Two of the competition’s premiere midfielders are set to go head-to-head for the first time this year when Tom Mitchell takes on Dustin Martin in this Sunday’s MCG blockbuster clash.

Both players will be determined to lead their side to a win, with the result of the match set to have huge ramifications on either sides’ seasons.

The Hawks are looking to close the gap on the eighth position in hope of reaching an eighth straight finals series. 

For the fourth-placed Tigers, a win would ensure they remain a game ahead of fifth place, and closer to securing the sought-after 'double chance'.

With the news of Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield’s one-week suspension earlier this week, Mitchell moved quickly into top two Brownlow Medal favouritism alongside Martin.   

The Richmond star has taken the competition by a storm this season, with his combination of brute physicality and brilliant skill making him one of the most watchable players in the game.

The 26-year old is averaging 30.1 disposals (equal ninth best in the league), 14.4 contested possessions (seventh best in the league) and 6.5 inside 50s (best in the league), while also booting 1.3 goals per game. 

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While Mitchell has enjoyed a break-out season, emerging as the competition’s best ball-getter in his first year at the Ricoh Centre. 

The Hawks’ ball-magnet has paced the league in disposals all season, gathering an incredible 35.6 touches per outing.

His contested ball numbers are almost identical to Martin’s, with the former Swan shading the Tiger by two contested touches for the entire year.

All eyes are sure to be on the ball magnet duo when the sides clash on Sunday, in what could be a telling indication of who deserves 'Charlie' more.