GWS VERSUS WESTERN BULLDOGS KEY MATCH-UPS
* Jeremy Cameron (GWS) v Lewis Young (WB). Cameron’s influence looms large for the Bulldogs and novice backman Young, who has played just 13 AFL games. Coach Luke Beveridge has preferred Young to the experienced Jackson Trengove in the past two games but will he trust him enough to give him the vital job on the Coleman medallist? Cameron is a proven match-winner, equally adept on the lead in pack marking contests and the Dogs will be praying he gets starved of supply.
* Matt de Boer (GWS) v Marcus Bontempelli (WB). A master tagger pitted on a masterful midfielder. De Boer has shut down some of the competition’s best but the smooth-moving Bulldog presents the toughest of challenges. Bontempelli, who is still the Dogs’ main man despite Josh Dunkley’s stellar season, is averaging 27 disposals a game this year – most used with telling effect – and has been restricted to less than 20 touches just once this season.
* Phil Davis (GWS) v Aaron Naughton (WB). The Giants’ co-captain will be most mindful of the enigmatic Naughton who, despite kicking just 30 goals from 22 games this season, has the X-factor to be a match-winner. The Bulldog attacker is an almighty aerial threat which will call on all of Davis’ renowned defensive nous and fierce competitiveness to combat. The GWS backline linchpin will make Naughton earn any possession with his uncanny spoiling talent.