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.
Dane Rampe
Not for the first time, Dane Rampe will be leading the Swans through the depths of a finals campaign.
Following the confirmation of an ACL rupture for Callum Mills, Rampe was named as a worthy replacement as the acting skipper for Sydney going into its home Preliminary Final against Fremantle.
After taking a step back from leadership at the commencement of the 2024 season, Rampe will return to the mantle, carrying immense responsibility once again.
In addition to the leadership responsibilities, the 36-year-old also has the challenge of standing star key forward Jye Amiss in a contest where Rampe was soundly beaten in their Round 18 contest this season.
Playing as the third tall defender for Sydney at just 187cm, the pressure on Rampe to perform is extreme, especially as the fifth-oldest player in the AFL.
