The visitors have coach Aaron Cornelius sitting second on the goal-kicking table with 27 majors, while McCulloch, who leads the charge for the Storm after a best on-ground effort against Hobart City last weekend, is third with 18.

It is the reverse situation for their teams, with Storm the higher seeding in the second versus third contest.

The two players know each other well, having been housemates when both drafted to Brisbane in 2008.

McCulloch was the 69th pick in the 2008 national draft but failed to play a senior game, while Cornelius went 12 picks earlier at 57, played 25 games and kicked 35 goals in his four years at the Gabba before his delisting last year prompted his return to the Magpies.

McCulloch admitted it would be "nice" to come up against his friend, but also a challenge.

"Will Hanson has been fantastic for us, and hasn't been beaten all year, but if Aaron does get on top of him, we have a number of options, such as smaller types that could use their speed on him," McCulloch said.

"Aaron is really good at reading the ball and getting space to jump at the ball. So it would be really important that whoever plays on him is really tight, keeps a good check on him and tries to stop him jumping at the ball as much.

"At the end of the day, it will come down to our pressure. If we can have our pressure up in the midfield, we can stop them being as damaging and I'm not sure they can kick a big score if the ball is being bombed in.

"If we can get our ball movement going, we do have multiple options up forward.

"The game will be no different, to be honest, as there are a number of guys you play against each week whom you've played in representative sides with, and you chat and have a beer after the game with.

"On the ground, I'll be competing hard and treating him like any other player. But then after the game, it will be good to catch up."