MATCH-UPS are always an interesting sub-plot of a Grand Final and the team that gets the most right generally lifts the cup.

As always, the midfield battle will be crucial, but I think how each side's defence structures up will be pivotal to the result.

While key forwards have historically had a big say on the last Saturday in September, I believe both sides' small forwards will have a huge bearing on the game.

Adelaide's Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron are major threats for Richmond, as their small defenders aren't your typical lockdown types.

I expect Dylan Grimes to take Betts, while Bachar Houli, Brandon Ellis and Nick Vlastuin will need to suppress their attacking urges to keep a close eye on Cameron.

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It's a daunting proposition when you throw in tall targets Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins and Tom Lynch, but the Tigers have the best key defender in the game in Alex Rance.

But what looms as a more intriguing situation, is what effect the Tigers' small attack has on the Crows at the selection table.

With Jack Riewoldt the only tall in attack for the Tigers, I think key defender Kyle Hartigan is under pressure to hold his spot due to a lack of a suitable match-up.

I expect Don Pyke to send All Australian Daniel Talia to Riewoldt, with Jake Lever a likely opponent for Josh Caddy.

That leaves the Crows needing to cover quick and agile smalls Daniel Rioli, Jason Castagna and Dan Butler, so who does Hartigan play on?

As their best shutdown defender, I would send Luke Brown to mind the in-form Rioli, and expect All Australian playmaker Rory Laird to be tagged in a defensive forward role by Jacob Townsend.

Paul Seedsman should go to Castagna, while wingman David McKay and the versatile Jake Kelly are likely to spend time on Butler and Castagna.

That leaves Hartigan without a suitable match-up and leaving him out would be the heartbreak story of the Grand Final after playing 17 games this season. These are the hard decisions coaches have to make.

As for a tip, I think if both sides' game-plans stand up, the edge the Crows have in the class department should see them win by two or three goals.