Then there were four! The Swans, Dockers, Lions and Hawks are all that remain in season 2026 and this week we will find out who will become our grand finalists. 

Brisbane and Fremantle both made their most of their second chance last start, with the Dockers seeing off the Cats, while the Lions sent Tex Walker into an early retirement last week to move within one game of a fourth straight final. 

Sydney and Hawthorn have had a week off, so their legs won’t be as heavy as their opponents, but can they make their rest advantage count?

We’ll find out when the Swans host the Dockers on Friday night at the SCG and the Hawks welcome the Lions to the G on Saturday.

Big matches require big plays from big players, but just who is primed to shine this weekend?

Below are a few players to keep an eye on during the Prelims, as well some betting tips that might be worth chucking in a multi.  

Best AFL Players to Add to Your Multi – Preliminary Finals 

Zac Bailey – Brisbane Lions 

Versatile midfielder/forward Zac Bailey turned in a massive showing last week against the Crows and looks set to do the same again here.

Fresh off signing a monster 8-year extension, we imagine Bailey will be looking to take every chance to show he’s worth the Lions investment and get on the ball as often as possible. 

He’s been spending plenty of time at CBC so he should be able to clear the 21.5 disposal line that has been attached to him ahead of this one. 

Bailey has averaged 23.2 disposals across his last five games and has kicked 2+ goals in four of Brisbane's last five Finals matches.

Betting tip: Zac Bailey over 21.5 disposals. 

Mason Cox – Fremantle Dockers

If you’re looking for big players, they don’t come much bigger than Mason Cox. The American ex-pat stands at a whopping 6’ 11’ and he’s one to watch this week for everyone hunting a bit of value in the goalscoring markets.

At the moment he’s paying 3.00 to kick a goal at any time, not a price you can normally find for a forward.

He kicked one last week against the Cats and has form against this particular opponent, putting one through against Sydney in Round 18. 

Betting tip: Mason Cox anytime goal. 

Jordan Clark – Fremantle Dockers 

The final player to watch during the Prelims in another Docker. Jordan Clark is having a great run when it comes to disposals, having averaged 26 on the dot across his last five outings.

He also loves to get to work when the sun goes down and has recorded 25+ disposals in each of Fremantle's last three night matches.

The floodlights will well and truly on for this one, so he should make for a great leg for any potential multis. 

Betting tip: Jordan Clark 25+ disposals. 

*Odds are subject to change.