STOPPING Lance Franklin is one part of the equation for North Melbourne, but the Kangaroos defenders cannot afford to lose sight of fellow Sydney Swans forwards Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes or Sam Reid in Friday night's preliminary final.
That is the view of star Roos backman, Scott Thompson, who said it would be a dangerous move to focus the club's sole attention on this year's Coleman medallist.
"It's not just [Franklin] – they've got Reid, Tippett, Goodes. It's going to be a task to really hold them back," Thompson told AFL.com.au.
"We'll have some plans in place and hopefully we can restrict them."
Geelong forward Tom Hawkins was a constant problem for North's defenders on Friday night, especially in the fourth term where the Cats spearhead booted three goals in six minutes late in the final quarter.
Hawkins' style of stationing himself inside the forward 50, and engaging with his direct opponent in marking contests proved tough to handle for Thompson and teammate Nathan Grima.
In contrast, Franklin covers the ground far more effectively than Hawkins and is extremely dangerous when charging unimpeded back towards goal.
Thompson believes North will need to tweak its style of defence to keep Franklin, who has booted 70 goals so far this season, under control.
"Buddy's good in all aspects of the game – he's got good speed and he's good one-on-one," Thompson said.
"Hawkins is more of a stay-at-home forward. Buddy can play that at times and sometimes he can get up the ground.
"You've got different plans for everyone and I'm sure we'll come up with a plan to restrict his influence."
In Franklin, Tippett, Goodes and Reid, the Swans have one of the most potent tall forward complements in the League.
That leaves coach Brad Scott with a selection dilemma, with Joel Tippett – Kurt's younger brother – a chance to earn a recall.
Lachie Hansen would be the Roos' preferred option, but is still in severe doubt with a hip injury.
Joel Tippett managed four senior games between round six and round 10, before tearing his pectoral muscle against the Cats at Simonds Stadium in May.
Should Tippett earn the nod, Thompson has backed his younger teammate to play on his star brother.
"It'd be pretty good, he'd know how he plays," Thompson said of the potential match up.
"He was in some great form before he tore his pec, so if Tippo comes back we'll just ask him to do his part and play his role."
