THE FINAL DANCE
This weekend the curtain is lowered on what has been a fantastic year for both NRL and AFL football. The last weekend in September or the first weekend in October, has notoriously become a spectacular weekend of football, as both codes look to find this years best of the best.
On Saturday afternoon, mad AFL supporters will flock to the MCG to watch the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs battle it out for the premiership flag. In what will be the Swans third grand final appearance in five years, the Dogs are set to rain on their parade entering their first 'big dance' since 1961. The Swans, who finished the year as minor premiers, are hoping for redemption after their last grand final appearance ended dismally in a 56 point loss to Hawthorne. As the clear favourites heading into the grand final, the Swans have had an outstanding year, with five All Australian players selected, a Brownlow runner-up and statistics that parallel previous premiers, there is not much that could stop them in the race for the premiership.
While the Swans are striving for redemption, the Dogs have got everything to play for, finishing the year in seventh position, becoming the first team ever to make the grand final outside of the top four. The courageous young Dogs have struggled throughout the year, with injuries burdening their continuous good form. The loss of their experienced captain, Robert Murphy, in round three gave the players something extra to play for, showing their determination and 'never say die' attitude right until the final siren. Despite being underdogs heading into the game, both teams play a different breed of football making it difficult to say who the clear winner will be.
Experience will the be the determining factor to how this grand final is played out. While experience is on Sydney's side, the Dogs have nothing to lose and no expectations, other than to fight hard, and do their best. With this preparation and mentality, I can't see much stopping the Dogs in their quest for the flag.
It will be a cracking game, played at a phenomenal speed and a delight for fans to watch. With one Sydney and one Victorian side playing, it will be a test of which state produces the best AFL players. As result, most Victorians will be donning the red, white and blue for the weekend in support of the Bulldogs.
The weekend of finals football is taken north to ANZ Stadium on Sunday night where the Cronulla Sharks and the Melbourne Storm go head to head in what is set to be another exciting grand final match up.
The Sharks are chasing their maiden premiership title since the clubs foundation in 1967, heading into their first grand final in 19 years. Having won fifteen games straight this season, the Sharks have had an unstoppable year, led by their fearless captain, Paul Gallen. In what will also be Gallen's welcome to the grand final arena, the Sharks will be looking to their veteran grand finalists James Maloney, Ben Barba, Chris Heighington, and retiring club legend Michael Ennis for guidance during the build up week. With young and exciting outside backs, a strong halves combination and powerful forwards, the 'Sharkies' might be able to out muscle their Melbourne rivals and bring the top prize out to the Shire.
As the Sharks chase their first premiership, the Melbourne Storm are going for their third attempt at the title. This seasons minor premiers certainly have the experience and caliber to go the distance, with the club dominating at this years Dally M awards. The club brought home five awards, not to mention the top honour awarded jointly to halfback Cooper Cronk and the Cowboys Jason Taumalolo. Their methodical playing style will be on full display come Sunday evening, where their dazzling attack and damaging defence will attempt to keep the Sharks at bay.
With key match ups all over the field, specifically in opposing wingers Suliasi Vunivalu and Valentine Holmes, the game is set to be a fast-paced, electrifying final, similar to that of the 2015 season closer.
I could not be more excited heading into this years grand final weekend; both codes have a story to tell, with four teams ready to excel. The AFL will be a fast starting game, with the Swans taking the early lead, but the Dogs have something special about them and I see them getting the job done this year. As for the NRL, while the Sharks will put up a fight, the mighty Storm will be too much to handle, taking the premiership trophy in style.
Regardless of whether you have a team competing in this years finals weekend, or even if you only follow one code, get behind and support a team heading into this years 'big dance' because you are sure to be impressed with the athleticism and skill offered by all teams.
*Photos courtesy of the NRL and AFL