Jordan De Goey

There’s no doubt Pies fans are praying they get an injury free De Goey throughout this finals series.

After only having played nine games this season, he’s back and is the sort of player that is built for September.

In round 24, De Goey reminded everyone he is a bonafide match-winner. Accumulating 26 disposals, eight score involvements and six clearances was impressive, but it’s his ability to shrug off tacklers that makes him irreplaceable for Collingwood.

During previous finals series De Goey averaged 3.5 clearances and 2.5 tackles and throughout the 2025 season he averaged 5.1 score involvements.

De Goey is strong, explosive, and dangerous around goal.

He is the kind of player who can flip a game on its head and take his teammates with him.

The only thing that could stop him is his body failing on him again this year.

Toby Greene

Finals footy demands players who thrive under pressure and no one rises to the moment better than GWS captain Toby Greene.

When the game is on the line and the intensity is palpable you want the ball in Greene’s hands. It’s more than just his scoreboard impact that makes him important, he’s tough at the front, winning on average more than seven contested possessions and delivering 3.6 kicks inside 50.

He has an edge to his game that often flirts with disaster, but I suspect his teammates would run through a brick wall for him.

Add 14 pressure acts a game to his spectacular marks and clutch goals and you’ve got the ideal September player.

Nick Watson

Love him or hate him, the Wizard is box office.

When it comes to finals footy the games are quicker, scrappier and more chaotic. September is designed for small forwards.

This is where Hawthorn’s Watson thrives. Once ball hits the ground, the Wizard works his best magic.

Averaging 4.8 score involvements this year and kicking 32 goals himself, the Wizard has had a productive year but it’s his ability to turn a game on its head that excites fans this time of year.

In only his first year in the league last season he showed us some real magic in the finals series and second time around I’m expecting him to pull even more tricks out of his bag.

Hayden Young

Young returns to a Fremantle side after an injury-ravaged season.

It’s easy to forget that last year he was ranked the second best player in the league and at times put the Dockers on his back. When Young has been fit he has been a genuine point of difference.

His penetrating left foot, bold decision making and work at the contest is something different in the Dockers midfield. He compliments Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong perfectly.

Keep an eye out for him moving forward. He could just break a final open with a couple of big grabs against smaller opponents.

Gryan Miers

Miers has had another outstanding year and his composure kicking inside 50 is what could make the difference for the Cats this September.

To go along with his 13 goals this year, Miers has averaged 15.3 disposals, 4.8 contested possessions, and 2.3 kicks inside 50 per game.

Geelong aren’t the same team without Mier’s unorthodox inside 50 deliveries.

In what is often an undersized forward line, Miers’ ability to put the ball on a platter for leading small and medium sized forwards is one of a kind.