Phil Davis has turned his attention to Brisbane midfielder Hugh McCluggage, wondering whether he will be able to decide the outcome of the match between the two midfielders in Saturday’s grand final.

Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney and Lachie Neale are all notable A-grade players in the game, and Davis reckons McCluggage is half a level below that group.

The 26-year-old was the star of the semi-final win over Geelong – can he repeat that feat on the biggest stage?

“Can Hugh McCluggage go to the next level and be a factor there?” Davis said SEN Whateley.

“I think they are two very even midfielders, but I chose McCluggage because I think he has the potential to do more, compared to Errol Gulden, a centre-back who sprints quickly.

“Gulden, Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner are all A-graders. Hugh McCluggage is maybe A- and the question is whether he can step up to the next level and be a factor in midfield.”

Davis wonders if the Lions will be able to recover emotionally from the emotional preliminary final.

“Last week was an incredible game. They would have spent the last week recovering physically, but also emotionally. It would have worn them out,” he said.

“To recuperate afterwards, I thought it would be a good idea to get to Melbourne early.

“It has some elements and there are more distractions in Victoria during Grand Final week, but this yo-yo is a completely different type of challenge to what Sydney is dealing with.”

Davis believes the Swans can get the job done.

“I just think (Sydney) are in as good a position as they could be this year. They’ve had injuries, they’ve struggled outside the top eight,” the former GWS captain said.

“I’m a big Brisbane supporter. I think the Swans will be too good. I think they’ll win by three goals. But the big caveat is that I think Brisbane have the most talent on their roster in the AFL and if that goes in the last three minutes like it did in the qualifiers, Sydney will be hard to stop.”

“Sydney had a great run, they were the best team all year, they deserved it and they should take care of it.”