Geelong, the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and St Kilda are one win away from playing in a grand final and, naturally, all are aware of what's at stake.
It's familiar territory for the Cats, who won last year's flag, but Hawthorn (1991) and St Kilda (1997) have waited a tad longer since their last berth.
For the Bulldogs, it's been a whopping 47 years, and the attitude all week is that they'll give everything to be there.
Confidence was taken from beating the Sydney Swans last weekend, and rightfully so. St Kilda will carry similar buoyancy after ending Collingwood's season.
The Cats and Dogs meet at the MCG on Friday night, with premiership half-forward Paul Chapman already ruled out with a hamstring strain.
The Dogs have carried their own injury concern for a lot of the week, but insist that key midfielder Adam Cooney will comfortably overcome knee soreness and a virus to take his place.
Bulldogs assistant coach Leon Cameron said on Monday that the worst thing his side can do is worry about the opposition, and promised to provide a big hurdle for the Cats.
It was only nine weeks ago that Geelong hosted the Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium and, after the anticipated match was balanced for a half, the home side stormed to a 61-point win.
Hawthorn and St Kilda last locked horns in round 16 too, with the Saints overcoming a 28-point deficit at half time to win by 30.
Captain Nick Riewoldt kicked six goals, and will again be central to his side's plans of knocking off an opponent that finished the home and away rounds in second place.
An impressive Hawthorn made light work of the Bulldogs in a qualifying final but, as the finals deepen, any outcome is possible.
Another bumper crowd is expected at the 'G on Saturday night, with ticket sales climbing by almost 12,000 from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon.
