It's the dream match-up we've been hoping for, featuring the two teams most deserving of a grand final berth: Collingwood with 22 wins and two losses so far, against Geelong with 21 wins and three defeats. But the Magpies have had a scare and a fight in its two finals matches, while the Cats have posted two solid wins. Here's an early preview of the match to see what we could be up for.

The Form

Collingwood's win on Friday night was far from convincing. In fact, if last year they barnstormed their way into the grand final with a thumping of a Geelong side widely believed to be on their way out, this year it was much more of a hobble - in more ways that one.

For the first three quarters, Collingwood was flat and outplayed by Hawthorn. Ultimately, as BPL colleague Simon Morawetz put it, it was their fresh legs, aided by the week off, that got them over the line. Inaccuracy was a concern, as was Hawthorn's ability to take out their key playmakers.

Geelong, on the other hand, was methodical in deconstructing a full-of-fight West Coast. Ultimately though, last year's wooden spooners couldn't match the Cats for skill, intensity and, crucially, finals experience.

Chris Scott and Geelong will be full to the brim of confidence - they would have learnt a lot from Alastair Clarkson and Hawthorn's effort on Friday night, and will also be very happy with their easier run into the season decider.

Collingwood's major issue might be a psychological one - their only two losses this year have been against their grand final opponent. One loss was comprehensive, though in a dead rubber. The other was a lucky escape for the Cats, but proved their mettle. The other games this year - the Cats' other 17 wins, and the 20 mostly demolition jobs by the Pies - won't mean much. On their form, both have played excellently all season.

On the flip-side, of course, is last year's preliminary final mauling, where the Pies were victorious by a healthy margin and then some. None of that matters now, though; all that's left is mano-a-mano football.

The Dangermen

Boy, was Luke Ball good when the going got tough in the last quarter. He, Dane Swan and Leon Davis all lifted, and their confidence to do that should carry through to next week. Alan Didak, having started as the substitute last night didn't make an impact, and with serious questions of form hanging over him, could be the real X-factor. If anyone can turn it on in a grand final, it's Didak. He can mecurial, if it's his day. If I were a Collingwood fan, I'd be praying that Didak eats his Weet-Bix on Saturday morning.

If Tom Hawkins is finally hitting his straps, he could be the man. He hasn't dominated and shone through like so many have been hoping, but this could be his chance. His comrade-in-arms James Podsiadly will play in his first grand final, and while previously there were questions over his performance in big games, particularly at the MCG, many Cats fans will be dreaming of a ‘JPod' bag this week. Andrew Mackie and James Kelly were sensational this week, and if they get their hands on it as much as they did, and then be as effective with their disposal as they were, it could be a real challenge to stop them.

The Achilles' Heels

On the flip side of Alan Didak's possible show of strength is that he could be taken into the game, hoping for the best, only to perform miserably on the day. Could his spot be better given to an Alex Fasolo, someone with good recent form? Or perhaps it will be Dayne Beams who loses his spot. Also, as already mentioned, Collingwood's battle-hardened warriors are carrying a few wounds after Friday night. Darren Jolly is the main one, having been such a game winner during the year, with an apparent thigh strain; if he's only half-right, which grand final medical theory do you use: the only-if-he's-100% option, or the give-him-a-jab-and-pray alternative? Ben Reid seemed to tweak his groin injury, too, ensuring a busy week for the Magpie medicos.

Steve Johnson is irreplaceable, and his injury in the third quarter - a dislocated left kneecap - could leave the Cats without the X-factor grand finals often need. ‘Stevie J' was brilliant until he went down and would be in serious doubt for this week. But then again, we said the same about Lance Franklin, didn't we, and look how he managed to play. Other than that, Geelong is looking as brilliant as they have all season.

TAB Sportsbet Odds

Things have changed here. For so long this year Collingwood has been hot favourites for the flag. Now that the game is upon is, the Cats have firmed and everyone seems to think we have a genuine toss-of-the-coin, two-horse race.

Collingwood $1.80, Geelong $2.00