One will play in their first AFL grand final, the other - short of a forced change - will be desperately unlucky to miss out.
But Adelaide code-hoppers Hugh Greenwood and Alex Keath agree that grand final week has been unlike anything they've ever experienced.
A former US college basketballer, Greenwood will make just his 15th AFL appearance when the Crows face Richmond in Saturday's premiership decider.
There were whispers Greenwood may have been carrying a calf injury but the 190cm midfielder has been declared a certain starter.
No stranger to rabid crowds, Greenwood says even the NCAA's carnival-like atmosphere didn't compare to the buzz surrounding the grand final.
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"This is something different entirely," Greenwood said at Friday's grand final parade.
"It's pretty special, pretty surreal.
"I've been trying to keep it as normal as possible this week but now that we're here, the hype and the energy that's around the city is pretty cool.
"I'm sure tomorrow will be even crazier."
Barring an unlikely late injury to a teammate, former Victorian state cricketer Keath will be forced to watch from the sidelines.
The 198cm defender showed plenty of promise in his debut season but fell out of the team after six straight AFL appearances.
Already well-acquainted with the MCG, Keath had his first taste of playing football on the hallowed turf when the Crows drew with Collingwood in round 19.
"They're just two extremely special experiences individually, I think," Keath said.
"It's funny, we were actually in the Victorian Bushrangers' rooms this time. It's a bit strange seeing the room set up a bit differently for footy.
"I'm just very lucky to have played both sports on the MCG."
