Star that ‘can turn a GF’; big trades ready to pay off — Every AFL finalist’s wildcard

The top eight is now set as all roads lead to September.

And finals have been littered with big wildcard performances over the years. So who’s going to step up this post-season and separate a final?

The Herald Sun team in this week’s edition of Midweek Tackle’s digital-0nly show, Tackle the Headline, identified who they think will be each finalists’ wildcard.

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ADELAIDE CROWS

Josh Rachele

Glenn McFarlane says: “Hopefully he will available for next week’s game. We know he’s a fire starter, we want him back, he’ll be outstanding. I think he’s the guy to watch, he’ll get better if he gets deeper into September. He can turn a grand final I reckon, he’s got that in him.”

Izak Rankine

Jon Ralph says: “Collingwood had 30 extra inside 50s, they’re really confident they will beat Adelaide. Then Adelaide would have a home semi-final and win the hard way. Then Rankine comes out and becomes the Norm Smith medallist.”

GEELONG

Jack Martin

Jon Ralph says: “Saw him at the start of the year training well. Those who knew well said he often played at Carlton when he is not fit and not ready and that (Geelong) would just park him until he is cherry ripe. They have done that, they have timed it to the letter. All he needs is a couple of big finals and he becomes the ultimate Geelong wildcard, which he couldn’t be at Gold Coast or Carlton.”

Glenn McFarlane says: “I think it’s a good one, Gryan Miers maybe. But that’d be outstanding, Jack Martin. What a story that would be.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Jack Martin of the Cats kicks a goal during the round 24 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 23, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

BRISBANE LIONS

Darcy Wilmot

Jon Ralph says: “He’s a loose unit ... he’s been fantastic, I just think he’s the kind of bloke in multiple finals who can set up. He’s amazing defensively and offensively, he’s the perfect finals half back flanker.”

COLLINGWOOD

Beau McCreery

Glenn McFarlane says: “No Bobby Hill, so I’m chips on in on Beau McCreery. He’s the player they need. It’s easy to say Jordan De Goey, he’s feeling really good. But I just think McCreery can turn a game in a heartbeat with a chase-down tackle, with a run and a burst through half-forward. He’s the man for me for Collingwood.”

GWS GIANTS

Darcy Jones

Jon Ralph says: “They need some heroics. I think the kid with the lid, Darcy Jones, is someone who’s going to absolutely have to dominate. Given we know Jake Stringer is a bit uncertain with his hamstring ... they’re a great top-end midfield, but they get done for depth. They need players like Brent Daniels to come back and round out that compliment. He’s had an adductor tendon issue since Round 14, so it’s going to be really hard to win four finals. But I think (Daniels) is an X-factor for them and a finals wildcard.”

FREMANTLE

Sam Switkowski

Glenn McFarlane says: “Fremantle is really hopeful (he’ll play despite a knee concern). He’s almost my favourite player, I’ve talked him up for a long time ... the bottom line is he is the fire starter for Fremantle, he is absolutely the heart and soul for that team. If his body holds up, which I really expect it will, he can play a massive role. Deeply loved within the walls of the Fremantle footy club. I think if he plays he’s going to be outstanding ... he is as tough as nails, he’ll get out there if he can possibly do it. I think everyone is pretty confident at Freemantle he’ll get up. Fingers crossed, he’s a star.”

HAWTHORN

Tom Barrass

Glenn McFarlane says: “We can change his name to Brian Lake, because he could be the man in that sense to produce in a grand final. He could be outstanding in a finals campaign.”

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: Jack Ginnivan of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 24 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Gabba on August 24, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Jack Ginnivan

Jon Ralph says: “It’s the Mooney Valley kid for me. Outstanding form, good on the left, good on the right, high-possession winner. Sam Mitchell dropped him and he’s got the right response. So I think Ginnivan across multiple finals, potentially a grand final, after little impacted for Collingwood on that big day (in 2023).”

GOLD COAST SUNS

Daniel Rioli

Jon Ralph says: “Hopefully will play four elite finals, it’s exactly why they got him. The fire starter across half back, John Noble has had a great year a well. I hope Rioli can perform on the big stage in what would be a historic finals appearance.”

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