The final grid has been locked in - the four games to start the 2024 AFL finals campaign set. After a weekend to refresh, it will be down to action. Here’s what you need to know.

Game time: Thursday, September 5, 7.40pm (AEST). Adelaide Oval.

This season: Round 9: Port Adelaide 15.11 (101) defeated Geelong 14.11 (95) at GMHBA Stadium.

Bad night: Tom Hawkins had what he had hoped would be a night of celebration defused by the Power in round nine. Will he return from injury in time for the finals?Credit: Getty Images

The lowdown: The Power slammed through eight first-quarter goals and led by as much as 49 points in the second term, before the Cats surged home and almost pinched victory on a night Tom Hawkins equalled Joel Selwood’s club games record. Power skipper Connor Rozee was among four injury-enforced changes that night, but stand-in skipper Zak Butters, Ollie Wines and Willie Rioli were superb. As was Jason Horne-Francis in the first half, before Jeremy Cameron, Zach Guthrie and Tyson Stengle almost dragged the Cats over the line. While the Power rejoiced on that cold May night, the clubs have split their past six games.

What now: The Cats are sweating on Tom Stewart’s fitness, the star playmaker was subbed off with a tight hamstring against the Eagles. The Cats insist the five-time All Australian will be right to play. Chris Scott’s men have been difficult to read at times, but they have the arsenal to claim a second flag within three years. However, much will depend upon Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron and Stewart, who may face a hard tag. The Cats know how to get things done at this time of the year. Will they pull the trigger on Tom Hawkins? Time will tell. The Power head into a qualifying final with great belief. While this may be the most mentally fortified team Ken Hinkley has had, their historical inability to get the job done in September means public confidence isn’t high. Rozee and Horne-Francis are blue-chip stars, but can the Power really cover for the suspended Dan Houston, arguably the league’s best half-back? We’ll see.

Early tip: Cats by 11 points.

Game........

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