Snapshot of round 23 in the AFL.

THEY SAID IT: “We have just got to make sure now that, without getting anxious and too uptight about it, we prepare this week like our life depends on it.” – Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson urges his side to step up for finals.

STATS THAT MATTER: In the past five years Geelong have won three flags and played in another grand final. Saturday night’s opponents Fremantle have made just one finals series in that time, in 2010, which ended with a thrashing from the Cats.

MAN OF THE ROUND: Collingwood forward Travis Cloke took 16 marks and kicked 5.4 against Essendon on Saturday night in a much-needed return to top form ahead of the finals.

KEY MOMENT: Port Adelaide captain Domenic Cassisi squeezed through a snapped behind with 19 seconds left to produce the season’s first draw, against Richmond, after Tiger Jack Riewoldt wrapped up the Coleman Medal.

TALKING POINT: Might Collingwood star Dane Swan’s team-imposed suspension for rounds 20 and 21 end up costing him back-to-back Brownlow Medals? He was in a superb run of form beforehand and would most likely have again been in the votes on Saturday night.

TRIBUNAL WATCH: Heath Grundy (Syd) will face scrutiny for a forearm to the face of Geelong’s James Podsiadly. Paul Chapman (Geel) will be looked at for a high forearm on Sydney’s Ben McGlynn. Steve Johnson (Geel) could also receive MRP attention for an off-the-ball bump to the midriff of Sydney’s Daniel Hannebery. Campbell Brown (GC) was reported for a high front-on bump on Adelaide’s Aidan Riley. Stephen Milne (St K) and Andrew Walker (Carl) are on report for wrestling each other.

KEY INJURIES: Luke McPharlin (Freo, hamstring), Brent Guerra (Haw, hamstring), Josh Kennedy (WC, ankle), Tyson Goldsack (Coll, ankle), Jack Gunston (Haw, ankle).

UNDER PRESSURE: Sydney have lost three of their past four games and will be underdogs in Saturday’s qualifying final against Adelaide. Having spent a lot of time on top of the ladder this season, they will want to produce when it counts.