David King has ranked his top four players who are central and critical to this year’s Grand Final between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
The Demons and Bulldogs are stacked with star quality across every line, but who will lead their side to premiership glory once the ball is bounced at Optus Stadium on Saturday?
“I’m looking at this as if I’m investing for a Norm Smith Medallist,” King told SEN’s Whateley.
“What you’ve got to keep in mind is that at some point someone from the media or coaching has to write a name down a name they can live with, and they can take feedback on.
“They stick to the marquee players.”
See King's top four players below:
4. Max Gawn (Melbourne)
“He’s the dominant force in terms of setting up the ruck strategy.
“He’s something you can’t stop.”
3. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)
“I’d definitely be having something on him.
“Just the way he delivers the ball, the way he uses angles and space. If he has a big day, the Dogs are a long way down the path to winning this one.”
2. Christian Petracca (Melbourne)
“He’s the style of player that separates games.
“A big burst of 10 to 15 minutes, two or three goals, he will hit the scoreboard and will get somewhere between 20 and 30 disposals.
“He’s had a fantastic finals series.”
1. Bailey Smith (Western Bulldogs)
“This is up for debate. I’m going to go with Bailey Smith.
“I just think the position that he plays he will be afforded some luxuries in terms of that high half-forward (role), he’ll get unopposed opportunities at times because of the structure of the game because Melbourne wants to hold their back six.
“He’ll be able to get damaging disposals. Now whether he can kick straight at goal like he has done all finals series and whether he can put the cherry on top like he’s done the previous three finals is yet to be seen.
“Of all those guys, he’s the one that has the potential to hit the scoreboard as a high half-forward and still get 30 touches.”