There are two types of players when we get to September: those who rise to the occasion, and those who crumble under the finals pressure.
For the superstars of the competition, there is an expectation that they will rise and deliver for their clubs in September, but that is not always the case, with many players crumbling when faced with the challenge.
Now with a spot in the Grand Final on the line, there are five players firmly in the gun, in need of a major performance in this weekend's Preliminary Finals.
Shai Bolton
Once an X-factor for the Dockers, Shai Bolton now looms as one of Fremantle's most important contributors, with a Bolton great game now going from a luxury to a necessity for its chances to win.
It's been a mixed bag for Bolton in his two finals, performing poorly in the Dockers' Qualifying Final loss to Hawthorn, rating as the 33rd-rated player on the ground, before responding in the Semi Final, rating as the fifth-best on the ground.
Sydney will be well aware of the havoc Bolton can wreak and will prepare for him accordingly, as they have done for all of this season with other stars.
Bolton's likely matchup will be against Jai Serong, with James Rowbottom taking the Caleb Serong assignment and Sam Wicks on Reid.
Jai Serong at 192cm will be a nightmare opponent for Bolton, who stands just 176cm, as he's able to match Bolton around the ground and bully him in the contest.
Bolton will look to use his lightning acceleration to burst from clearance, but will be in for a very tough night at the SCG on Friday.
