3 minute read
A glance at the key match-ups in Saturday's AFL grand final between Richmond and Geelong at the Gabba in Brisbane.
AFL GRAND FINAL KEY MATCH-UPS
* Noah Balta (Richmond) v Tom Hawkins (Geelong). If the athletic Balta can control the big Cat, Geelong's scoring potency dries up. Hawkins has booted more goals (48) than anyone and no player has more goal assists (23).
* Dustin Martin (Richmond) v Cam Guthrie (Geelong). The Tigers' dual Norm Smith medallist is equally threatening around the ball and in attack. Of anyone, All Australian Guthrie has the smarts and discipline to cope.
* Tom Lynch (Richmond) v Harry Taylor (Geelong). Lynch boasts incredible marking ability, in packs and on the lead. Cat veteran Taylor will summon all his defensive tricks while hoping others restrict supply to the Tiger spearhead.
* Trent Cotchin (Richmond) v Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong). The Cats' ace is clearance king, with the power and speed to trouble any opponent. But the Tiger captain also excels around the packs.
* Toby Nankervis (Richmond) v Rhys Stanley (Geelong). The output of the unfashionable rucks is measured beyond ball-ups. Stanley drifts forward while Nankervis is shrewd in back-play and a key cog in his team's defensive zone.
