The crowd is building at Perth Stadium, as the countdown is on to this year’s AFL grand final. Will Melbourne break the drought, or will the sons of the West win in the west?
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Fair warning
Okay, so if today is the 1989 grand final, the blog is Dermott Brereton and technical difficulties are Mark Yeates. That is to say, our ribs are broken and for a split second there, we thought our big day was over.
But just like Dermie, we’ve rallied. There may be the odd hiccup underway because we’re pretty beat up, but we’re running on pure moxy and arenaline and spirit. IT’S GRAND FINAL DAY FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, YOU’VE GOTTA LIFT!
DON’T THINK, DON’T HOPE — BLOG!
By Dean Bilton
Couple of superstars in the house
I don’t reckon you’d have too much problem picking these two out in a crowded room. Bailey Smith and Max Gawn have both been outstanding during the finals, and will be pivotal to their team’s chances tonight.
By Dean Bilton
Perth weather update
It is absolutely mint in the west this evening. A little warm perhaps, but it’ll be fine once the sun goes down early in the game.
It’s going to be a dry one, so no excuse for the players’ skills not to shine through.
By Dean Bilton
Who is Cazaly, and why is he up there?
It’s that time of year — in fact, it’s that One Day in September — when Mike Brady resurfaces to save us all. But how much do you actually know about the great man, and the footy tunes that have soundtracked so many unforgettable days?
Check this out to learn more about Mike and Mr Cazaly himself.
By Dean Bilton
AFL grand final mega-preview
Want to know EVERYTHING good and bad about the teams playing tonight? How they could win? Why they might lose? Who they need to stand up? What could get in their way?
You’re in luck. Three of the best minds in footy — Cody Atkinson, Sean Lawson and James Coventry — have combined for the best grand final preview you’ll find anywhere.
If you read one thing before the game tonight, make it this.
By Dean Bilton
When does the AFL grand final start?
A good question! It feels like a long time ago (2019) we had a grand final starting at the traditional early-arvo timeslot, and this year’s is getting underway even later than last year.
The first bouncedown is at 5:15pm AWST/7:15pm AEST. We’ll have official pre-match ceremony and entertainment beginning at 4:22pm AWST/6:22pm AEST, and the final siren will blow somewhere around 7:55pm AWST/9:55pm AEST.
The wait must be tortuous for all you Dees and Dogs fans out there.
By Dean Bilton
Over the bridge, to the… Perth Stadium
By Dean Bilton
2021 AFL grand final: Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
The big day has finally arrived! After a long season, and a longer-than-usual wait since the preliminary final, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs are all set to play off in the 2021 AFL grand final. And get this – it’s in Perth! You probably know that by now, but it does add an extra layer of intrigue and history to an already intriguing and historic game.
The good news is we’ve got the two best teams of the season playing off in the decider, and it’s bound to be a beauty. We’ve still got plenty of build up to come before bouncedown, so take some time to get comfy and get prepared. We should be in for a fun night.
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