There are some tantalising match-ups to watch out for this weekend with the two sides boasting plenty of stars.
Here are some of the potential one-on-ones we might see on Sunday:
Ben McEvoy vs Todd Goldstein
Through the first two rounds of the season, one thing that has stood out with the new rule changes is the increased significance of the ruckmen. Ben McEvoy and Todd Goldstein are similar players in many respects, with their ability to give their midfielders first-use while also being able to get involved around the ground as well. With the Hawthorn and North Melbourne on-ball brigades both yet to hit their straps in 2019, these two men will have a big say on whether their respective engine rooms can fire up on Sunday.
James Frawley vs Ben Brown
Ben Brown is clearly the Roos most potent force in front of goal. Last season, Brown kicked 61 goals, 26 more than the next most, captain Jack Ziebell. Finishing second in the Coleman Medal count in 2018, Brown doesn’t need many touches to influence a game. Of the 13 players who kicked at least 45 goals across the competition last year, the three-time North Melbourne leading goalkicker averaged the least possessions, just 11.1 per game. This potency means the Hawks will require a 120-minute effort from James Frawley in order to restrict the 200cm sharpshooter.
Jaeger O’Meara vs Shaun Higgins
The midfield Rolls Royces from each side, Higgins has averaged 32 possessions and 4.5 clearances through the opening fortnight while O’Meara has also been superb early in the season, averaging 27 disposals and 1.5 goals. Both players have an even mix of winning their ball both on the inside and on the outside, with their ability to hit the scoreboard something that has separated them from other elite on-ballers across the competition. This match-up will be one to watch for the pure footy fan.
