Hawthorn midfielder Luke Hodge is not only expecting Geelong to target his injured ribs, he would be disappointed if they did not.
Just three days after coughing up blood as a result of a hit to his ribs during the Hawks' preliminary final victory over St Kilda, Hodge declared he was not feeling any pain.
Hodge's fitness, along with that of Trent Croad, has been the Hawks' main injury concerns this week, but both players have already publicly stated they are not worried.
Hodge's injury, and apparent high pain threshold, has given the game's romantics another link to the 1989 Grand Final, which featured both clubs and is regarded as the most brutal decider in the modern game.
It has also helped enhance Hodge's image as one of the game's gladiators.
Depending on who you believe or read, Hodge has reportedly refused the club's request for him to have his ribs scanned for fear of giving the medicos a reason to rule him out.
It was a claim the rugged 24-year-old from Colac in Victoria's western districts has denied.
"There was no need to get a scan. We believe there was nothing wrong," said Hodge, who will not wear a guard to protect his ribs.
While Dermott Brereton was not ready for Mark Yeates' famous hit on him in 1989, Hodge is bracing for the Cats to conduct their own fitness test on his ribs.
"It's a final. I think in every final you expect a few big hits," Hodge said at a press conference with team-mate Brad Sewell.
"I'm tipping he's (Sewell) going to let out a few, all on the ball of course, but you expect that in a grand final. I hope there is."