Another curveball has been thrown the way of GWS’ selection panel, as a key cog failed to finish Tuesday’s main training.

In Victoria, there’s a watch on Magpies star Jordan De Goey after a training incident sent a scare through the club.

Meanwhile, his tall teammate is set to receive a surprise call-up, while a forward passed his fitness test and will play on Thursday night. AFL Team Tips!

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FINALS WEEK 1 — QUALIFYING AND ELIMINATION FINALS (All times AEST)

First Qualifying Final, Thursday September 4

[1st] Adelaide Crows vs [4th] Collingwood (7.40pm) at Adelaide Oval

Crows’ Round 24 team:

B: J.Worrell, M.Keane, H.Bond

HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, R.Laird

C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson (c), D.Curtin

HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen

F: S.Draper, T.Walker, D.Fogarty

FOLL: R.O’Brien, S.Berry, J.Soligo

I/C: J.Peatling, Z.Taylor, M.Hinge, B.Dowling, B.Smith (sub)

EMG: C.Burgess, L.Murphy, L.Nankervis

Team Tips: Utility Brayden Cook has staked his claim for a qualifying final recall to play Collingwood, dominating in the SANFL side’s narrow finals loss at the weekend. Cook booted six goals — including a couple of absolute pearlers — from 23 possessions and six marks. The 23-year-old has played three senior matches this year, the most recent of which came in Round 21 against Hawthorn. A call-up could come at the expense of Billy Dowling or Sid Draper. Teammate Harry Schoenberg kicked a major from 29 disposals and had six clearances. The Crows last week confirmed that defender Max Michalanney (hamstring) and forward Luke Pedlar (hamstring) would be fit to reclaim their place and play against Collingwood, with the former a walk-up starter. In that case, Hugh Bond — while he’s barely put a foot wrong — appears most vulnerable as a like-for-like swap. Adelaide has ruled out any Josh Rachele comeback this Thursday night, but the livewire will return for their next finals clash — whether it be next week or in a fortnight’s time. Should he make an unlikely comeback against Collingwood, though, Draper could be in danger at selection. Veteran flanker Brodie Smith played well enough to end the home-and-away campaign to keep his role as the sub, while Dowling did his chances of keeping his place in the side no harm against the Kangaroos in Round 24. Lockdown defender Jordon Butts remains on the outer and played in the SANFL final on Sunday.

Magpies’ Round 24 team:

B: B.Maynard, D.Moore (c), J.Howe

HB: H.Perryman, J.Daicos, I.Quaynor

C: S.Sidebottom, J.Crisp, P.Lipinski

HF: J.De Goey, T.Membrey, L.Schultz

F: J.Elliott, D.McStay, B.McCreery

FOLL: D.Cameron, N.Long, N.Daicos

I/C: D.Houston, S.Pendlebury, B.Frampton, B.Mihocek, R.Steele (sub)

EMG: W.Parker, E.Allan, M.Cox

Team Tips: A scare was sent through Collingwood training on Tuesday after star Jordan De Goey was left sore from an awkward tackle. De Goey, who’s played just nine games this year amid Achilles issues, picked up a lower leg injury concern before making his way to the boundary line. Fox Sports cameras captured the moment at Olympic Park, as De Goey went to ground awkwardly in an Isaac Quaynor tackle — grabbing at his lower left leg and grimacing. “De Goey went down halfway through training today; he suffered an injury to his left leg … (it’s) one to watch,” Fox Sports News’ Steph Clarkson reported from Collingwood headquarters. Speedy front-half weapon Beau McCreery will play against the Crows, McRae confirmed on Tuesday, overcoming the foot issue he sustained against Melbourne in Round 24. Meanwhile, Seven’s Xander McGuire reported the Pies are set to make a surprise call and include Mason Cox for Thursday night’s blockbuster, with Daniel McStay expected to come out of the side. Cox, who’s played twice at senior level since Round 11, would be a left-field inclusion to add some height and combat Adelaide’s stout pairing of Josh Worrell and Mark Keane.

As for fellow livewire forward Bobby Hill, who’s played just one senior match since Round 15 and was absent from training on Tuesday, Ralph confirmed he wouldn’t play against Adelaide. “He’s still some way from senior football, even though he has been sparking at training in the last 10 days,” he told Fox Footy on Monday night. “There has been some progress. Some senior Indigenous figures across the AFL have been speaking to him recently, they’ve reported that there are some encouraging signs … but let’s face it, he’s only banked a couple of sessions in a row, he would probably need a couple of weeks of full training before the fitness staff tell Craig McRae he’s ready to go.” Meanwhile, crucial intercept defender Jeremy Howe is two-to-three weeks away with his groin injury, leaving preliminary final weekend as the earliest potential return. Fringe midfielder Ed Allan, who was dropped for the Melbourne game, had 24 disposals and a goal in the VFL Pies’ wildcard round loss to Williamstown a week ago. Wil Parker, who was also omitted for Round 24, was an emergency alongside Allan and veteran tall Mason Cox. Tom Mitchell and Will Hoskin-Elliott also remain on the outer, but Roan Steele’s senior spot certainly isn’t set in stone after he was named the sub against Melbourne in Round 24.

