PFNL grand final: 16 players who could shape the big game

Tough midfielders, high-scoring forwards and both stout and running defenders make up both teams, but which players are most likely to have the biggest say?

The Mal Smith Medal, and which player will win it, is always a hot topic heading into the grand final.

Below, Mandurah Mail footy writer Justin Rake takes you through the eight players from each side he thinks are most likely to turn the game on its head on Saturday.

Took home the Ross Elliott Medal last week as the league's fairest and best for the year, which really speaks for itself. Kenny's ability to win the ball in all three phases of the ground while competing fiercely in the ruck could play a huge part in the grand final.

For mine, Russell has been the best player of the finals series, piecing together and outstanding run of form to help will his side into the grand final. The tough midfielder could be a headache for the Rams should that continue.

Electric up front and lightning quick on ground level, Dowling is the exact kind of player that is likely to break the game open in a grand final. The dashing forward is my personal pick for best on ground should the Rams get a win, given his ability to both set up goals and kick them himself.

Another gutsy midfielder who's had a strong year, Field's ball-use is class while his toughness at the contest is trademark for the Brumbies. Expect a four-quarter effort from him come Saturday.

Millar's running capacity and ability to go all four quarters has him among the upper echelon of the league, and he's got a knack for sparking passages of play as he's never too far from the action. Pretty good traits heading into a grand final clash.

Can the league's leading goal kicker return from a hamstring injury in style? Or will he struggle to adjust given the occasion? There's a lot of questions around the best forward in the competition heading into the grand final, but on talent alone, we know Johnson could easily be the difference in this game.

Continually propels the Rams out of their defensive half and is a crucial cog in how they play their footy. Expect Walsh to throw everything he has into this one.

If Russell is the player of the finals, then his captain isn't far behind. Collard has been magnificent when it counts over the past few weeks and is arguably the most reliable player on Baldivis' team. His impact could be monumental on grand final day.

Has had a magnificent season playing at half back for the Rams and was their best in a semi final clash against this very Brumbies outfit just two weeks ago. With that wound being as fresh as it is, Baldivis may come into this game with a plan for Zilko.

Anyone who has followed the PFNL over the past few years knows Tingey is in the elite handful of midfielders. Tough at the ball, clean with disposal and capable of applying pressure, he's right up there in terms of favouritism for that Mal Smith Medal.

A powerhouse midfielder who finds the footy with ease, Walsh has been unstoppable in many games this season. It'll be a nightmare for Baldivis if he's on fire on Saturday.

One of the league's best defenders, Eccles will be leaned on heavily if Baldivis want to quell the PFNL's top scoring unit in Rockingham. His defensive capabilities are first rate, and he orchestrates the Brumbies back line superbly.

Has been magnificent since making the mid-season cross to Rockingham coming from the Perth Demons' reserves unit in the WAFL. The original South Bunbury product has played six games since, being among the Rams' best in four of them.

The league's premier tap ruckman was on show last weekend, when his elite work in the hit-outs sparked a three-minute run that gave Baldivis all they needed to shake off Mandurah in the preliminary final. If he gets that opening again, Branchi will be hard for the Rams to maintain.

Booted three goals when these sides met two weeks ago, and could once again be influential as the Rams' dominant force up front. Sutton's skill set makes him hard to handle, and a bag of goals from him would go a long way to Rockingham securing the win.

Kicked four goals on return from injury last week to lead Baldivis to a huge preliminary final win, and will benefit from the return of Johnson taking some of the pressure away. If his goal-kicking is on point, Higgs can be the difference maker.