Friday night’s Preliminary Final between Fremantle and Hawthorn throws up a number of mouth-watering contests. Here is a preview of some potential match-ups in front of a parochial Fremantle home crowd.

Aaron Sandilands v David Hale/Ben McEvoy

Among the best ruckmen in the competition, these three will be crucial in deciding which team wins through to the Grand Final. The Hawthorn pair will likely look to expose Sandilands by pushing deep inside-50. Sandilands’ marking ability has been a bonus for Freo in defence and the forward line, he is leading the club for contested marks with 44.

Nat Fyfe v Luke Hodge

Both are outright stars of the game. They are gutsy and determined midfielders who can win games off their own back. Hodge was in impressive touch against Adelaide in Friday night’s Semi Final, while Fyfe has led Fremantle from the engine room all year. Hawthorn may run a number of players on the AFLPA MVP, but it is likely this pair will line-up together at some point.

Zac Dawson v Jarryd Roughead

This match-up looms as a game decider. The tall Hawk is one of the competition’s most versatile forwards, having kicked 47 goals this year. While Garrick Ibbotson and Michael Johnson will help Dawson in this battle, it will be a tough challenge. Dawson is one of Ross Lyon’s favourites, simply because he more often than not beats his opponent.

Sam Mitchell v Matt de Boer/Nick Suban/Ryan Crowley

Sam Mitchell is a finals specialist. His sublime ball-use sets up plenty of Hawthorn’s forward thrusts. Hard-headed midfielders Matt de Boer and Nick Suban may get the job curbing the prolific ball-winner and attempting to counter-attack against the triple premiership player. Ryan Crowley, who is available for selection for the first time since his doping violation, may be a surprise inclusion. Crowley held Mitchell to just 12 touches in the 2013 Grand Final.