What’s most interesting about this grand final?
If you’re not barracking for a team, what you crave most are highlights from individuals and plot twists in the drama.
An Isaac Heeney hanger or Charlie Cameron/Zac Bailey blinding goal is what we want. Joe Daniher, whether this is his last game (as speculated) or just another, has the Matthew Richardson-like capacity for stunning feats followed immediately by snafus with a comedic flavour. But I’m guessing Country Joe will stand tall again as he did last year.
Heeney has been the player of the finals and if the Swans prevail, one would think he’d be vying for the Norm Smith medal.
Tom Papley is another character made for grand final day – he runs even faster after kicking a goal to celebrate than beforehand. Irritating or exhilarating, depending on your allegiance.
Chad Warner’s speed and verve will be compelling and it will be fascinating to see how John Longmire deals with Harris Andrews, a potential Queen on Chris Fagan’s chess board – will he use a pawn, like Billy Frampton last year, to negate the damaging defender?
Isaac Heeney training at the SCG on Wednesday.Credit: Phil Hillyard
Darcy Fort v Brodie Grundy shapes as a mismatch, so I’m curious how the Lions combat Grundy’s potential advantage.
But much of what makes grand finals memorable is embedded in the rituals, the atmosphere and the unique ambience of the location and day.
The roar as the national anthem winds up never ceases to bring goose bumps.
I’m looking forward to walking to the ground with clear skies, on a 23 degree day, downhill from Jolimont Station, traversing the trees of Yarra Park. The twilight or night grand final wouldn’t be so bucolic.
I’m not a Katy Perry listener, but I’m keen to see and hear her musical wares. Can she top KISS?
And I like the ritual of Mike Brady’s Up There Cazaly. It’s a daggy 45 year old song that seems as much a relic as the grand final sprint. But it’s also a hymn in this cathedral we call the ’G.
Katy Perry (centre) with fellow grand final entertainers Cody Simpson, Zipporah Corser-Anu, Christine Anu and Mike Brady.Credit: Eddie Jim
The trappings, though, are never greater than the game.
This grand final will be, according to the AFL, the most watched, on the metric of eyes on screens – due to NSW and Queensland markets – in Australian rules history.
It is to be hoped that, to borrow from sage Hawthorn and St Kilda coach Allan Jeans, that the sausage is equal to the sizzle.
Enjoy the game.