Who will stop Jeff Farmer? It is the question being asked by many football experts as the 2000 Grand Final approaches.

Farmer has been brilliant for the Demons during this finals campaign and he bagged eight against the Kangaroos in the preliminary final.

In doing so Farmer destroyed the brilliant Byron Pickett and therein lies the dilemma - who will Essendon throw at Farmer.

Essendon would appear to have three choices when it comes to Farmer - Mark Johnson, Dean Solomon or Damien Hardwick.

Johnson, considered by many to be unlucky to miss out on the All Australian side, has been superb for the Bombers all season.

He is excellent at ground level, has the pace to match Farmer and will impose himself physically. Johnson is also strong overhead and he will need to be to combat the mercurial Farmer.

Dean Solomon has been brilliant in recent weeks for the Bombers and he comfortably held the in-form Aaron Hamill last weekend.

Solomon is deceptively quick and very strong. Given the fact he can play tall he may be needed elsewhere but he is an option.

All Australian Damien Hardwick has been superb across the half back line for Essendon and he could also get the job.

He is physically intimidating, quick and top class at ground level. Hardwick has given the Bombers plenty of drive from defence this season and he could make Farmer pay the other way.

So the Bombers have options and it is a matter of weighing up what else they will have to cover in the Demons froward line.

If fit, mark Johnson will probably get first crack. The Bomber match committee will want Hardwick to give them some rebound from the half-back line while Solomon might get a middle sized forward.

Whoever gets Farmer will be in for a tough day at the office and it shapes as an outstanding match-up.