Silly Season for the AFL?

A Grand Final in October . No wait , make that a second Grand Final , as the first was a draw.

Geelong Football Club , have called a news conference which hinted at answers to supporters questions.

Gary Ablett, is expected to reveal he is moving to the Gold Coast Suns today , Wednesday 29th September 2010.

Mark Thompson,  Coach  of Geelong , has not said whether he will continue to coach Geelong, beyond this season and will make a decision by weeks end .

James Hird , former Essendon player , has advised he will coach the Bombers in 2011 , finally ending weeks of speculation.

The AFL , has advised , there will be no public tickets available , for sale, to the replay. All available seating has been snapped up by fans , keen to see a rematch of last Saturdays spectacular clash, between the Magpies and Saints.

Weather conditions ,are tipped to be good, with the MCG weather predicted to be 21 degrees and mostly sunny . Will the gods smile  on the rampaging Magpies,  or is it the sublime Saints turn to  shine ?

Vintage Saints

It promises to be another epic battle with both teams prepared to play to a result . Record numbers of fans will be there wearing their teams jumpers , jerseys , guernseys , to cheer their teams.

The stage is set for a spectacular Re – Match , can’t wait , bring it on !

The unbelievable has happened,  with the  Collingwood Magpies versus St Kilda Saints , Grand Final match  , last weekend , resulting in a draw .

A rematch will be played on October 2nd , at the MCG , at 2.10 pm .

It is only the third grand final replay, in VFL/AFL history.

Both teams played valiantly but were denied an outright win. It wasn’t the easy match , with Collingwood dominating, that most predicted .The Saints proved they are a force to be reckoned with , and almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat .

Adding further drama to the day, was the flooding of both teams change rooms , with a sewerage leak from a broken pipe,  making the rooms inaccessible after the game .

Most spectators ,shocked and disbelieving at the final siren will be back next week , same time , same place , same combatants .

Fans will be there wearing their football jumpers , jerseys , guernseys ,hoping for a result in favour of their team .

VAFA Saints Colours JumperVAFA Saints Colours JumperRoosters Jersey

Whilst the AFL stands to gain a huge financial windfall , from the rematch, there will need to be some hasty rescheduling of other sporting events , eg the VRC ,Turnbull Stakes Day, at Flemington racecourse , on 2nd October will probably be moved, to Sunday the 3rd October.

Luckily ,the NRL Grand Final between the St George Illawarra Dragons , and the Sydney Roosters begins at 5.00pm. It won’t clash with the AFL Grand Final , which should be over by then . However the two minor NRL finals ,NSW Cup Grand Final , and the Toyota Cup (NYC) Grand Final,  scheduled to play at 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm respectively, will be on at the same time .

Sydney Roosters jersey

Its finally arrived , the AFL Grand Final .

Fans,  have slept out for 3 days at the MCG, so they can get one of the coveted MCC,  members seats.

The Grand Final Parade, through Melbourne City streets,  is done and dusted . Nick Maxwell,  the Collingwood Captain , wearing sunglasses, held the Cup aloft , with Saint Captain, Nick Riewoldt  .

Record numbers of fans, wearing their football jumpers , jerseys , guernseys , were there to cheer their respective teams .

Supporters, roamed the streets of Melbourne last night, wearing the red , white and black of St Kilda , or the black and white , of Collingwood.

Houses , in suburban streets, are decorated in the colours .

Melbourne Town

Some loyalties are divided . If your team isn’t playing do you support the unlucky Saints? Or do you put your voice behind, the mighty Magpie army?

Its a cool day in Melbourne , just a hint of sun. Perfect conditions for the Big Game .

AFL Football, has been plaqued with lots of headlines this year , dramas both on, and off the field . Injuries , rivalries , superhuman feats , notorious personal dramas , sacking of coaches , sex scandals, its all part of modern day footy .

Putting all this to one side ,today is the day , when fans everywhere, get to watch the greatest Match of all , between those judged the two great sides, in the competition.

Richmonds Home is the MCG

The AFL,  Grand Final Parade, is on today, the 24th September ,  in the Melbourne CBD.

Two football teams , St Kilda Saints , and Collingwood Magpies , players and coach , will wave to the expected crowd of 50,000 fans from the back of utes

It starts outside the Arts Centre at 12.00pm , proceeds down swanston st, into collins st , and up the hill to the old treasury building . Here , captains of both teams , shake hands, and the Premiership Cup is unveiled .

Melbourne weather , is finally producing a 20 degrees day ,the first since May.

Fans , watching , will be wearing their teams football jumpers , jerseys , guernseys.

Saints Supporter Gear

Saturday Looms as a great contest , between the St Kilda Saints, and the Collingwood Magpies .

Record crowds,  have turned out to watch Collingwood train, at Goschs paddock , resulting in road closures .

There are well publicised pleas from ex-players , fans and family , for Steven Baker , St Kilda’s tough defender to play .

Must be Grand Final Week .

Collingwood , the new glamour side of the AFL , are tipped to win .

St Kilda, will try and on their day are very, very good , and could just pull off the miracle many are hoping for .

Collingwood Town Hall , is festooned with 2 banners that are the first two verses part of the theme song , and read, “Good old Collingwood Forever , they know how to play the Game “.

In stark contrast , the St Kilda Town Hall,  is adorned with three small red , white and black panels , that are transparent by night light .

The quiet underachievers,  or flashy show ponies ? I know who my money is on .

AFL football fans will be out in their football jumpers , jerseys , guernseys, cheering their team onto victory .

May the best team win !

The Underdogs