AFL: Port wait on key midfielder ahead of Cats showdown

Port Adelaide and Geelong will get finals underway when they clash in the first qualifying final on Thursday night.

A place in the Preliminary Final is up for grabs, while the loser will get a second bite of the cherry in the semi-finals.

Following a strong end to the regular season, Port are priced at 5.50 to go on and win the 2024 AFL grand final, while Geelong can be backed at 8.00.

The last two games between the two sides have been super close, with no more than 12 points in it, and we could be in for another close one on Thursday night.

The Power will be hoping a packed Adelaide Oval will swing the game their way, but Geelong will hold no fear and are capable of getting the job done.

Port are also waiting to see if star midfielder Zak Butters will get the nod to play.

. What: Port Adelaide v Geelong
. Where: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
. When: 19:40 (AEST), Thursday 5th September
. How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo, Channel 7
. Odds: Port Adelaide 1.50, Geelong 2.60

Power cool Butters fears

Port Adelaide have played down fears over the condition of gun midfielder Zac Butters, who is battling with an eye infection.

The All-Australian star has been a revelation for the Power this season, and will be key to their chances of going deep into finals.

Butters is priced at 2.15 to collect 30+ disposals against Geelong, and club officials are confident he will be passed fit to play.

Todd Marshall is hoping to return after missing the last two games with a concussion, but there is no Kane Farrell, who has been ruled out of finals with a hamstring injury.

Port have a double shot after finishing second on the ladder, and will be keen to avoid a repeat of 2023, when they suffered consecutive losses.

Confidence should be high after winning the last five games on the bounce, while they beat Geelong by 38 points the last time they met in Adelaide.

Ken Hinkley’s men can be backed at 8.00 to win by 37-48 points on this occasion as well.

Geelong handed massive boost

Geelong have been handed a big boost with the news Sam De Koning is set to return to the side following injury.

The 23-year-old has been missing for the last month following a knee injury, but after impressing in the VFL, is ready to return.

The Cats also hope to have gun forward Tom Hawkins available following a foot injury.

Fellow forward Jeremy Cameron is a definite starter though and he can be backed at 9.00 to boot the first goal of the game.

Geelong will be out for revenge after losing to the Power on home soil in Round 9 this season.

There was only six points in it, but now they face a sterner test when trying to pick up a win at the Adelaide Oval.

It will be a tall order, but they can be backed at 6.00 to win a tight game by 1-12 points.