By Peter Ryan
Essendon will kick off the 2019 finals series with a daunting Thursday night elimination final assignment in Perth against reigning premiers West Coast, while Richmond have secured a double chance and a qualifying final against Brisbane at the Gabba.
ELIMINATION FINAL 1
West Coast v Essendon, Optus Stadium, Thursday September 5, 8.10pm
Last time: Round 14: West Coast defeated Essendon by 35 points at Perth Stadium.
At selection: Essendon hope Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Orazio Fantasia and Jake Stringer will play but Michael Hurley is a serious concern after dislocating his shoulder in round 23. For the Eagles Nic Naitanui is only a chance if they go deep into finals.
Hair-raising action: Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell takes a grab against West Coast in round 14.Credit: AAP
Finals history: Played 5 Essendon 5 West Coast 0
Last time: The Bombers defeated West Coast in the 2002 elimination final when Essendon coach John Worsfold was in his first season as Eagles coach.
The lowdown: West Coast blew the chance to finish top four by losing their last two games, but they be confident of bouncing back against the inconsistent Bombers, who are not only depleted but struggled to handle them in round 14 when they went down by 34 points.
QUALIFYING FINAL 1
Geelong v Collingwood, MCG, Friday September 6, 7.50pm
Last time: Round 1: Geelong 10.12 (72) defeated Collingwood 9.11 (65) MCG.
At selection: Geelong expect Tom Atkins to be available after hand surgery while Jordan Clark will return from an elbow injury via the VFL in the pre-finals bye. Mitch Duncan's shoulder concern is minimal. The Magpies need to ascertain the extent of Darcy Moore's hamstring injury before deciding whether to risk him, and expect Jordan DeGoey, Steele Sidebottom and Jaidyn Stephenson to return.
Up and about: Geelong's Tim Kelly has been in electrifying form in 2019, while Brodie Grundy is likely to give the Pies and edge in the ruck.Credit: AAP
Finals history: Played 23 Geelong 12 Collingwood 11
Last time: Geelong beat the Magpies in the 2011 Grand Final having played each other in three preliminary finals between 2007-2010.
The lowdown: Geelong will be primed but the poor recent finals record raises the pressure, while the Magpies will look to take advantage of their edge in the ruck.
ELIMINATION FINAL 2
Greater Western Sydney v Western Bulldogs, Giants Stadium, Saturday September 7, 3.20pm
Last time: Round 22: Western Bulldogs 19.12 (126) defeated Greater Western Sydney 9.11 (65)
At selection: Tory Dickson is a chance to return for the first final but it's unlikely the Bulldogs will make many changes, a contrast to when they last played finals in 2016.
Goal sneak: Toby Greene kicks a goal during the round-one match against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra.Credit: AAP
Finals history: Western Bulldogs 1 Greater Western Sydney 0.
Last time: The teams played one of the modern classics in the 2016 preliminary final with the Bulldogs winning a thriller by six points.
The lowdown: The Bulldogs have momentum and will be hard to stop but the return of Jeremy Cameron to the Giants team that lost in round 22 will be handy. Turning around the 10-goal loss of a fortnight ago will be a huge opportunity for Leon Cameron to stamp his coaching credentials.
QUALIFYING FINAL 2
Brisbane Lions v Richmond, Gabba, Saturday September 7, 7.25pm
Last time: Round 23: Richmond 12.10 (82) defeated the Brisbane Lions 8.7 (55) MCG.
At selection: Alex Rance and Jack Higgins are out for the season. Ruckman Toby Nankervis has continued to battle a groin injury and Sydney Stack is unlikely to return from an ankle injury.
Copping a spray: Ivan Soldo sweats it out for Richmond against Brisbane's Stefan Martin.Credit: AAP
Finals history: Played 1 Brisbane Lions 1 Richmond 0
Last time: The Lions thumped the Tigers at the Gabba by 68 points in the 2001 preliminary final.
The lowdown: The Lions head into their first final for 10 years with a chance to automatically qualify for a preliminary final at home, while the Tigers have experience gained in the past two finals series. It's youthful spirit versus hardened competitor.