Garner injured in Record-Breaking win | 01:23

Second Qualifying Final, Friday September 5

[2nd] Geelong vs [3rd] Brisbane Lions (7.40pm) at the MCG

Cats’ Round 24 team:

B: J.Henry, S.De Koning, C.O’Sullivan

HB: Z.Guthrie, T.Stewart, L.Humphries

C: M.Blicavs, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey

HF: B.Close, S.Mannagh, G.Miers

F: P.Dangerfield (c), J.Cameron, T.Stengle

FOLL: R.Stanley, T.Atkins, B.Smith

I/C: J.Bews, J.Martin, O.Mullin, J.Bowes, M.Knevitt (sub)

EMG: J.Clark, T.Clohesy

Team Tips: Geelong has maintained a clean bill of health for the entirety of the season — with just young ruckman Toby Conway currently on the injury list — thus it goes into a qualifying final blockbuster against recent finals rival Brisbane in a very strong position. Utility Mark O’Connor was a late withdrawal from the Round 24 win over Richmond due to a leg concern and could return in favour of Jed Bews if he’s deemed fit. With a gruelling September campaign on the horizon, there’s plenty of experience Chris Scott can call on if he desires, with Mitch Duncan, Jake Kolodjashnij and Cam Guthrie all waiting in the wings, while mercurial forward Ollie Henry booted two goals from six scoring shots in the Cats’ last VFL contest. Key forward Shannon Neale will return after his one-match suspension, potentially at Mitch Knevitt’s expense, but otherwise, there shouldn’t be many changes coming at selection.

Lions’ Round 24 team:

B: D.Zorko, D.Gardiner, R.Lester

HB: D.Wilmot, H.Andrews (c), B.Starcevich

C: J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, B.Reville

HF: C.Cameron, S.Day, Z.Bailey

F: C.Rayner, L.Morris, C.Ah Chee

FOLL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, W.Ashcroft

I/C: K.Lohmann, L.Ashcroft, S.Marshall, T.Gallop, J.Tunstill (sub)

EMG: L.Beecken, D.Joyce, O.McInerney

Team Tips: Superstar Lachie Neale has recovered from his quad injury and will be recalled to play Geelong at the MCG. Similarly, midfield teammate Jarrod Berry will also come back in to play the Cats after being given more time to recover from his shoulder issue. Key forward Eric Hipwood is another big name to potentially return in September but is likely still one or two weeks away with his calf injury. Young key forward Ty Gallop looks likely to keep his spot in the meantime, despite beingsubbed out tactically against the Hawks in Round 24. James Tunstill, who was the sub against Hawthorn last Sunday, likely makes way for Berry — having suited up to play in Saturday’s VFL elimination final — while youngster Sam Marshall seems likely to be the unlucky man to make way for Neale. Veteran ruck Oscar McInerney did his chances of a finals recall no harm in the VFL win over Richmond — totalling 26 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal to go with 14 hitouts — but he still seems an outside chance of ousting first-choice counterpart Darcy Fort. Fellow fringe Lion Conor McKenna was impactful as a forward-half weapon, booting four goals from 16 disposals.

Neale & Berry firming in bid to return | 01:04

First Elimination Final, Saturday September 6

[5th] GWS Giants vs [8th] Hawthorn (3.15pm) at ENGIE Stadium

Giants’ Round 24 team:

B: C.Idun, S.Taylor, H.Himmelberg

HB: L.Whitfield, L.Aleer, L.Ash

C: X.O’Halloran, S.Coniglio, R.Angwin

HF: T.Bedford, A.Cadman, D.Jones

F: T.Greene (c), J.Riccardi, C.Brown

FOLL: K.Briggs, F.Callaghan, T.Green

I/C: H.Thomas, M.Gruzewski, J.Fonti, H.Rowston, J.Wehr (sub)

