THE WILDCARDS OF THE AFL FINALISTS
* RICHMOND: DANIEL RIOLI. His cousin Cyril and late great uncle Maurice are renowned as September specialists and the 21-year-old forward has already produced on the biggest stages – a four-goal haul in last year’s preliminary final. Defensive pressure is his calling card but also possesses freakish skills.
* WEST COAST: JACK DARLING. Was in the form of his life earlier this season before being cut down by an ankle injury. The sticky-fingered forward has two four-goal returns in the past four matches, but was goal-less in the others. Which Darling will front in September: game-changer or passenger?
* COLLINGWOOD: ADAM TRELOAR. The midfielder hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring tear in round 14 but was averaging 31 disposals a game until then. Can he slot straight back in and produce his game-breaking best? If so, has the talent to be a September star.
* HAWTHORN: JAMES SICILY. Missed the past six matches because of a broken wrist but was in All-Australian form prior to his injury, averaging 24 disposals and eight marks. Boasts incredible intercept marking ability and is an assured user of the ball who launches many attacks from his defensive station.
* MELBOURNE: JACK VINEY. Just seven games this season and hasn’t been sighted since round 16 because of a foot injury. Now fit again, the co-captain offers a bullocking hard-edge in the midfield and invaluable on-field leadership. Like other wildcards, the question is: can he immediately return with influence?
* SYDNEY: DAN HANNEBERY. Poor season by his stellar standards, averaging 18 disposals a game – his lowest output by some margin since his debut season. But few would bet against the rumoured trade target of Victorian clubs, who has immense big-game experience (21 finals), from ending his slump in September.
* GWS: TOBY GREENE. Has played just seven games in an injury-plagued season and returns to the finals after missing the last three matches because of a hamstring strain. Has the mercurial ability and goalscoring nous to inspire his side and presents a troublesome match-up for any opponent.
* GEELONG: GARY ABLETT: Returned to Geelong for this sole purpose: to play finals. Averaging 29 disposals a game this season and retains incredible skills and match-swinging ability. If the 34-year-old can wind back the clock and produce his magical best, the Cats are a scary September proposition.