Stars always steal the spotlight going into grand finals, with the irony being the lesser lights are often the game’s decisive figures.
The 2015 AFL finale is no different. All the focus is on the likes of Nic Naitanui, Sam Mitchell, Matt Priddis, Luke Hodge, Josh Kennedy and Cyril Rioli.
One cannot deny the role these players will play, but look for the following to be the dangerous sleeper players that could turn the match.
Matt LeCras (West Coast Eagles)
If not for several injury setbacks, LeCras would be viewed among the top ten players in the game. He is like Robbie Gray from Port Adelaide, so clever and dangerous with his skill and decision of the highest calibre. With Hawthorn’s attention likely to focus on stopping Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff, he is likely to run free and be decisive.
Whether setting up play from midfield or being a forward capable of kicking game breaking goals, he looms large.
My smokey for the Norm Smith Medal
James Frawley (Hawthorn)
It bemuses me the flack Frawley has gotten from so-called experts and fans of th game around his decision making and skills. These criticisms overlook his ability as a high calibre defender that can mark both monster forwards because of his size and strength or smalls because of his pace. The criticism also ignores the number of high skilled players surrounding Frawley, meaning his role is to defend, rather than be the master of rebound or transition. He plays very much the same role that Tom Lonergan played in the great Geelong teams.
After he was switched to Josh Kennedy in the second half of the qualifying final, he has had two goals kicked on him in the ten quarters since. Look for him to stitch up one of West Coast’s forward guns once more.
Jack Darling (West Coast Eagles)
If injuries are kind, Darling has it all to be the best forward in the game. Having strength overhead on the lead or in contested situations as well as being very good on the ground, he loves the spotlight.
Factor in the ‘x-factor’ he exudes with the grand final a stage that he is likely to announce his ascent to greatness.
Taylor Duryea (Hawthorn)
The young defender played his best game for the club last week, combining his noted courage and toughness with moments of game breaking skill. It gave a glimpse of his future belonging in the midfield, and it would not surprise if he played further up the ground in the grand final.
He is a real warrior made for the cut-throat nature of a grand final.
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