Gillon McLachlan: Spectacular year proves footy is back in Melbourne in a big way

Footy is not just a sport, it is part of who we are — and after two years, September magic is back in Melbourne and the stage is set for an incredible Grand Final.

Today, the last Saturday in September, marks the conclusion of a spectacular year of football. And what a remarkable season it has been.

After two years, the AFL Grand Final is back at the spiritual home of footy, the MCG, with a 100,000 strong crowd and a great battle of two cities, two states with the Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans.

September magic has returned to Melbourne.

September magic has returned to Melbourne. Picture: Mark Stewart

Footy is back dominating our clothing choices, the bars and restaurants are full and the MCG precinct has been a sea of families and footy fans all wanting to be part of a memorable week.

This game, our game, is like no other, it is not just a sport – it is part of who we are. The footy season is the soap opera that dictates the rhythm of our lives.

It has been a spectacular year, one of the best ever.

During the home-and-away season, 6.1 million fans showed up week-in, week-out to see their team battle it out for a spot in the top eight.

AFL club memberships hit an all-time record of more than 1.19 million members – one in 22 Australians is now a member of an AFL club – which is a testament to the deep love that our fans hold for our game.

ScottPendlebury and Joel Selwood reaching game 350 was a highlight of the season. Picture: Michael Klein

The footy has been truly fantastic. Every week, every day, a new story, a new moment, with some of these golden moments shining the brightest:

• Geelong winning yet another McClelland Trophy

• Collingwood winning 11 matches by under 12 points – something that has never happened before in a season

• Fremantle back in the finals for the first time since 2015

• The pure courage and strength of Sam Docherty and Ben Cunnington, whose bravery inspires their teammates more than any on-field act

• David Mundy joining the top 10 VFL/AFL games played list and an unbelievable 376 games

• Scott Pendlebury and Joel Selwood reaching game 350, Shane Edwards and Paddy Dangerfield playing number 300

• And of course, who could forget Buddy’s 1000th goal? A remarkable milestone and a feat we may never have the privilege of witnessing again. I said at the time Buddy delivered a most magical moment and created one of the most euphoric, joyful scenes ever seen in football

It was everything that makes our game the best game in the world – and we should all never lose sight of that.

Buddy Franklin’s 1000th goal was a remarkable milestone and a feat we may never have the privilege of witnessing again. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Footy’s bounce back in 2022 has been remarkable, and while there have been some teething issues as we re-emerged (and yes, we are bringing back membership cards next season for those who need them!).

Our game has been at times tested this season including this week following the harrowing and disturbing stories that have emerged from former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hawthorn players and their partners who have shared their experiences.

The AFL will take and support all necessary and appropriate actions. We are resolved to do whatever it takes to ensure the most just outcome for all parties concerned.

After two years, the AFL Grand Final is back at the spiritual home of footy, the MCG. Picture: Getty Images

Footy is unique many ways, but we will never be immune from the issues that plague our community.

The game needs to be for everyone, and we’ll continue to ensure that positive experiences remain accessible at all levels, for all people.

The successful sixth and seventh AFL Women’s seasons this year showed us once again women’s football continues to go from strength to strength without any sign of slowing down.

The league is now whole with 18 teams and is inspiring an entire generation of young
female players.

The Cats have won 15 games straight. Picture: Mark Stewart

Our teams give us a sense of community. Our games give us something to celebrate and often, commiserate over.

Which brings us to today’s game, and a Grand Final that will deliver us another memorable moment.

You don’t get a much better match-up than this.

Both sides approach this on big winning streaks, the Cats have won 15 games straight. They last lost a game on May 14.

The Swans are in great form too – they are on a nine-game streak and last lost in July.

As always, there are so many stories entwined in a Grand Final.

There’s Paddy McCartin, who has overcome multiple setbacks, and was given a chance to play this season by the Swans, now he will play in a Grand Final.

There’s Tyson Stengle, who was out of the league last year, a man who has turned his entire life around, and has reignited these Cats. Now he too will play in a Grand Final.

The Swans are in great form, too. Picture: Phil Hillyard

But not everyone is new to this.

Fourteen years ago, Joel Selwood and Lance Franklin ran on to this ground as two of the youngest players to play in the 2008 Grand Final.

How things have changed.

Selwood will today overtake Michael Tuck’s record for number of finals played; this is his 40th final, and his sixth grand final.

He has a chance to win his fourth premiership today.

Buddy plays his 28th final today and has a chance to win his third premiership.

Two legends of the game out there today, a full MCG, and two teams on long winning streaks, everything is set.

To everyone at the game or watching at home, thank you for all you have brought to the AFL and Australian Football across the country this season.

We hope you have an incredible day.

Gillon McLachlan is Chief Executive Officer of the AFL

Originally published as Gillon McLachlan: Spectacular year proves footy is back in Melbourne in a big way