Five players to watch

BEN JACOBS (North Melbourne)

Just who will the AFL’s best tagger set his sights on today? Stephen Coniglio? Callan Ward? Dylan Shiel? Jacobs has already taken down some of the AFL’s best this season in Sydney’s Luke Parker, Carlton’s Patrick Cripps and last week the biggest scalp of all, Richmond’s Norm Smith and Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin. Whoever has Jacobs for company will be in for a long day.

JEREMY CAMERON (GWS)

With Jonathon Patton languishing in the Giants’ NEAFL team trying to find form, a lot rests on the shoulders of key forward Jeremy Cameron. Many suggested he would be the league’s best big forward by now after being the Giants’ first All-Australian in 2013, aged just 20, but injuries have slowed his progression. Still a matchwinner and the Giants’ most potent weapon.

SHAUN HIGGINS (North Melbourne)

Just a class act. After winning the Roos’ best and fairest last season, has gone to an even higher level. How North Melbourne’s tall forwards must be licking their lips when they see Higgins burst out of a stoppage as he has the ability to deliver pinpoint passes with either foot no matter the congestion. His move to the midfield last year has been a winner for team and Higgins.

BEN CUNNINGTON (North Melbourne)

Broke the AFL’s record for most contested possessions in a game last week with a staggering 32 hard-earned touches (out of 38 in total) in the Roos’ slim loss to reigning premier Richmond. Is third in the AFL for contested possessions overall, only behind Nat Fyfe and Patrick Cripps, and seventh in clearances. A big reason behind North’s resurgence.

STEPHEN CONIGLIO (GWS)

While the Giants may have spluttered in recent weeks, Coniglio has not. He is averaging 28 touches, six tackles and a goal a game across the first eight rounds to be easily the Giants’ best and most consistent player. The vice-captain would appear to be the No.1 target for Roos stopper Ben Jacobs, and the outcome of this duel could have a huge bearing on today’s result.