Friday night's blockbuster semi-final between Adelaide and Hawthorn represents the climactic chapter in a trilogy that has defined both teams' seasons. It will be played before a sold-out crowd at Adelaide Oval.
The winner advances to a preliminary final against Geelong, while the loser faces a summer of reflection on missed opportunities.
Currently locked at one victory apiece, their previous two encounters have been nail-biting affairs that shaped the trajectory of both clubs' campaigns.
The opening chapter unfolded in Launceston, where Hawthorn claimed a gritty three-point victory in the first Friday night clash at UTAS Stadium.
This low-scoring affair helped the Hawks regain momentum before their mid-season bye, following disappointing defeats to premiership contenders Brisbane and Collingwood.
The second instalment returned to Friday night football, this time at Adelaide Oval, where the Crows seized their opportunities in front of goal to secure victory.
This triumph proved pivotal in the Crows' successful pursuit of the minor premiership.
However, one crucial figure was absent from Hawthorn's lineup in that second clash - a player whose starring role in the opening encounter could prove decisive in Friday night's decider.
That trump card may well be Josh Weddle, whose return to the senior team sparked a 19-point elimination final victory over the Giants.
Weddle's impact was immediate and multifaceted, with coach Sam Mitchell deploying him on the wing during the first half, where his dual-threat capability shone through.
Not only did he provide an attacking option, but his height and defensive instincts allowed him to drift back and neutralise the Giants' forward thrusts.
The second half saw Weddle repositioned forward, where he attacked marking contests and provided an aerial presence that kept defenders constantly alert.
Despite showing some timing rust after his extended absence, his influence was unmistakable - covering over 15 kilometres in 82 per cent game time while accumulating 16 disposals, six marks, six tackles, and five score involvements.
Before suffering an untimely stress fracture in his back, Weddle had featured in 15 games this season, showcasing remarkable versatility across every line.
Whether starting in defence, rotating through the ruck, manning a wing, or leading the forward line, he consistently created matchup nightmares for opposition coaches.
His ability to convert defensive turnovers into attacking sparks became a hallmark of Hawthorn's game style, with Weddle maintaining above-average statistics in key areas: five marks per game, 5.6 intercepts, and 4.2 score involvements.
With Weddle likely to operate from the wing, his anticipated battle against Adelaide's 197cm Dan Curtin shapes as a pivotal contest.
The 191cm utility's Swiss Army knife qualities could prove the decisive factor in Hawthorn's quest for victory.
Coach Sam Mitchell will be hoping his versatile weapon provides the perfect remedy for the Hawks' Adelaide Oval challenge, as the club pursues another chapter of September glory in their bid for a 14th premiership.
The stage is set for a fitting finale to this compelling trilogy, with everything on the line under the bright lights of Friday night finals football.
