KEY MATCH-UPS IN THURSDAY NIGHT'S AFL TOP-TWO SHOWDOWN:
* ALEX RANCE (RICHMOND) v LANCE FRANKLIN (SYDNEY)
It doesn't get much better than arguably the best fullback and best full-forward of their generation going head-to-head. Rance managed to hold Franklin to just one goal last time the two sides met. But it would be a brave move to bet against Buddy on the big stage. The Swans will hope Franklin's radar is finely tuned after kicking 2.5 against West Coast before the bye.
* TRENT COTCHIN v GEORGE HEWETT
Hewett has quietly become one of the better taggers in the game, as shown most recently by his exemplary job on West Coast gun Luke Shuey. The Swans youngster spent time on Dustin Martin during last year's meeting but the in-form Cotchin looms as a more obvious target this time around. Look for the Tigers to provide their skipper with plenty of physical support.
* JACK RIEWOLDT v HEATH GRUNDY
Grundy recently celebrated his 250th game but remains a key member of the miserly Swans backline. Riewoldt continues to deliver plenty of goals but it's as a playmaker that he threatens to cause the most damage. The veteran forward has shown he's more than willing to sacrifice his own game to help set up the Tigers' mosquito fleet.
* TOBY NANKERVIS v CALLUM SINCLAIR
Who would have thought these two would end up playing such key roles for their new teams? Nankervis was a bit-player for Sydney but has become indispensable for the Tigers as their No.1 ruckman. Sinclair has similarly flourished for the Swans since being traded by West Coast. Neither are great tap ruckmen but they make up for it with their versatility and marking ability.
* RICHMOND'S SMALLS v SYDNEY'S SMALLS
The Tigers' mosquito fleet of Daniel Rioli, Dan Butler and Jason Castagna continue to wreak havoc on backlines with their fanatical pressure and ability to score goals out of nowhere. But the Swans could be the only team capable of matching them. First-year rookie Ben Ronke has proven a valuable addition alongside Tom Papley and Will Hayward, while the brilliant Luke Parker remains an ever-present threat.
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