Dual Brownlow Medallist Chris Judd has brought back his top five on Footy Classified, this time counting down the players he believes will dominate the big stage this September.

Judd has some of the game's best players in his countdown, but justified his selections by saying he believes they can be the ones to swing the games their sides' way during the finals.

5. Steele Sidebottom

"We know he's had a huge year and he's made an All Australian this year. He's playing against West Coast who have no Gaff, we know Hutchings went to him last time, but he's going to be the real class player on the ground for the outside run, so he's one to watch."

4. Lance Franklin

"Kicked 5.4 last time they met, we know he had a hip flexor late in the competition, but he plays really well against GWS and he is in store for a big game."

3. Gary Ablett

"One of the game's all-time greats, when you get to that age having the week off will benefit him even more than all of the other players. He's averaged 29 touches in his 18 games this year so he still had a really strong year."

2. Jack Darling

"He's ready to explode this year. We know he had a really poor finals series back in 2015 but the Pies defenders look vulnerable when you look at Kennedy and Darling, expecting a huge game from him.

1. Max Gawn

"No. 1 big man in the competition and No. 1 for hitouts, Geelong have got Abbott, Stanley, Smith or Blicavs to go against him, and none of them can do the job.