AFL 2023: Eight match-ups That Will Decide The Grand Final

Even though Australian rules football is a team sport, the 2023 premier will be decided by which individual stars shine the brightest and who can be contained. Take a look at these matchups to keep an eye on.

At the MCG on Saturday, the two best teams of 2023 will compete against one another in a head-to-head matchup, and there will be head-to-head confrontations all over the ground that will go a long way toward deciding who wins the 2023 premiership.

When Collingwood and Brisbane play each other on the most important day of the year, here are some of the matchups that you should pay close attention to.

JOSH DUNKLEY v JORDAN DE GOEY

The Lions' heavy offseason investment in the big Brisbane recruit paid off in the preseason as he did a terrific job on Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps. Even though Cripps scored twice, it was on free kicks (he only had 13 touches). Meanwhile, Dunkley used up 23 of his own disposals. De Goey will have him squarely in his sights in the grand final after having his finest game ever against GWS, in which he recorded 34 disposals and 13 clearances. Since Dunkley was sidelined for the previous match, the Lions will be banking on his discipline at stoppages to limit the influence of the Pies' superstar.

BEAU McCREARY v KEIDEAN COLEMAN

After the victory over the Blues, Kiddy Coleman's name should be familiar throughout the rest of the Australian football league. The Lions' comeback was largely down to the halfback's deft left-footed punting, which was pinpoint and at times bold and tore the Blues apart. Carlton didn't put the clamps on him, but McCreary won't give Coleman the same leeway he did at the Gabba. Coleman's ability to help set up the Lions' defense makes this a potentially decisive matchup.

OSCAR McINERNEY v MASON COX

The Pies have relied heavily on the big American as their primary ruckman during the entirety of their finals campaign, but he will face a significant challenge in the form of the Big O when it comes time for the big dance. McInerney got off to a sluggish start in the preliminary final, but he played a significant role in the Lions' comeback by taking control of the ruck and being able to kick two goals on top of that. The Lions will be holding out hope that he can replicate his previous success at the MCG.

DARCY MOORE v JOE DANIHER

If the two household names match up, it might be a match for the ages. Moore missed the previous matchup but should start for Brisbane at the front on Saturday. After scoring five times in the playoff semifinals, Daniher was a major contributor to the Lions' comeback in the second quarter by scoring twice. It will be a huge struggle between the two 200cm keys, who are the big men of their respective sides.

ISAAC QUAYNOR v CHARLIE CAMERON

The fact that the Lions made the championship game despite Cameron's lackluster performance in September should give them reason for optimism. After a quiet performance in the preliminary final against Port Adelaide, he went on to have a terrible first half against the Blues, scoring only 1.3 points. The Pies have experienced first-hand how dangerous Cameron can be, as he scored four goals against them and Quaynor in the Lions' round 23 win. Quaynor will be eager to make amends in the championship game because that was one of the few times he had shown weakness all season.

BRANDON STARCEVICH v JAMIE ELLIOTT

Elliott is the type of man who thrives when given the opportunity to perform under pressure and lead the Pies to victory. When the opposition's most dangerous small forward is on the court, the Lions love to use Starcevich to cover them. Something is going to have to give, and the team that wins this battle could go a long way toward securing their victory in the match and taking home the flag. The last time these teams faced each other, Starcevich held Elliott to one goal when they were matched up on each other, but this time around, the Lions deployed a number of players to defend against the Pies star, who ended up scoring three goals on the night. On Saturday, will Brisbane allow Starcevich more time to work on Elliott than they normally would?

JARROD BERRY v JOSH DAICOS

The Lions' plan to allow Nick Daicos run free in round 4 paid off when, despite his 38 points, Brisbane won at the Gabba. Collingwood played Daicos on all three lines in his return game against the Giants, leaving it unclear who will be assigned to guard the young gun. However, Berry and Josh's sibling Josh could have a major showdown on the flanks. While Josh Daicos has been outstanding for the Pies, Berry has proven his ability to contribute on the wing. He boxed Clayton Oliver off the inside at the MCG last year. Can he defend against one of Collingwood's outside threats?

TOM MITCHELL v LACHIE NEALE

Two players who have won the Brownlow Medal and are tremendous accumulators. Mitchell may play a more defensive role on the Lions star, but both he and the Lions star will be hoping to get lots of touches on the ball during the match. Neale has stated that his shoulder is alright following the scare he had against the Blues; nonetheless, you can expect the Pies to focus on it in an effort to get every edge they can. It will be a significant step toward victory over the Lions if Neale can be thwarted in the middle of the field. Mitchell, who is normally good at winning the ball, might be the player to accomplish it.