It's been a season of curve balls such as no crowds, hubs, club relocations and footy frenzies as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

But there may still be more to come, only this time on the field.

Of the eight teams in this year's finals all could win the flag - with luck and form of course still playing a big role.

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Let's start at the top. Minor premier Port Adelaide has been the number one side all season, shown by its 18-round control of top spot, but still doesn't enter as favourites.

There main issues are its small but defiant defence, avoiding a reliance on big Charlie Dixon and getting a spread of goal-kickers week in, week out.

The Power's midfield is rolling along nicely and the win over fellow finals-bound team Collingwood on Monday night should build some confidence heading into a home qualifying final against Geelong.

The Cats', who enter their fifth finals in succession, form in the last stage of the home and away season is a little worrying but they are still one of the biggest threats.

Richmond beat them, the Western Bulldogs got the jump on them before clawing their way back and the Crows pushed them for three quarters.

Those games were learning curves and Chris Scott's troops, who are the number one attacking and number three defensive side in the competition, will be better for it.

The second-placed Brisbane Lions will benefit from a home qualifying final off the back of most of their games being played in their natural habitat of Queensland.

The only issues facing Chris Fagan's men are their goal-kicking accuracy, the absence of Harris Andrews and Charlie Cameron getting to rev up his motorbike goal celebration more.

The Lions will be tough to dislodge in Queensland and will be hungry for redemption after last year's straight sets exit.

The reigning champion Richmond has been slowly building as the year has progressed and is primed to attack once again.

Damien Hardwick has selection dilemmas with Tom Lynch, Shai Bolton and Dion Prestia to return to a side still firing on all cylinders without them.

West Coast will be confident of getting through week one with a home final at Optus Stadium.

The Eagles are a good chance to build into some form with the return of a number of key players.

Full-forward Josh Kennedy, captain Luke Shuey, Jack Redden, Mark Hutchings, Lewis Jetta and Jamie Cripps, who have all been injured late in the season, are strong chances to return for the first final.

Their opponents Collingwood will need to bring its best to defeat the Eagles at Optus Stadium but will feel more comfortable playing there after spending time there in a hub during the season.

The Pies have most of their best 22 playing but need to generate some winning form if they are going to go further than week two.

St Kilda enters its first finals series since 2011 in promising form after smashing eventual 10th-placed Greater Western Sydney.

The Saints' only worry is the fitness of Zak Jones. The rest of Brett Ratten's side seems to be ticking along nicely but need to be consistent for longer in the heat of finals.

The Western Bulldogs can beat any of the top eight but only if they can manage it for four quarters.

Inconsistency has also been their downfall but if Luke Beveridge's pups can get their electric ball movement game going they could be in for a 2016-like flag run.

Their only concern is the fitness of star forward Aaron Naughton. If he plays the Dogs are much more dangerous.

So bring on week one!

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