Reputations can be made - for better or worse - in finals football.

And while the focus naturally narrows this week to the 44 players representing Collingwood and West Coast in the Grand Final, there are players on every list who were built to succeed when it matters most.

Here, AFL Media reporter Callum Twomey looks at an Essendon player who stepped up when the spotlight was brightest before they made it to the AFL:

It might have been Andrew McGrath's finals series which gave him the edge as the Bombers' first ever No.1 pick in 2016. The rebounding half-back had an excellent under-18 championships in the middle of his season, including a memorable display against Vic Country, but saved his best for later in the year when he moved into the midfield.

The Sandringham Dragons' under-18 captain was named best afield in their TAC Cup Grand Final win over the Murray Bushrangers after gathering 38 disposals and eight clearances playing more in the middle. His pace, leadership, courage and skills came to the fore in the finals and showed he enjoyed the big stage. He hasn't looked back since joining the Bombers, playing 41 games in his two seasons.