Naming an unchanged lineup for today's AFL grand final was a no-brainer for Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, but choosing the sub is likely to give him a headache or two.
Lachie Neale was the surprise choice for the green vest in last weekend's preliminary final win over Sydney. The 20-year-oldhad been in hot form in the lead-up and Lyon said the decision to start him on the bench hadn't come easily.
Neale tallied 11 possessions and a goal after replacing Matt de Boer in the third term, the classy display bolstering his chances of earning a starting role against Hawthorn.
Dockers trio Luke McPharlin (calf/adductor), Michael Johnson (calf) and Chris Mayne (back) were cleared to take on the Hawks despite nursing minor injuries last week. Hawthorn made one change to the side that beat Geelong, replacing injured defender Brendan Whitecross (knee) with Jonathan Simpkin.
After a waiting game patiently played through two clubs and two AFL grand finals, Simpkin will finally get his chance. The Hawthorn utility - who watched previous clubs Sydney and Geelong play in grand finals and in the Cats' case, win a premiership - didn't feature in either. He was the best player in Hawthorn's reserves grand final win last weekend and can make it two premierships in six days if the Hawks beat Fremantle.
Fremantle's manic pressure has been a highlight of their play this season, but there's some doubt it can be maintained on the MCG's wide expanses. The Dockers thrive on narrow grounds, but have won three of their past five games at the MCG.
Lyon said the tactics wouldn't change this week.
"It's not about the ground, it's about the ball and your opponent," Lyon said. "I don't change anything, to be frank. Not a thing."
