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

Must be Spring . The AFL Football Finals are on .

Last weekend was the start of the 2010 AFL Finals Series.

It was superlative entertainment , of the highest level .

This weekend promises further excitement, with the scheduled round of matches .

Quite apart from the physical , mental and verbal jousts , of the on field action, fans have been treated to sledging , between rival coaches , on and off the field.

Its raw , action packed , and emotive stuff that is not for the faint hearted . Many Saints fans can attest to this after last friday nights cliffhanger . Patrons were overheard being asked in a Balaclava coffee shop ( heart of St Kilda territory ) on Saturday morning " hows the ticker " ? The game was so close many sainters were in danger of having a heart attack before the final siren !

The old adage " Winners are grinners and losers can suit themselves " is most relevant .

Local fans , who have endured a long cold , wet Melbourne winter , floods , and election uncertainty , are poised to wrench every moment of enjoyment, from this final series.

Supporters everywhere , wearing their football jumpers, jersey's , guernsey's , say " bring it on " .

Are Collingwood Flag Favourites ?

All around the country on cold , weekend mornings , young kids are playing  AFL football, in local competitions and clinics  .

Parents ,often nursing hangovers , or lack of sleep , watch on, whilst their youngsters play .

Each kid is usually kitted out,  in their AFL,  football jumper , jersey , guernsey .

All 16 AFL teams are represented .

Obviously , parochial favouritism of local teams occurs , but generally each player has a liking , family history , or reason,  for supporting their team, and wearing the jumper .

Many , wear the number of a favourite player , on their back .

A kaleidoscope of colours , teams , allegiances in football jumpers, on a local scale .

AFL Football , is alive and well at grass roots level , as well as on the bigger stage.

Nic Natinui 's Number 9 for West Coast Eagles

The split round of AFL matches,  for Round 13 , continues this weekend .

Saints and Cats , play tonight at the MCG , under lights , in front of a huge crowd.

Swans and Magpies,  play in Sydney , on Saturday night , at ANZ Stadium .

The Demons,  play the Crows , in Adelaide , on Sunday afternoon.

All games will be televised .

Port are having a rest

With only one Game to be played in Melbourne,  this weekend , many fans will be reduced , to wearing their football jumpers , jerseys, guernseys , whilst watching footy , on TV .

Disgruntled fans, will be keen to attend next weekend's,  full round of matches .

This split round , is it a rest for the AFL players , or a clever marketing move by the AFL hierarchy.?

Demons play in Clash Jumper

The pressure to succeed and the unpredictability of the modern AFL game was never more evident than in last weekends round of matches .

The Cats thrashed the Lions at the Gabba', Western Bulldogs beat in form team Sydney and the Saints suffered their third loss in a row to a speedy , youthful Bombers side .

The Richmond Tigers looked poised to breakthrough with their first win of the 2010 season only to have it snatched away by their Hawthorn opponents in the dying moments of the game.

A  youthful Melbourne Demons team were no match for a rejuvenated West Coast Eagles who beat them soundly at the MCG.

Interstate results saw Carlton hold off Port Power at AAMI stadium and the Collingwood Magpies beat vastly improved Fremantle Dockers at Subiaco.

Many fans, tipsters and media commentators would have expected different results to those posted in this round of matches .

Fans were out everywhere in their jumpers , jerseys , guernseys to cheer their team on and to will them to succeed.

Nic Naitanui's Jumper