During North Melbourne’s two finals wins, three matchups have been crucial.
Ben Jacobs has performed admirably in his tagging role through the middle, while Sam Gibson has shut down opposition wingers. There has also been a defensive forward role.
All three roles will need to be successes again if the Kangaroos are to win through to their first Grand Final in 16 years.
Jacobs has arguably been the Roo to receive the most plaudits for his defensive role in the finals wins. In the last two weeks, the 23-year-old has limited the influence of Trent Cotchin and Dan Hannebery, giving North’s midfield a huge edge it has taken care of. Against both Richmond and Sydney, it has won the contested ball count comfortably.
In the clash against the Eagles, it’s likely Jacobs will face one of two opponents – Matt Priddis or Luke Shuey.
Both Eagles were influential in the Round 11 matchup; Priddis collecting 32 disposals and seven score involvements, while Shuey had 29 disposals and eight clearances.
While Priddis and Shuey can win their fair share of inside ball, the latter can also tear an opposition to shreds on the outside. It has been these types of players Jacobs has tended to play on during the year, with the last two weeks a prime example.
Elsewhere, there again appears to be two options for Sam Gibson to match up on – Andrew Gaff or Chris Masten. The duo rank first and fourth respectively in West Coast’s total disposals during 2015.
Gaff in particular has enjoyed some fruitful outings against the Roos in prior encounters, collecting 33 disposals earlier this season. He was also one of the best in the 2012 elimination final with 26 disposals and seven inside 50’s.
The left-footer is responsible for much of West Coast’s run and carry on both wings, occasionally dropping down to half-back to kick-start his team’s rebound efforts.
In many ways it’s a similar role to the ones Lewis Jetta and Brandon Ellis played for their respective teams in 2015, both matchups Gibson came out on the right end of.
The third matchup is slightly harder to predict. Against Richmond it was Robbie Nahas who negated Bachar Houli, while in the semi-final Kayne Turner neutralised Rhyce Shaw.
Taylor Garner could potentially be another of the smaller forwards to play a defensive role against the Eagles, with Shannon Hurn looming large.
The West Coast skipper is listed as more than 10kg heavier than Houli and Shaw, potentially making it harder for the smaller frames of Nahas and Turner to play their role effectively.
However, there also is the possibility of a player being sent to Sharrod Wellingham. The former Magpie was influential back in Round 10, collecting 24 disposals. His last quarter was particularly impressive, with eight disposals, five inside 50’s and a long goal.
So the dilemma is two-fold; who plays the defensive forward role, and who should it be on?
