Both clubs are bracing for a fierce midfield battle, while Franklin's ability to pick his way through the Bulldogs' unique defensive zone structure has the potential to make or break the premiership ambitions of both teams.

But grand finals are so often won by the underbelly of the playing list, not the cream at the top: Players such as Jake Lloyd, a key cog in midfield and across half back who has played every game this year among his more illustrious teammates.

In his third AFL season, Lloyd can still walk down the streets in Sydney's eastern suburbs and avoid recognition, a luxury certainly not afforded to the likes of Franklin and Kennedy.

Type his name into Google, and there's no mention of the Swans, just multiple links directing the searcher towards Jake Lloyd of Anakin Skywalker fame.

It's just how Lloyd likes it, as he goes about life without chasing the fanfare, much like his no-nonsense approach on the football field.

"I'm happy to leave [the fame] up to them," Lloyd said of his superstar teammates. "They're obviously stars of the competition and you know it's great to play alongside them.

"I've got a role that I play and it's just important that I go out there and do that. I'm happy to sit behind and just do my job week in, week out."

Lloyd's role for the Swans can't be underestimated.

He can win the ball in tough on the inside, use it effectively away from the contest and has the ability to lock down on an opponent, be it in the middle, or in a negating fashion up forward or on half back.

It's taken less than three years for Lloyd to establish himself in a red-hot Swans team, averaging a tick under 25 disposals and sneaking forward to kick six goals.

The Horsham product is another shining example of the Swans' player development system, which has been applied to him since he was drafted as a rookie at the end of 2012.

"You come into a good club, you've got great leaders, great coaches and you've got to do your time, learn the structures and learn about the club before you're given a chance," Lloyd said.

"I played a full year in the reserves. A lot of guys who are in the team have done that, one or two years in the reserves.

"When they're given that opportunity, they want to grab it with both hands. Same with me. I debuted in 2014 and I haven't looked back. I just wanted to grab that opportunity, it's what a lot of the guys have done this year.

"You do a lot of sessions during the week before you play on Saturdays and you've got to fully understand it before you go out there and play. It's made easy during the week.

"I've experienced other clubs but I'm really happy to be at Sydney and they have a great program of players."