Adelaide is twice boosted for their return to the AFL finals while Collingwood makes two selection gambles heading into Thursday night’s qualifying final.
The Magpies have dropped Dan McStay, who missed the 2023 flag through a knee injury before working his way back from an ACL rupture in late 2024. He has played 18 games this year but is replaced by Mason Cox, for just his ninth appearance of the season.
Coach Craig McRae has then opted for Wil Parker, who will play just his ninth AFL game, in defence to replace injured star veteran Jeremy Howe.
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In contrast the minor premiers will regain Max Michalanney and Luke Pedlar from hamstring injuries.
Last year’s top draft pick Sid Draper is omitted along with Billy Dowling for the Crows’ first AFL post-season appearance since the 2017 Grand Final.
Josh Rachele is expected to return for the Crows’ second final, whether that’s a semi or prelim, and take the place of Izak Rankine who is suspended for three more games due to his use of a homophobic slur in the Crows’ last meeting with Collingwood.
The rest of the Week 1 Finals teams will be announced Thursday 6:20pm.
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WEEK 1 FINALS TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEST)
[1] ADELAIDE CROWS vs [4] COLLINGWOOD
First Qualifying Final
Thursday September 4, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval
CROWS
B: J.Worrell, M.Keane, R.Laird
HB: W.Milera, N.Murray, M.Michalanney
C: I.Cumming, J.Dawson, D.Curtin
HF: B.Keays, R.Thilthorpe, A.Neal-Bullen
F: Z.Taylor, T.Walker, D.Fogarty
FOLL: R.O’Brien, S.Berry, J.Soligo
I/C: B.Smith, L.Pedlar, J.Peatling, M.Hinge, H.Bond
EMG: C.Burgess, J.Butts, B.Dowling
In: M.Michalanney, L.Pedlar
Out: B.Dowling, S.Draper (both omitted)
MAGPIES
B: B.Frampton, D.Moore – C, B.Maynard
HB: H.Perryman, J.Daicos, W.Parker
C: J.Crisp, N.Long, S.Sidebottom
HF: J.De Goey, T.Membrey, B.McCreery
F: J.Elliott, B.Mihocek, L.Schultz
FOLL: D.Cameron, S.Pendlebury, N.Daicos
I/C: P.Lipinski, I.Quaynor, D.Houston, R.Steele, M.Cox
EMG: T.Mitchell, D.McStay, E.Allan
In: W.Parker, M.Cox
Out: J.Howe (Injured), D.McStay (Omitted)
[2] GEELONG vs [3] BRISBANE LIONS
Second Qualifying Final
Friday September 5, 7:40pm at the MCG
CATS
TBA Thursday evening
LIONS
TBA Thursday evening
[5] GWS GIANTS vs [8] HAWTHORN
First Elimination Final
Saturday September 6, 3:15pm at ENGIE Stadium
GIANTS
TBA Thursday evening
HAWKS
TBA Thursday evening
[6] FREMANTLE vs [7] GOLD COAST SUNS
Second Elimination Final
Saturday September 6, 7:35pm at Optus Stadium
DOCKERS
TBA Thursday evening
SUNS
TBA Thursday evening