Will the Bulldogs be overawed by the big stage?
Possibly – but unlikely. This is a team which in the past three weeks has crunched the Eagles before a hostile Subiaco crowd, overrun the defending champion Hawks, and travelled to Spotless Stadium to edge out the Giants, having trailed by 14 points midway through the final quarter. Coach Luke Beveridge has his men believing in him and their plans, and the need to remain calm when the pressure is at its fiercest.
Can the Dogs withstand the Swans' early burst?
This will be a key period, for the Swans have been the best side in the opening 20 minutes of matches. Their entire first terms have been match-shaping in the past fortnight, booting 7.3 (45) against the Crows and 7.2 (44) while slaying the Cats. Their brilliant opening term last week even came with Lance Franklin roaming further up the ground.
Who takes Buddy?
It shapes as being either Joel Hamling, who hasn't played the Swans in his 22-match career, or veteran Dale Morris. Hamling has been superb this September, having had the better of Josh Kennedy, Cyril Rioli and Tom Hawkins. The athletic Franklin likes to get up the ground and exploit his mobility, so expect Hamling and Morris to each have time on him. Franklin booted five goals, predominantly on Marcus Adams (injured), when they met in round 15 but the Dogs prevailed by four points.
What about the Swans' defence?
They boast the stingiest defence in the league, and for good reason. Their ability to withstand pressure - the Cats had 72 inside 50s last weekend yet were still mauled - and limit the damage from their own turnovers is unparalleled. The Swans turned the ball over 48 times in their defensive half against the Cats, yet this led to only three goals. The Dogs will need to maintain a high disposal efficiency heading into attacking 50 if they are to win. Jason Johannisen and Matthew Boyd will need to provide run and carry from half-back.
What's on the line for the coaches?
Plenty. For John Longmire, it's the opportunity to be regarded as the greatest coach in South Melbourne-Sydney history, for victory would deliver his second flag in his third grand final. For Beveridge, he will become immortal if the Dogs' 62-year premiership drought is broken.
