KEY DUELS FOR THE 2ND AFL PRELIMINARY FINAL BETWEEN WEST COAST AND NORTH MELBOURNE IN PERTH:

* Ben Jacobs (NM) v Luke Shuey (WC):

Tagger Ben Jacobs has been a massive shining light for the Roos during the finals, snaring the key scalps of Richmond’s Trent Cotchin and Sydney’s Dan Hannebery. Andrew Gaff and Matt Priddis also loom as potential opponents for Jacobs. But Shuey is West Coast’s game-changer, with his ability to break tackles and kick running goals set to pose a big threat to the Roos. If Jacobs can keep Shuey quiet, it will rob West Coast of one of their best offensive midfielders

* Todd Goldstein (NM) v Nic Naitanui (WC):

This ruck battle alone will be worth the price of admission. Goldstein has enjoyed a wonderful season. This week, he won an All-Australian berth. Next week, he could have a Brownlow medal around his neck. The 201cm tap machine has become a dominant force in the competition. But the leaping Naitanui possesses an unmatched X-factor. A key stat for ruckmen is their number of taps to advantage. But a Naitanui tap to advantage is usually far more effective than any other ruckman’s. If he’s able to give his midfield a clear edge, then West Coast’s forwards will cash in big time

* Jeremy McGovern (WC) v Jarrad Waite (NM)

West Coast’s undersized defence has battled bravely all year, and the Weagles Web will need to be in full effect if they are to shut down the likes of Jarrad Waite, Ben Brown, Drew Petrie and Shaun Higgins. McGovern looms as a major key for the Eagles. Not only will he need to shut down his opponent (whether that be Waite, Brown or Petrie), but he’ll be heavily relied on to take his usual number of intercept marks. That could prove to be a tad tricky given his bung left shoulder. Against the Hawks two weeks ago, McGovern was forced to spoil with his right arm in numerous contests instead of going for the mark