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Three key match-ups in the AFL preliminary final between Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs.

KEY MATCH-UPS IN THE PORT ADELAIDE-WESTERN BULLDOGS AFL PRELIMINARY FINAL

Aliir Aliir v Aaron Naughton

Finding a way to limit Aliir's intercept marking and rebounding run will go a long way to boosting the visitors' hopes of an upset. It is also easier said than done. Naughton was the defender's opponent in the final round of the regular season, while he kicked four goals against Port in round nine. The Bulldogs forward is more than capable of crashing packs and clutching contested marks but his teammates will also have to ensure their ball use and pressure is spot on if the former Swan is to have a quiet night.

Ollie Wines v Jack Macrae

These ball magnets grabbed a combined 63 possesions during their sides' previous meeting. Willem Drew tagged Tom Liberatore throughout that game. Port may ask the young on-baller to follow Liberatore, Macrae or someone else but it would be fantastic to see two star-studded midfield groups go head to head. Macrae leads voting in the Gary Ayres award for best finals player after a best-on-ground performance in the Bulldogs' semi-final, while Wines is this year's Brownlow medal favourite.

Scott Lycett v Stefan Martin

Luke Beveridge has rolled the dice and turned to veteran ruckman Martin for the first time since round 12 in a bid to give his midfield the crucial edge. Experienced ruckman Lycett thrashed Lewis Young in round 23, racking up 40 hitouts, 22 disposals and five clearances. Martin formed an impressive partnership with Tim English early in the season but achilles issues have seen him play just one game since round seven. Beveridge has been wary of testing Martin's body, but with a grand final on the line it's the risk he had to take.