Key match-ups in Cats-Swans AFL final

Three key match-ups in the Geelong-Sydney AFL semi-final

KEY MATCH-UPS IN THE CATS-SWANS AFL FINAL:

* Tom Lonergan (Geelong) v Lance Franklin (Sydney):

Lonergan gets the biggest task in the finals: contain a red-hot Buddy Franklin, who tuned up with a four-goal cameo before being rested for the last quarter against Essendon in their elimination final. Lonergan has had some success in the past on the Sydney trump card, but will pray the Swans' midfield can't cut loose and give Franklin a heap of ball

* Tom Hawkins (Geelong) v Heath Grundy (Sydney):

Hawkins remains the key to the Cats kicking a winning score - his big-game experience, attacking nous and sheer strength make him an imposing opponent for any defender. But Swan stalwart Grundy, aged 31, rarely has his colours lowered and his aerial ability - an uncanny spoiling ability and assured marking - will worry Hawkins

* Zak Smith (Geelong) v Sam Naismith (Sydney):

Two unheralded rucks clash in a pivotal duel, particularly in the centre square. Naismith was dropped for the last four weeks of the home-and-away season but performed admirably on return in the elimination final - 33 hitouts. Smith's importance for his side - he's averaging 33 hitouts and 15 disposals a game - can't be understated. If he can feed Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood, the Cats are away


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