KEY MATCH-UPS IN SATURDAY'S AFL PRELIMINARY FINAL:
* Josh Kennedy (West Coast) v Oscar McDonald (Melbourne)
If the Demons have an obvious weakness, this could be it. McDonald has had a solid year but Kennedy will fancy his chances against the 22-year-old. The dual Coleman Medallist is capable of turning games quickly. His sticky hands and big tank should serve him well with a fine day forecast at Optus Stadium.
* Jack Darling v Sam Frost
Frost has been a revelation this season, beating some of the game's best forwards and providing plenty of drive from the backline. The Demon kept Darling goalless when the two sides met in Perth last year. But how will he go against the much-improved Darling of 2018? It's tough to say given the powerful Eagle was concussed early in their round 22 clash.
* Scott Lycett/Nathan Vardy v Max Gawn
Another big game from Gawn like his 41-hit-out, 20-disposal outing in round 22 is a scary proposition for the Eagles. Lycett and Vardy simply must prevent the Brownlow Medal contender taking charge of the ruck battle given the potency of Melbourne's onballers. Gawn's other big asset is his ability to drift back into the hole and take intercept marks. Expect the more agile Vardy to follow him around the ground and Lycett to play the aggressor in the middle.
* Elliot Yeo v James Harmes
For someone who came very close to earning All-Australian selection this year, it's remarkable that Eagles dynamo Yeo has never really been tagged. Expect that to change. The noise out of Melbourne suggests Harmes will look to shut down Yeo. The danger for Melbourne is it will free up Luke Shuey, arguably the Eagles' most creative playmaker.
* Mark Hutchings v Clayton Oliver
The Eagles also have their own gun tagger in Hutchings, who will be looking to improve his showing against Oliver in round 22. Oliver is a contested beast and his brilliant hands at stoppages are a key part of the Demons' midfield success. But what Hutchings lacks in polish, he makes up for in tenacity and aggression.
* Tom Barrass v Tom McDonald
With Jesse Hogan injured, McDonald is the main man up forward for Melbourne and has booted 53 goals for the season. Barrass is probably the only Eagles defender with the size and strength to go with him and that match-up would allow Jeremy McGovern to play his preferred intercept role. Barrass also reads the play very well but can be prone to the odd brain fade.
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