At last, finals footy in the glorious month of September has arrived.
Every moment in every game from here on becomes high stakes, as eight clubs throw everything at the stumps to become the premiers for 2018.
The first game takes place on Thursday night, with two Melbourne heavyweights doing battle in front of an expected ninety-plus thousand crowd at the MCG.
The heavy favourites to not only get the job done on Thursday night, but go all the way, are the minor premiers Richmond.
They are on an incredible winning streak at the 'G, not having lost at the home of footy since Round 13 last year.
Their high tackling-pressure, bees-to-a-honey-pot style of play seems to draw its energy from the large and vocal support they get when playing at the hallowed ground.
And with the reigning Brownlow and newly-crowned Coleman medalist in their line-up (Dustin Martin and Jack Reiwoldt respectively), the Tigers have more than enough firepower to win and win big.
They face the Hawks, who have surprised many in AFL circles with how quickly they have regenerated.
Hawthorn won the flag in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
A 12th-placed finish last year coupled with the loss of several premiership stars marked the start of a rebuilding phase for the Hawks in 2018.
However, Alastair Clarkson has worked wonders, with his side winning their last six games to secure a top four finish.
This is no longer a club in rebuild, but a team that has the talent to go all the way.
While a number of the Hawks are inexperienced, they still have multiple premiership players including the likes of Isaac Smith, Paul Puopolo and Jarryd Roughead amongst their ranks.
And with midfield ball-magnet Tom Mitchell a shoo-in to win this year's Brownlow, there is more than enough quality for Hawthorn to pull off an upset.
Kane Lambert (Tigers, likely) James Frawley (Hawks, likely), James Sicily (Hawks, likely)
None
A very high chance of showers and even a storm in Melbourne. This wet weather will likely mean a low-scoring affair.
AFL Stats in Focus
Hawthorn are a team that like to keep their hands on the footy, racking up the uncontested possessions with short and accurate kicks to team mates in space.
This style looks like the best way to beat the Tigers at the 'G.
The Bulldogs in Round 23 and the Cats in Round 20 were the two closest teams to achieve this feat, and they did it by dominating the uncontested possession numbers.
The Dogs were +48 and the Cats were +53, with their ability to keep the ball away from Richmond bringing them within a whisker of victory.
The Hawks will look to repeat the dose here.
Key AFL Stat
The Tigers have won 24 consecutive matches in Melbourne: Richmond to win head-to-head @ $1.42
AFL Betting Tip: Hawthorn to cover the +15.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: With a style that suits as well as points set to be at a premium with the wet weather, expect the Hawks to keep it tight.
Sep 06, 2018 12:57 PM
AAP
Kane Lambert (Tigers, likely) James Frawley (Hawks, likely), James Sicily (Hawks, likely)
None
A very high chance of showers and even a storm in Melbourne. This wet weather will likely mean a low-scoring affair.
AFL Stats in Focus
AFL Betting Tip: Hawthorn to cover the +15.5 point line @ $1.92
