“Most important match-up tonight”: Why David King has Tim English in the gun

David King sees tonight’s ruck battle as vital to determining whether Hawthorn or the Bulldogs will advance to the second week of finals.

In particular, he has 2023 All-Australian Tim English in the gun, wondering if he will be competitive in ruck contests with Lloyd Meek.

“I’ll tell you what the most important match-up tonight for me is – Tim English versus Lloyd Meek in the ruck,” King told SEN Breakfast.

“If English is going to get mauled in the ruck and allow first use and proactive service to this Hawks midfield, it will be a long night for the Dogs.

“They’re going to pick a tall forward line. They need to get the ball in deep and make hay down there.

“I just worry that English is uncompetitive at times as a genuine ruckman. He’s good around the ground and gets involved in scoring chains and can get you 20 disposals, but as a ruckman, as a competitor, as someone who can stand up against a big frame … because Meek has been fantastic at forward 50 stoppages in particular.

“His relationship now with James Worpel and Jai Newcombe has gone to the next level.

“If English can get this done, the Dogs can win and win well, but if he can’t, look out.”

Friday's Elimination Final between the Dogs and Hawks begins at 7:40 pm (AEST) at the MCG. The winner plays Port Adelaide in a Semi-Final next weekend.