The last Saturday in September is here, which means it’s AFL Grand Final day with Collingwood Magpies taking on Brisbane Lions.
The two best teams from the 2023 season will battle it out for the Premiership, with only one game separating them on the ladder after 24 rounds.
Collingwood v Brisbane
Date: Saturday, September 30th
Time: 12:30 pm AWST
Location: MCG
Regular Season
Taking a look back through the season, Collingwood and Brisbane have played each other twice. The first game was back in Round 4 with Brisbane winning by 33 points at the Gabba. Then in round 23 at Marvel Stadium, Brisbane again beat Collingwood by 24 points, which might suggest that Brisbane has Collingwood’s number this season.
There’s one big factor, though, which might suggest Brisbane isn’t home just yet. Brisbane has a well-documented and terrible recent record at the MCG. Not only is the Grand Final played at the MCG, it also happens to be Collingwood’s home ground.
Player to watch for each team
Collingwood: Bobby Hill
When Bobby Hill is firing, so is Collingwood. While the Daicos brothers, Pendlebury’s class, and DeGoey bulldozing his way through clearances will be driving Collingwood’s midfield engine, these are to be expected. A few quick goals from Bobby Hill, however, could turn the game on its head, especially as we expect a low-scoring and close game.
Brisbane: Lachie Neale
Fresh off claiming his second Brownlow Medal and with some pundits claiming Neale wasn’t a deserving winner compared to Daicos and Bontempelli, there will no doubt be a Premiership-size chip on Neale’s shoulders on Saturday and there’s no bigger stage to cement your position as one of the AFL’s top players than dominating the midfield and carrying Brisbane to victory in Collingwood’s own backyard.
Norm Smith Medal
Jordan DeGoey
It’s not how many times DeGoey touches it, it’s the impact he has every time he touches it.
DeGoey is a wrecking ball when he’s in the middle — the opposition is unable to bring him to ground, allowing him to release the ball to the outside or gain important metres with a quick kick forward. On top of that, if DeGoey moves forward, he’ll become Collingwood’s number one forward threat and a possible nightmare match-up for the Brisbane defence.
Who will win the AFL Grand Final?
Collingwood by 4pts
Our tip, despite Brisbane having won both match-ups this season, is for Collingwood to get the win in a low-scoring game.
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