THEY may not be the best players at the eight clubs that have made the finals, but here are those AFL.com.au reporters have identified as having critical roles to play during September.
Patrick Ryder The Essendon ruckman is in career-best form and heads into the finals as one of the club's most important players. When Ryder is up and going, so too are the Bombers. This week he faces a stern challenge in the ruck against North Melbourne big man Todd Goldstein, a battle that could dictate the midfield contest between the sides. Ryder has enjoyed his best season after almost single-handedly holding down the ruck role. Importantly, he has also drifted forward and kicked 19 goals in 20 games through the home and away season. In contrast, Goldstein has kicked eight. If Ryder can get on top in the ruck duel he will feed Essendon's midfielders with top-class service. If he can also get going near goal, things bode well for the Bombers progressing deeper into September. – Callum Twomey
FREMANTLE
Matthew Pavlich The Dockers are not as reliant on their skipper as they have been in the past and their scoring power and forward options have expanded over the last three weeks. They have averaged 16 goals in the last three matches. But Pavlich remains pivotal in the big moments against the best opposition. He kicked five goals against Hawthorn in round 21 and two against Port Adelaide last Saturday. The Dockers' opponents know he is still the most important forward in the line-up. If he can set the tone with early contested marks and goals in the finals, the Dockers will rise with him. If he is on-song he attracts multiple defenders, leaving others to find space and become dangerous targets. Pavlich is the linchpin for Fremantle. – Alex Malcolm
HAWTHORN
Brian Lake Lake was recruited to help Hawthorn win premierships and his frustrating season will be quickly forgotten if he can shut down some of the AFL's biggest stars this September. Although the Norm Smith medallist is battling a corked hip, he is expected to be fit for his first assignment on Geelong's power forward Tom Hawkins this Friday night. If the Hawks are to claim back-to-back flags it's entirely possible Lake will also have to tangle with Freo skipper Matthew Pavlich as well as Sydney Swans duo Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin, who threatened to tear the Hawks apart last time while the full-back was suspended. Hawthorn does have key defensive cover – more so than for full-forward Jarryd Roughead – but Lake is invaluable for his one-on-one strength in marking contests and he could hold the key for the reigning premiers. – Travis King
GEELONG
Hamish McIntosh With Dawson Simpson ruled out for the rest of the season following yet more back surgery, McIntosh will have to carry the bulk of the rucking load through the finals. After not taking to the field at any level last season, the big man has been a very solid contributor for Geelong this year, playing 18 games and averaging 14 disposals per match. He has also pushed forward and kicked seven goals. But given his many injury concerns in recent years, McIntosh will be super-keen for the Cats to win their qualifying final against Hawthorn and earn a week off before their preliminary final. – Adam McNicol
Daniel Wells is made for the wide expanses of the MCG in the finals. Picture: AFL Media
NORTH MELBOURNE
Daniel Wells It seems unfair to expect too much of Wells after his long injury lay-off, but the dashing midfielder's importance will be magnified on the wide expanses of the MCG in Saturday night's elimination final against Essendon. With line-breaking veteran Brent Harvey still to serve one game of his three-match suspension for rough conduct, Wells looms as one of North's few damaging ball-carriers with genuine pace. The skillful Roo played his first game since round five three weeks ago and, after missing round 22 through suspension, tuned up with 20 touches against Melbourne on Saturday night. Wells' match fitness might be questionable, but it will be the quality of his possessions rather than the quantity that will count against the Dons. – Travis King
PORT ADELAIDE
Justin Westhoff Few players are as important to the Power's structure as the versatile Westhoff. The 'Hoff' has been getting back to his best over the past six weeks, recording more than 20 disposals five times. He's also booted eight goals over that period and managed nine inside 50s against Fremantle last weekend. At 199cm Westhoff is a key target in attack, but is frequently pushed into defence to help wrestle momentum back or to relieve Jackson Trengove when he's sent into the ruck. When Westhoff shines, the Power usually win; they've won seven of the nine matches this season in which he's collected at least 20 touches and hit the scoreboard. If Port is to do some damage in September, it needs Westhoff to work tirelessly around the ground – up forward, down back and as a link on transition. – Harry Thring
RICHMOND
Anthony Miles Last year Richmond was exposed in the midfield in their elimination final against Carlton, with more support needed at the coalface for captain Trent Cotchin. Miles, who joined the club as a rookie from Greater Western Sydney, turned out to be the player the Tigers were crying out for. The hard-nosed onballer came into the team in round 12 and has played 12 games, ranking No.2 at the club for average contested possessions (11.2), average clearances (seven) and overall centre clearances (27). He is without doubt Cotchin's main support now in the clinches, allowing the Tigers' other stars to do their best work on the outside. In Richmond's run of nine straight wins, Miles has led the team for clearances on six occasions at an average of 6.7 a game. In that stretch the Tigers have lost the clearances only once, highlighting his importance leading into finals. – Nathan Schmook
Dane Rampe's versatility could be critical during September. Picture: AFL Media
SYDNEY SWANS
Dane Rampe Rampe had to tread an unusual path just to realise his AFL dream, including an unsuccessful trial with the Western Bulldogs and a stint in the local Sydney competition. But one thing he has never lacked is confidence and that trait has him set to play an important role during this year's finals series. At 188cm and 88kg, he lacks the size usually required to play a key defensive post, but he doesn't let that bother him. Last season against Hawthorn, Rampe had to spend time on Lance Franklin, who has 10cm and 14kg over the second-year Swan. But Rampe embraced the challenge. Just last week, Jack Riewoldt kicked three first-term goals on Ted Richards, so the call was made to shift Rampe onto the Richmond spearhead. Utilising his pace and toughness, Rampe was able to hold Riewoldt to just one more goal. Happy to play on taller or smaller, quicker opponents, the 24-year-old Rampe's versatility could be critical this September. – James Dampney
