(all start times AEST)

FRIDAY, Sept 15

2nd semi-final

Geelong v Sydney at the MCG, 7.50pm

The Cats are in trouble after Richmond overran them in the last quarter of their qualifying final. Not only are Cam Guthrie and Jack Kolodjnashij most likely out with calf muscle injuries, but they have only won two out of nine finals since their 2011 premiership. Sydney dominated their round-20 clash at Simonds Stadium, winning by 46 points. And then there’s the matter of last year’s preliminary final, when the Swans tore Geelong apart with seven goals to none in the first quarter. Geelong and the Swans have played at the MCG three times – all finals, all Swans’ wins. The Swans have lost only twice since their 0-6 start to the season. Star forward Lance Franklin was hobbled with a corked thigh in their elimination final win over Essendon, but he is expected to play against the Cats.

SATURDAY, Sept 16

1st semi-final

GWS v West Coast at Spotless Stadium, 7.25pm

One tip for the Giants – this better not be close. First the Eagles scraped into the finals on percentage, thanks to two goals in the last five minutes of round 23. Then West Coast reached the semis with a goal after the extra-time siren to Luke Shuey against Port Adelaide in their elimination final. While the Eagles suddenly are the cardiac kings, the Giants are in trouble. Adelaide opened the finals with a dominating qualifying final win over GWS, who only kicked six goals in the wet. The Giants also lost key forward Jeremy Cameron to a hamstring injury. But coach Leon Cameron says they can fix their problems quickly, with most of the damage against the Crows coming in a goalless second quarter. GWS should win this, but the Eagles have belief.

FRIDAY, Sept 22

1st preliminary final

Adelaide v Geelong or Sydney, at Adelaide Oval, 7.50pm

The Crows have lost defender Brodie Smith to a knee reconstruction, but regain vice-captain Rory Sloane. Since their 1998 premiership, Adelaide have lost four preliminary finals – 2002 v Collingwood, 2005 and 2006 v West Coast and 2012 v Hawthorn.

SATURDAY, Sept 23

2nd preliminary final

Richmond v GWS or at the MCG, 7.50pm

As every Tigers fans knows only too well, this is their first preliminary final since they lost to Brisbane in 2001. Richmond have a clean bill of health after their qualilfying final win over Geelong.

SATURDAY, Sept 30

AFL grand final, 2.30pm