EMG: N.Madden, B.Daniels, J.Leake

Team Tips: There’s a bit to unpack here, with the Giants potentially set to welcome back as many as six senior players for their huge clash with the Hawks. GWS didn’t risk star defender Jack Buckley against the Saints in Round 24, and perhaps somewhat concerningly, didn’t take part in training on Tuesday — instead given until Thursday to prove his fitness and calf injury. If Buckley’s fit, Leek Aleer shapes as the corresponding omission. At the other end of the ground, Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan is readying himself to be available as he navigates a foot issue that’s kept him out of the past three games. Meanwhile, forward-half X-factor Jake Stringer will hope to be available after being impacted once again by a hamstring issue. Former skipper Stephen Coniglio is expected to graduate through concussion protocols in time to play this Saturday if preferred. Interestingly, Brent Daniels, who’s 2025 campaign has constantly been hindered by injury, was named an emergency for the St Kilda game. The centre-forward livewire put his best foot forward in the VFL Giants’ wildcard round loss to Richmond a week ago, collecting 29 disposals and winning nine clearances — a game-high. In another curveball though, 10 News’ Daniel Garb reported that while Daniels failed to get through Tuesday’s training, the club still considers him a “decent” chance of playing. And Josh Kelly, too, shapes to be available for selection after recovering from a calf injury. In terms of unlucky corresponding omissions, the likes of Harvey Thomas, Max Gruzewski, Jacob Wehr, Ryan Angwin and Harry Rowston could be in danger at selection.

Hogan ‘good to go’ vs. Hawks | 00:52

Hawks’ Round 24 team:

B: J.Battle, T.Barrass, B.Hardwick

HB: J.Impey, J.Sicily (c), J.Scrimshaw

C: K.Amon, J.Worpel, D.Moore

HF: M.D’Ambrosio, M.Chol, N.Watson

F: J.Gunston, M.Lewis, C.Macdonald

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe, J.Ward

I/C: C.Jiath, C.Nash, J.Ginnivan, C.Dear, L.Breust (sub)

EMG: C.Mackenzie, J.Serong, N.Reeves

Team Tips: Speedy rebounder Josh Weddle made another promising stride in his bid to return for next Saturday’s elimination final against the Giants following his back stress fracture by getting through Box Hill’s qualifying final unscathed on Saturday. Weddle recorded 12 disposals, four marks and two tackles in his limited time on ground. The 21-year-old hasn’t played since Round 16, and if he does return — which is the way things appear to be trending — it could well come at the expense of Changkuoth Jiath. Fringe midfielder Cam Mackenzie, who was a part of Hawthorn’s extended Round 24 squad, totalled 20 possessions and nine clearances. Elsewhere, Harry Morrison should be available to return after missing Rounds 22 and 23 with a quad strain.

Dons make it three-on-the-trot | 01:43

Second Elimination Final, Saturday September 6

[6th] Fremantle vs [7th] Hawthorn (7.35pm) at Optus Stadium

Dockers’ Round 24 team:

B: L.Ryan, B.Cox, A.Pearce (c)

HB: H.Chapman, K.Worner, J.Clark

C: J.O’Meara, H.Young, C.Wagner

HF: S.Switkowski, P.Voss, S.Bolton

F: L.Jackson, J.Treacy, M.Frederick

FOLL: S.Darcy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C: M.Reid, J.Amiss, N.Erasmus, B.Banfield, N.Fyfe (sub)

EMG: N.O’Driscoll, O.McDonald, B.Walker

Team Tips: Crucially, star midfielder Hayden Young got through the Round 24 win over the Bulldogs unscathed after recovering from his groin complaint. Corey Wagner’s season is over after a pectoral tear, while livewire Sam Switkowski will be a test after copping a knock to his knee. Otherwise, Fremantle appears unlikely to make unforced changes going into their home elimination final clash with Gold Coast. Nathan O’Driscoll was the unlucky omission to make way for Young in Round 24, while there’s no reason why Nat Fyfe won’t continue in his sub role — unless Justin Longmuir opts for more experience come finals time. O’Driscoll, Matthew Johnson and Jeremy Sharp figure to be among the names in selection calculations to replace Wagner, while Brandon Walker was an emergency for the Bulldogs clash.

Suns’ Round 24 team:

B: W.Powell, B.Uwland, S.Collins

HB: J.Noble, M.Andrew, D.Rioli

C: L.Weller, M.Rowell, B.Fiorini

HF: T.Miller, B.Ainsworth, B.Humphrey

F: B.Long, E.Read, B.King

FOLL: J.Witts, A.Davies, N.Anderson (c)

I/C: S.Flanders, C.Budarick, J.Jeffrey, J.Farrar, J.Rogers (sub)

EMG: N.Moyle, L.Gulbin, O.Adams

Team Tips: Dashing rebounder Daniel Rioli crucially got through against Essendon in Round 24 after returning from his leg fracture. Exciting hybrid Bailey Humphrey and young forward Jake Rogers also returned against the Bombers, while Will Graham (shoulder) could be available for selection for the first week of finals. Developing key forward Jed Walter remains on the outside looking in. Ned Moyle, Lachie Gulbin and Oscar Adams were the emergencies against the Bombers after Gulbin, Adams and Alex Sexton were all omitted after the Port Adelaide loss in Round 23.