Key match-ups for Cats-Tigers AFL final

* SCOTT SELWOOD v DUSTIN MARTIN:

In round 21, Martin spent a decent chunk of the game in attack and was quiet - for him - with 21 disposals. While he kicked two goals and was prominent late, it was the only match in his past seven where Martin had less than 30 possessions. It's fair to say Martin will be much more prominent on Friday night and feature at the bulk of centre bounces. It's a big finals series for the Richmond star, given his newly signed mega deal and the government decision not to let his father back into Australia. Selwood, Geelong's go-to tagger, will probably take Martin and will have his hands full.

* TOM HAWKINS or HARRY TAYLOR v ALEX RANCE:

This one is full of intrigue. Do the Cats repeat Taylor's outstanding round-21 job on Rance, where he played the All-Australian captain one-out and was best afield with four goals? Or do they settle for the obvious duel and let Rance go to Hawkins? Fellow Richmond key defenders Dylan Grimes and David Astbury have also enjoyed great seasons, giving the Tigers plenty of match-up options. But Rance has a point to prove and, as coach Damien Hardwick has noted, his star backman usually learns his lessons quickly. If Rance fires, the Tigers are well on their way.

* PATRICK DANGERFIELD v KANE LAMBERT and KAMDYN McINTOSH:

Dangerfield is the sort of player - think Martin and Sydney's Lance Franklin - who is too good for a one-on-one duel. It will take a group effort from the Richmond midfielders, coupled with first-rate organisation among the Tigers' defenders when he inevitably drifts forward. Even then, Dangerfield will probably rack up 30-plus and kick a couple of goals. Lambert is the first-choice midfield opponent for him and McIntosh is a solid match-up when Dangerfield goes into attack. Also, Richmond will have taken careful note of last year's preliminary final, when Dangerfield and Selwood were prolific and the Cats were smashed by a blistering Sydney team effort.