Wildcard Weekend was a cracker with the Blues and Dogs advancing and Collingwood and Melbourne heading on vacation.

In The Huddle, success and misery with the Blues covering the 5.5 was eventually a tick whilst Lachie Schultz's good record against the Dogs meant nothing as he went scoreless on Friday evening.

Now, we get stuck into the "real" finals, with just eight clubs remaining we have two massive qualifying finals and two intense eliminators.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our expert AFL tips and predictions for finals week two below or see our AFL Premiership power rankings.

Fremantle Dockers vs Hawthorn Hawks - Qualifying Final Tips

Thursday, September 3, 8:10pm AEST - Optus Stadium, Perth

Round Nine saw these two go at it in Perth with the Dockers eventually coming up trumps.

The early part of the game was dominated by Hawthorn with Jack Gunston going bonkers against Luke Ryan. From there, Freo took charge and Wharfie Time arrived. The Dockers had 28 scoring shots to just 12 for the Hawks, indicating the dominance after halftime.

Luke Jackson looks primed to run and gun opposed to Lloyd Meek whilst Serong, Brayshaw, Reid, Bolton and Young are a handful for Hawthorn's on-ball group. The Hawks mid group is good, but not great.

Barrass, Sicily and Battle will need to be on song against Voss, Treacy and Amiss with the Dockers monsters kicking 153 goals across the season. The Hawks back six has been immense for most of the season but their form has tapered, especially when the opposition are managing dangerous entries.

Jackson feels like a match-winner and we know that the forward half is capable. Shai Bolton will need attention whilst I expect Hayden Young to tag Newcombe or Day around the contest.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 13 points.

Betting tip: Luke Jackson 21+ disposals.

Geelong Cats vs Carlton Blues - Elimination Final Tips

Friday, September 4, 7:40pm AEST - MCG, Melbourne

Despite some of the Blues woes in recent seasons and Geelong's continued successes, Carlton have the superior head-to-head record between these two.

Carlton have won the last three against the Cats including this season's contest in Round 12. That was a four point victory for the men in Navy Blue. Sam Walsh had 30 with seven clearances whilst Cripps chimed in with 30 and a goal, too. Will Hayward's three snags were handy so his health will be paramount going in.

Carlton won the clearance clash by 13 but did lose some key stats elsewhere. The Blues have been able to test Geelong around the footy in contested possession and clearance. Without Max Holmes, that'll be an issue again.

Cooper Lord's job on Pickett last week was superb. Seems likely they'll send him to Bailey Smith this week.

Oisin Mullin meanwhile likely heads to Sammy Walsh after he hammered Melbourne last week.

How about Jezza Cameron though? 47 career goals in 14 games against the Blues is a hot record, but does he spend enough time inside fifty this week? He kicked 4.3 in Round 12. His last handful against the Blues have seen him kick four, four, three and five.

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Cats by 14 points.

Betting tip: Geelong Cats -8.5.

Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions - Qualifying Final Tips

Saturday, September 5, 3:15pm AEST - SCG, Sydney

The Swans needed a break and now they've been able to have one after the circus and drama of the past two weeks.

Now, though, they get a date with the rampaging Lions. Minus Blakey, Heeney and Warner things will be anything but easy. With Errol Gulden left to fight the fight in the middle, it's likely Chris Fagan sends Jarrod Berry his way.

With plenty on the line earlier this season, the Lions went bang. Brisbane won by 43 points in a stunning display when the Swans were at full strength. That's one that could impact this game.

Dean Cox will need to inspire his crew and make them believe. We know the Lions believe and you'd think they'll be booking in yet another Preliminary Final.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 30 points.

Betting tip: Logan Morris 3+ goals.

Adelaide Crows vs Western Bulldogs - Elimination Final Tips

Saturday, September 5, 7:05pm ACST / 7:35pm AEST - Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

The Dogs were very good last week against Collingwood despite needing a Tim Membrey miss to get them into an Elimination Final.

They won clearance and forward entry by 19 each, dominated CB clearance and had 44 more disposals. They led for 113 minutes and would've been heartbroken coughing that one up.

Now they jet to Adelaide and face the rested - but under pressure - Crows in a collision that could have major ramifications. The heat is on Adelaide after back-to-back defeats on home soil last season.

The Dogs went to Adelaide and rolled the Crows by a goal with Baker and Freijah the unlikely heroes. Then, Adelaide came to Marvel Stadium and smashed the Dogs early and never gave them a look. The Round 14 clash saw Rachele boot four goals, Dawson and Thilthorpe kicked three each in the opening term whilst the skipper also had 32 touches.

Matt Kennedy tagged Dawson in Round 14 - unsuccessfully - but he will miss with concussion this week. A blow when Libba is already missing.

Thilthorpe has kicked 11 goals from his last three against the Western Doggies and will get a nice match-up inside fifty again. As will Walker and Fogarty. They may hold the key.

Head-to-head prediction: Adelaide Crows by 26 points.

Betting tip: Adelaide Crows -15.5.

Odds are subject to change.*