84aeaa165dee\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#adelaide-crows\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Adelaide Crows <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/adelaide-crows-vs-western-bulldogs\/9e32bb6d-7955-4c9c-b6ac-84aeaa165dee\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$1.45<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams__vs\">vs<\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--two\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/adelaide-crows-vs-western-bulldogs\/9e32bb6d-7955-4c9c-b6ac-84aeaa165dee\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#western-bulldogs\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Western Bulldogs <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/adelaide-crows-vs-western-bulldogs\/9e32bb6d-7955-4c9c-b6ac-84aeaa165dee\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$2.75<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__disclaimer\">AFL odds correct as of 01\/09\/2026 and subject to change. <\/div>\n            \n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"entain-block teams-tip-block hoverable\">\n  <div class=\"teams-tip-header\">\n    <div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta\">\n      <!--div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta__inner\"-->\n        <div class=\"team-vs-team\" style=\"display:flex\">\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260821a#adelaide-crows\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n          <div style=\"display:flex; flex-direction:row; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center; align-items:center; text-align:center; column-gap:5px; font-weight: 700\">\n            <div class=\"team_1\" style=\"flex-direction:column;\">Adelaide Crows<\/div>\n            <div class=\"versus\" style=\"font-weight:normal;font-style:italic;\">vs<\/div>\n            <div class=\"team_2\">Western Bulldogs<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"info\">Saturday 5th September 2026 7:35 PM (Adelaide Oval)<\/div>\n                                              <\/div>\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260821a#western-bulldogs\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <!--\/div -->\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      <div class='teams-tip-content'>\n      <p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As far as finals dark horses go, the Dogs\u00a0just about tick\u00a0all the boxes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Downing the Pies in Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom\u2019s final game in black and white is a\u00a0scalp\u00a0all on its own, but\u00a0the way Luke Beveridge\u2019s forward line functioned\u00a0must\u00a0have fans of the Kennel excited.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A healthy Cody Weightman and Aaron Naughton\u00a0(who may be in doubt\u00a0this week\u00a0with a hamstring)\u00a0were always the keys to success with Sam Darcy missing, but it helps knowing you can fall back on\u00a0arguably the best player\u00a0in\u00a0the competition, Marcus Bontempelli.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Dogs\u2019 crisp ball movement and ability to launch the ball forward after dominating the clearances makes them the most impressive and dangerous team to\u00a0emerge\u00a0from the Wildcard Round, at least in my opinion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They will be a serious handful for a Crows side that has dark horse claims themselves,\u00a0especially if Adelaide shows up playing the same brand of\u00a0high pressure\u00a0footy that\u00a0they\u2019ve\u00a0become known for across the year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The retiring\u00a0Taylor Walker arrives in good nick after booting a bag in the final game of the regular season against the Giants, while\u00a0Callum Ah Chee is a handy replacement for the injured Zac Taylor.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Dogs were great last week, but keep in mind they could have lost that game if Tim Membrey kicked straight on the siren.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With question marks still on their back line \u2013 a flaw the Crows exposed when they kicked 19 goals against the Dogs in Round 14 \u2013 this could be where the Dogs season\u00a0comes to a close.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Prediction:<\/strong> Crows to Cover the Line (-13.5 Points)\u00a0@\u00a0$1.90<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Value:<\/strong> Crows to Win &amp; Over 167.5 Total Points\u00a0@\u00a0$2.70<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Player Pick:<\/strong> Josh Rachele 2+ Goals\u00a0@\u00a0$2.20<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n        <div class=\"teams-tip-button\">\t\t\t\n          <a class=\"track-me btn-standard bet-now-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/australian-rules\/afl\/adelaide-crows-vs-western-bulldogs\/9e32bb6d-7955-4c9c-b6ac-84aeaa165dee\" target=\"_blank\" \n          data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"bet now button\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"9e32bb6d-7955-4c9c-b6ac-84aeaa165dee\" data-tr-event-id=\"9e32bb6d-7955-4c9c-b6ac-84aeaa165dee\"  \n          >Bet Now<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first week of Finals is about to begin, with the Blues and Dogs punching their tickets following respective Wildcard wins. A packed house is expected for Thursday&#8217;s first Qualifying Final between minor premiers Fremantle and the visiting Hawks, before the first Elimination Final on Friday night between the well-rested Cats and a Carlton outfit hoping to keep the good times rolling. The Lions head to Sydney with a selection headache to address ahead of Saturday&#8217;s QF clash with the Swans, while the Adelaide Oval is the final stop for the loser of Crows v Dogs. Who moves on and&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":90169,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[33],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-90167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-australian-rules","tag-afl-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"01\/09\/2026","event_country":"Australia"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90167","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=90167"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90167\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":90172,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/90167\/revisions\/90172"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/90169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=90167"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=90167"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=90167"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=90167"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}