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.
Tim
Guest
I remember a while ago when pressed on who he saw as the best forward in the game in the long term, Wayne Carey without hesitation named Darling. I tend to agree
jax
Guest
Not if he has a good/decent game and I think that he will. He's done his time I'm hopin he will be starved of opportunity though.
jax
Guest
They don't rely on one player to kick a goal. They just all have to play their role and it will open up for a few of them and that's usually enough. It's the same for the Hawks. Darling takes the 2nd best defender, hits the packs and runs and tackles like a man possessed, and he can kick a bag when it's his turn. I'd love him to have a day out. Go Eagles! Good luck Tim
jax
Guest
Eagles please. It is a disparaging term. People think it's an abbreviation of our name but that wasn't its origins. I don't make up your names for your team so I'd appreciate the same if that's not too much trouble?
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Some players are always victimised, Shoey is one of them. All because of his dropped mark in the 11 Prelim and the fact that he was thrown to the wolves as a key backman. He is a useful forward in a strong team. But, as you can, one knows if Hawthorn loses everyone will bag him :(
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
i am a Hawks fan, but LeCras is one you worry about for the biggest games are all about execution in mind/skills, think Burgoyne, and Lecras is usually Mr Automatic. Darling is a freak, and given a clear run at it could be anything,
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Fine player Yeo, you just have to listen to Jono Brown be all depressed about him when he calls Weagles games to know how good he could be
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
My gaff- thanks for the correction :)
Shaw
Roar Rookie
Anyone who "accidentally" incapacitates Brian Adams prior to him performing would be a hero in my book.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
With Schoenmakers now in the team, what I really don't want to see is for him to become a villain - having appeared in two of the last four hawks grand finals, each time on the losing side. You would not want to look back on a record like that at the end of your career.
diamond jack
Guest
the Frenchman had an off day last week kicking 1.3, missing some set shots that he never does..heres hoping he atones on the big stage he has so desperately wanted to play on..and the same applies to Ninja Darling, always seems quiet in recent games, but the coach says he's doing the job required of him, keeping their backs quiet..heres hoping he breaks out and clunks a couple of speccy marks and lobs a few speccy goals - not points! Go Boys!
jax
Guest
Yeo gets moved all over the ground to plug gaps as he's so versatile. I expect him to be more consistent next year if Simmo settles into the one role for most of the year. Good call, he has it all this kid.
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Yippee Yi Yo......the kid has got talent, there is no doubting that. His problem is consistency from game to game and during the game. If he can bring his A game for the whole four quarters I think he could cause the Hawks a few headaches.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
That would be Mark LeCras