* LANCE FRANKLIN v MICHAEL HARTLEY, MICHAEL HURLEY and PATRICK AMBROSE
Hartley played on Franklin for most of the round 14 clash between the sides. He did a decent job, especially given Buddy has so often saved his best for Essendon. Franklin was held goalless, well down on his average of 4.56 goals against the Bombers. However, the superstar booted 0.6 and could easily have busted the game open. Ominously, Franklin's accuracy was one of many impressive elements of his 10-goal haul in the final round of the season that was rewarded with the Coleman Medal. Hartley will have to be at his best to quell the league's most potent forward, while Michael Hurley and Patrick Ambrose will also share the burden.
* DANE RAMPE v JOE DANIHER
Rampe is likely to be given the responsibility of playing on one of the league's most exciting young forwards, who this year submitted plenty of mark-of-the-year contenders and finished fourth in the Coleman Medal race. Heath Grundy is another option for Swans coach John Longmire but Rampe's speed and agility meant he was given the nod earlier this year. Don't be surprised if sparks fly between the pair, who were booked for wrestling during this year's dramatic regular-season clash at the same ground.
* JOSH KENNEDY v DYSON HEPPELL
The skippers went head-to-head in an engaging midfield battle earlier this year. Even the most biased judge would have given the win to Kennedy, who lifted late and finished with 36 disposals, seven clearances and quite possibly three Brownlow votes. The bulldozer's strength and knack of winning an in-dispute Sherrin has been at the forefront of the Swans' resurgence. Whether it is Heppell or someone else, the visitors must try to nullify Kennedy's immense influence at stoppages.
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