Hawthorn will take on Geelong on Saturday in what looks set to be a blockbuster at the MCG.
The game figures as a must-win match for both sides, with the Hawks eyeing off a top-four finish while the Cats must win if they are any chance of September action.
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Below is a look at some of the key match-ups that could take place in this Round 21 arm wrestle:
Tom Mitchell vs Patrick Dangerfield
In what promises to be a riveting midfield battle, Tom Mitchell and Patrick Dangerfield figure as key components to Saturday afternoon's clash. The leading contested ball winners for their respective sides, both midfielders will relish the combative-style game that this match-up looks set to deliver. Whether they do go head-to-head remains to be seen, but both players' impact on the day will certainly be important to watch.
James Frawley vs Tom Hawkins
Having kicked 15 goals over the past three weeks, Tom Hawkins is one of the in-form players of the competition. Sitting third on the Coleman Medal tally with 49 goals on the season, Hawkins is a key cog in Geelong's ability to score, having booted more than double the Cats' next highest goal kicker Daniel Menzel (22 goals). Hawkins has managed just one goal over his last two encounters with the Hawks and James Frawley will be looking to ensure that scoring drought continues for the big Cat.
Jarryd Roughead vs Mark Blicavs
Mark Blicavs looks the likely match-up to take on Jarryd Roughead this week. Blicavs has developed his game this year to become a prominent key defender for the Cats, showing an ability to lock away an opposition forward while also intercept opposition possession. Meanwhile the Hawks skipper has been in strong form recently, having hit the scoreboard in eight of the Hawks' last nine outings.
James Worpel vs Tim Kelly
Two first-year players who have burst onto the scene in 2018, Tim Kelly and James Worpel may see some time running alongside each other on Saturday given the Hawk's increased midfield time in recent weeks. Both players are coming off memorable performances last week, with Kelly recording a career-high 36 possessions against Richmond while Worpel was a hero for the Hawks, kicking an important late goal.
