Anticipation is building in the Brisbane and Collingwood camps, as players eagerly await selection ahead of the 2023 AFL Grand Final.
Injury and poor form could mean heartbreak for several players, while others race against the clock to prove their fitness.
Both teams will look to play their strongest, fittest sides in the season finale.
The Sporting News has all the latest AFL team selection news.
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Collingwood vs Brisbane teams - AFL Grand Final
Collingwood enters the grand final week with two big question marks: who is going to replace forward Dan McStay, and can they overcome the loss of vice-captain Taylor Adams?
For Brisbane, it's a race against time for defensive staple Jack Payne.
Who replaces Dan McStay, Taylor Adams?
It's a tragic story for McStay, who has contributed four valuable goals (the most of any Magpie) in the 2023 finals series.
A medial collateral ligament strain means that the 28-year-old key forward won't meet his old side Brisbane on the grand final day, leaving Collingwood in search of a replacement.
Tall utility Billy Frampton has played in 15 games this season and has been a trusted backup under coach Craig McRae.
If Collingwood were to shift Jeremy Howe forward, Frampton could be placed back, or alternatively, added in as the tall attacking option himself.
Magpies veteran Adams is experiencing his own grand final heartbreak, with additional hamstring concerns ruling him out of the big dance.
With Nick Daicos replacing the midfielder-forward last week, there are no immediate holes for McRae to fix.
Still, it could be a lifeline for John Noble, who has been left out of Collingwood's finals series after playing 83 consecutive games for the club.
The dashing half back faces a battle with fan-favourite Jack Ginnivan for the side's tactical substitute slot.
Brisbane's Jack Payne in fitness race
Payne is ramping up training in a bid to return from an ankle injury which ruled him out of last week's preliminary final.
The Lions got by with Darcy Gardiner playing a key role on Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow last week, suggesting Payne will need to reach full fitness before selection.
The 23-year-old backman completed Tuesday's training and will test on Thursday ahead of team announcements.
J.J. Liston Trophy winner Jarryd Lyons was the substitute for Brisbane against Carlton, coming on only in the dying moments to manage a single touch.
There's no question Lyons is the best available player in the Lions reserve, but is he the best choice for the role?
Forward Jack Gunston is available for selection, while Gardiner could be kept on as a key position substitute if Payne is to return.
