The Hawks are chasing an historic third-straight flag at the weekend.

A victory against the Eagles would make it four grand-final wins in an eight-year stretch spanning from 2008 to 2015 and would make them arguably one of the most successful clubs of the modern era.

On the flip-side, West Coast will complete a remarkable transformation under coach Adam Simpson if it can upstage Hawthorn.

Both sides boast enviable attacking thirds – the two best in the competition – so if all goes to plan, we could be in for a shootout.

With potent forward lines featuring the likes of Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras for the Eagles –and Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston, Luke Breust and Cyril Rioli for the Hawks – the front half of the ground is set to be categorised by exciting patches of brilliance throughout the day.

While we tend to fixate on each sides’ ability to score heavily, the winner might just be the one who is able to quell their opposition’s firepower most efficiently.

There are many questions that are still to be answered, but most will not be answered until it is all said and done.

Will Jack Gunston take his place for the Hawks? And who will make way for him, if he does?

Will Hawthorn’s experience give them an edge?

How much of a toll will the Hawks’ full September schedule take on them? Will their two trips west make the feat too tough?

How much should we read into the Eagles’ qualifying-final rout of Hawthorn?

Despite what seems to be a 50/50 match-up, the Hawks’ experience on the big stage will hold them in good stead.

If they play their best football, it is superior to that of any other side in the AFL, and the vast expanses of the MCG will enable them to play their style of play, and will make restricting their ball movement much more difficult for West Coast.

So much is at stake, and Hawthorn will not let another grand final – as it did in 2012 – slip.

A nail-biting three-point triumph for the Hawks – I hope.

- PEPPE CAVALIERI