Greater Western Sydney's one-two punch of Tom Green and Finn Callaghan loom as a formidable threat for Hawthorn in a blockbuster elimination final.
Given the licence to take the game on by coach Adam Kingsley, the dynamic duo headline a midfield battle set to dictate proceedings in Saturday's clash at Engie Stadium.
Green's elite contested work paired with Callaghan's blistering speed is certain to have devastating impact on the big stage if the pair are left to their own devices by Jai Newcombe and fellow Hawthorn midfielders.
So strong is their connection that Callaghan likens it to something of a phantom limb.
"I feel like we're getting that way," Callaghan told AAP.
"When you play with someone enough, you start to have an innate awareness of where they are on the field.
"I know that he's always around the contest, and when I start to get in a good spot for a handball, he normally gives it to me.
"Before this year, we really hadn't played a whole lot of footy together, just in patches, but I feel like we've really grown."
Green agreed, saying their strengths complement each other.
"He's obviously such a good runner. He's fast, he's quick, takes the game on with his legs,'' Green said.
"We do a lot of talking, communicating with each other. We're always cluing into each other."
The pair are often at the heart of sparking the "Orange Tsunami'' - a fast-paced playing style that aims to transition the ball like a tidal wave across the field.
Key forward pair Jesse Hogan (foot) and Jake Stringer (hamstring) will return in a massive boost for the home side, joined by veteran midfielder Josh Kelly (calf).
But the Hawks have their own important inclusion, with defender Josh Weddle cleared to make his comeback from a back injury.
Both sides will be chasing finals redemption after losing their respective semi-finals last year.
The Giants were given a timely reminder during the pre-finals bye by coach Kingsley of their straight-sets finals exit, when they twice bungled a comfortable lead.
With an extra 20 games under his belt following last year's finals heartbreak, Callaghan is adamant he's ready to deliver on the big stage.
"I feel like (Kingsley) has a lot of belief in me that I can take the game on and really try and use my running and play to my strengths," Callaghan said.
"I know that I've got a big month ahead and I really want to be playing at my best in finals time. That's when the best players play well.
"I don't think I get overwhelmed. It's just about going out there and owning my moment.
"Certainly, if there's grass, I'll try and run and have a bounce."
