The ruck duel will be crucial in deciding the winner of the crunch match between Adelaide and the Brisbane Lions on Sunday.

Crow Sam Jacobs had a challenging battle with athletic West Coast star Nic Naitanui last weekend and will face another ‘unconventional’ ruckman at the Gabba.

Former Demon Stefan Martin has contributed to Brisbane’s recent upturn in form since coming into the team as a result of injuries to fellow big men Matthew Leuenberger and Trent West.

In his eight AFL games, the agile former basketballer is averaging more possessions (20.1) than any other ruckman in the League, confining Jacobs (16.7) to second spot.

Jacobs, who has maintained an elite level for the entire season, remains on top in the tap work. The in-form ruckman is averaging 32.8 hit-outs per game. Of those hit-outs, 33.5 per cent going to his team’s advantage – ranked No.2 in the competition.

Martin averages fewer hit-outs (29.8) and a much lower percentage of hit-outs to advantage (19.7). However, like Naitanui, Martin’s follow-up work is exceptional. He’s averaging a League-high 4.5 clearances to go with 5.1 marks per game.

The ruckman that is able to give his midfielders first use will go a long way towards turning the game in his team’s favour on Sunday.

See the full statistical breakdown …

2014 games
Jacobs – 18
Martin – 8

Average hit-outs
Jacobs – 32.8 (Ranked No.7)
Martin – 29.8 (Ranked No.9)

Average percentage of hit-outs to advantage
Jacobs – 33.5 (Ranked No.2)
Martin – 19.7 (Ranked No.20)

Average disposals
Jacobs – 16.7 (Ranked No.2 of all ruckmen)
Martin – 20.1 (Ranked No.1 of all ruckmen)

Average marks
Jacobs – 4.2
Martin – 5.1

Average Clearances
Jacobs – 3.0 (Ranked No.9)
Martin – 4.5 (Ranked No.1)

Average Inside 50ms
Jacobs – 1.7
Martin – 3.3

Average Score involvements
Jacobs – 6.4
Martin – 4.2

Total goals
Jacobs – 5
Martin – 0