Welcome to the BIG Dance
Can you believe it?
September is almost over, which means the end to one of the most tumultuous years of football we have seen in years. Yes, I might have said the same thing last year, but the 2017 season has certainly topped them all.
Saturday afternoon, AFL lovers across the country will line the Yarra to watch a grand final clash that no one could have predicted.
The Adelaide Crows against the Richmond Tigers; it was definitely a game that I wasn't expecting to see in the last weekend of September.
Despite the Crows leading the charge throughout the regular home and away season, a few upset losses to teams outside the eight had commentators, myself included, questioning their credentials to claim the title.
But, with players like Tex Walker, Rory Sloan, Tom Lynch and who can forget the maestro, Eddie Betts, the Crows will be looking to claim their first premiership in 20 years, not to mention follow the success that their women's team had in February.
They have the right tools to get there as well, but there is just one thing standing in between them the the premiership flag.
The Tigers.
Richmond have had a year of success. Finishing the regular season in third, the boys from Punt Road were two points shy of finishing on top of the ladder. Despite finishing third, their team for Saturday afternoon's clash is full of champion players.
From Trent Cotchin, to Alex Rance, Jack Riewoldt and Daniel Rioli to this years Brownlow Medalist Dustin Martin, the explosive line of power up front will be tough for the Crows to stop.
Like Adelaide, the Tigers will be looking to end their 37 year premiership drought and I'd say this Saturday will be their best chance to do so.
Regardless of who ends up with the premiership this year, both teams are deserving of the cup.
Sunday, Victorian fans will head north of the boarder to witness a clash at Allianz Stadium between the competitions two toughest teams.
Who would have thought 28 weeks ago that without JT and Matt Scott, the North Queensland Cowboys would be heading for their second grand final in three years. I certainly didn't.
But here they are, primed and ready to take on the minor premiers, the Melbourne Storm.
This years finals series have been anything but expected, from the narrow margin games in week one to the hard fought battles in week two, the quality of football over the past three weeks has been unprecedented.
Both teams are deserving of their grand finals place, the Storm showing their dominance throughout the entire season and the Cowboys showing their determination in the finals series.
So, who is going to win?
If we were to break down the two teams on paper, both have different strengths and weaknesses.
Lets take the Cowboys. Te Maire Martin was the best mid-season buy throughout the year. Looking towards to a future that came early, the young half has proven himself as the perfect partner to Michael Morgan - a prodigy who has stood up in the absence of JT.
Morgan has taken control of the team like it's his own, setting up tries for his outside backs and freeing his big men up through the middle of the field.
Gavin Cooper, Ethan Lowe and Jason Taumalolo have all taken their games to the next level, making them some of the toughest forwards in the competition to stop, not to mention the likes of Coen Hess coming off the bench.
As for Melbourne, it will be a question of whether history will repeat itself.
Their dominance throughout the year has stemmed from their champion half, and this years Dally M winner, Cameron Smith. It has been a year of record breaking for Smith, who has achieved career highs that most people didn't think would be possible.
Smith's game has been aided by his big men up front. Jesse Bromwich, Jordan McLean, Tohu Harris, Felise Kaufusi and Dale Finucane have all played their role within the team which has taken them to the final weekend.
Melbourne wouldn't have become the best attacking team in the league without Josh Addo-Carr and Suliasi Vunivalu leading the competitions try scoring ladder. Not to mention 'the kid' and fullback of the year, Billy Slater, sitting at the back, directing the team in defense.
Regardless of if your a Storm or Cowboys supporter, the next two days of football are likely to be some of the best we've seen in recent years. With 10 of the 2017 Queensland players taking the field this weekend, the game is sure to be interesting.
Not to mention, the last time Cooper Cronk will run out in Melbourne colours as a member of the 'big three.'
So, footy fans, settle in for an emotional, action packed weekend of the countries greatest games - I certainly know where I will be come kick off time; the only thing missing, a cold beer and hot meat pie.
*Photos from AFL and NRL