The AFL Grand Final could be decided by a handful of individual battles, with both Brisbane and Fremantle boasting match-winners capable of swinging the contest in a matter of minutes.
From the ruck duel to the battle between two midfield stars, these five match-ups loom as critical, and could go a long way to determining who lifts the premiership cup.
Luke Jackson vs. Sam Draper
Fremantle's "Unicorn'' Jackson can turn a game in a flash, give his midfielders first use, and is like an extra small when the ball hits the ground. Jackson is also a danger going forward. It means Lions recruit Draper, an enigmatic player in his own right, will need to be at his best around the ground.
Alex Pearce vs. Logan Morris
Pearce is the Dockers' defensive rock and the heartbeat of their stingy backline. Morris is the young, dynamic key forward who is only going from strength to strength. Limiting his output is crucial to closing out the Lions. Pearce could also spend time on Eric Hipwood.
Judd McVee vs. Charlie Cameron
Cameron is the Lions' firestarter who can kick goals from anywhere and turn a game on a dime. Shutting down the small forward and limiting how often the "Take Me Home, Country Roads'' goal song blares out is crucial to quelling Brisbane. As a youngster at Melbourne, McVee earned a Rising Star nomination for a lockdown role on Cameron, and looms as the man to tackle the star Lion.
Patrick Voss vs. Harris Andrews
Voss kicked four goals the last time these teams played. The antagonistic "Prancing Pony'' could have the job of trying to play a defensive forward role to limit Andrews' intercept game and ability to get across to help his teammates. Andrews could also end up on strong-marking Dockers spearhead Josh Treacy throughout the day.
Caleb Serong vs. Will Ashcroft
In a thrilling clash of two star-studded midfields, the headline act is two-time Norm Smith Medal winner Ashcroft, while Serong remains Fremantle's most influential midfielder. Serong could also attract the attention of Lions co-captain Josh Dunkley, who often plays a tagging role.