As the final two teams were decided in thrilling Preliminary Finals victories, AFLPlayers.com.au look at those who played an underrated hand from the four teams involved in the penultimate weekend of footy.

Richmond: Jack Graham

Jack Graham is touch and go to be fit to play in this week’s Grand Final, but the Tigers should be forever indebted to him for the effort he showed against the Cats. Graham suffered a dislocated shoulder in the opening quarter of Friday night’s match but bravely played out the game – laying five tackles – to contribute to an enormous come-from-behind victory.

Geelong: Mark O’Connor 

O’Connor has been one of Geelong’s most improved players in 2019 and the Irishman again performed well in a tough loss to the Tigers on Friday night. O’Connor showed composure under pressure and defended strongly in the air and on the ground as he played a vital role in containing Richmond’s small forwards, particularly in the first half.

Collingwood: Jeremy Howe

As Collingwood prepared to stage the ultimate comeback against the GWS Giants on Saturday afternoon, Jeremy Howe was pivotal. The hard-running intercept defender collected 28 disposals, including 11 intercept possessions, and eight rebound 50s as he tried in vain to set-up Collingwood’s resurgence.

GWS Giants: Harry Perryman

In front of a 77,828-strong crowd and in only his fifth game on the MCG, young Giant Harry Perryman played arguably the best game of his short career. Perryman collected 23 touches, laid an equal team-high eight tackles and took six marks as the Giants marched towards their maiden AFL Grand Final.