To tag or not to tag is an age-old question that seethes through the minds of coaches on a weekly basis.
But heading into the penultimate weekend of the 2025 season, what will Chris Scott and Chris Fagan do, known for deploying defensive roles, in their respective preliminary finals?
Both Geelong and Brisbane have multiple players who have been tasked with run-with jobs, notably Josh Dunkley and Oisin Mullin.
Last week, Dunkley perfected a hindering role on Gold Coast bull Matt Rowell, limiting his output whilst recording a finals record of 18 tackles to go with his 20 possessions and four clearances. The ultimate team role.
It is a position that the former Bulldog has become accustomed to and was largely the reason why the Lions went hard for his signature three years ago.
Ironically, a week prior, Mullin restricted Dunkley's teammate, Hugh McCluggage, to 14 disposals and one of his poorest games in recent memory.
The genius of the Geelong coach saw the Irishmen as the perfect speed and power athlete that could combat McCluggage's running capacity and link play.
Mark O'Connor was also sent to Cam Rayner, and despite a double free-kick from the goal square in the second term, the nod would go to the Cat.
So, who will Scott and Fagan put on the whiteboard with a red target around this week?
Hawthorn has talent all over the ground for Geelong to consider, but there'd be a few names that would intercept any conversations regarding a tag.
Jai Newcombe and Karl Amon.
Newcombe is quickly becoming the most damning finals player in recent history, as records show he has been the No.1 rated player in all four of the Hawks' outings across September in 2024 and 2025.
The Poowong product's efforts in the past fortnight have single-handedly put an end to GWS and Adelaide's seasons, and there's no doubt he'd be attempting to do the same with the Cats.
The size of Newcombe wouldn't suit Mullin's defensive style, which could see either O'Connor or Tom Atkins go to him at stoppage.
Atkins' selfless attitude and contest work pose as the solution to stop the Hawks' on-baller.
Scott could also use Blicavs on Josh Weddle, while Mullin would eye Dylan Moore or Nick Watson, but it would shock no one if Amon found himself standing next to the Irishman.
On the flip side, Hawthorn has their own Irish flavour on their side: Conor Nash.
The brutal on-baller causes destruction in the midfield and could be used to get under the skin of Bailey Smith, who, last time these teams met, was not short of emotion.
Collingwood has a raft of players to choose from, including the Daicos brothers (Nick and Josh) as well as Jordan De Goey.
The Lions have historically sent Dunkley to De Goey, given his burst and power from stoppage to that of a similar vein as Rowell.
The pair have previously locked horns before, although the Pies' matchwinner had a fair influence on the last time these two teams met in September.
Jarrod Berry is another looming option for Nick Daicos, given his running capacity and aggression toward the 22-year-old.
Brisbane swingman Callum Ah Chee is no slouch when sitting inside 50 on an opposition defender.
Ah Chee made Sydney's Nick Blakey pay in last year's grand final, with the attacking rebounder more often than not leaving the Lion free, resulting in four goals.
Josh Daicos could be a target for the forward to keep accountable, while Jeremy Howe and Darcy Moore may also be alternative options.
The Pies aren't known for their taggers, although Ned Long sat on Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson for the majority of the qualifying final.
Brisbane has Will Ashcroft, Cam Rayner and McCluggage go through the midfield, so Craig McRae can pick his poison if he sends Long to a direct opponent.
McRae said the Pies will have a "plan" for in-form Lions defender Harris Andrews.
Billy Frampton played an iconic role on him in the 2023 decider, although he is required down back this time around.
Mason Cox has been confirmed to start, and could sit on Andrews, while Tim Membrey can be used as a decoy.
