One of the most intriguing aspects of Saturday night's semi-final between GWS and Brisbane will be the midfield battle.
Rock solid Lions' mid Josh Dunkley is anticipating close attention being placed on two-time Brownlow medallist and teammate Lachie Neale, and hopes his side can use a potential tag in their favour.
A run-with role will play a part in freeing up the remaining stoppage brigade at Brisbane, with stars Hugh McCluggage and Will Ashcroft more than capable carrying a hefty offensive load out of the midfield.
"It's something that we've looked at over the course of the year, because Lach (Neale) does get a lot of attention, he's one of the best in the game," Josh Dunkley told reporters Friday ahead of the match.
"We've got such a deep midfield now with Ashy (Will Ashcroft) coming back into the team and Hughy (Hugh McCluggage) and even (Cam) Rayner and (Zac) Bailey and the like are all playing really good footy for us."
Ashcroft's inclusion since recovering from last season's devastating ACL blow has coincided with Brisbane's red-hot run of form, and his teammates are well aware of his value, especially given his upward trajectory of performance in the lead-up to September.
"He's very crucial," Dunkley added.
"We've always known him to be one of the best young players in the game.
"To have him back now... I feel like he's gotten better every week.
"The way he's able to cover the ground, his general smarts, his cleanliness with the ball in hand, he's a special player."
The form of key forward Eric Hipwood is a more open question at the Lions, especially with the 27-year-old not training fully ahead of the do-or-die Saturday clash.
Named on the Thursday team sheet, Hipwood's teammate conceded that he is battling the end-of-year ailments that hinder most players in September, but will be all clear to suit up and produce his best come game-time.
"Yeah he's fit," Dunkley said, reassuring the Brisbane faithful.
"Everyone this time of year has a few issues going on... he had a couple of weeks off a few weeks back but I'm sure he's right to go."
"No one declares themself fit enough if they're not willing to, so we back everyone in that's put their hand up."
Dunkley is hoping to become the only dual-premier on Brisbane's list with a triumphant 2024 September campaign.
The now-veteran Lion recalled his successes as a Bulldog youngster, resembling the path now being asked of his current club to go one step better than last season.
"There's so many similarities to what I felt in '16 and even '21 with the Dogs - we finished fifth that year and went on the make the grand final."
"Not looking too far ahead, but hopefully tomorrow night goes well."
