AFL Grand Final tips: Herald Sun experts predict 2019 premier, Norm Smith Medal winner

Meat Loaf delivered one of the most forgettable performances in Grand Final history but he might have predicted the 2019 premier in one of his biggest hits. EXPERT TIPS

Who will claim the 2019 premiership — Richmond or GWS?

The possibilities are down to two, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for disagreement in the Herald Sun newsroom.

See who our experts are tipping to win Saturday’s Grand Final plus their predictions on who will kick the first goal and who will win the Norm Smith Medal.

Gerard Whateley (total 141)

Richmond 14

The Tigers have been the benchmark since last they won the flag. It’ll parlay into a second premiership.

First goal: Tom Lynch

Norm Smith Medal: Bachar Houli

Mick Malthouse (138)

Richmond 7

Entering the grand final with fresher legs, the Tigers will be able to outlast a very gallant Giants’ team — just.

First goal: Tony Greene

Norm Smith: Toby Greene

Glenn McFarlane (138)

Richmond 15

The Tigers have managed to overcome hurdles all season and they can clear this last one presented in front of them.

First goal: Toby Greene

Norm Smith: Shane Edwards

Richmond’s Shane Edwards is a big Norm Smith Medal chance.

Eliza Sewell (137)

GWS Giants 8

With nothing to lose other than a few games next April (and maybe May), tipping footy’s unreconstructed bad boy to lead the Giants to a historic first.

First goal: Dustin Martin

Norm Smith: Toby Greene

Devon Smith (137)

Richmond

If Grimes can nullify Greene that will go a long way to Richmond winning.

First goal: Jeremy Cameron

Norm Smith: Shane Edwards

Michael Warner (136)

Richmond 17

The Giants bat deep but the extra game played and injury issues will tell in the end.

First goal: Dion Prestia

Norm Smith: Bachar Houli

Dermott Brereton (135)

GWS Giants 3 (extra-time)

Amazing how much improvement the Giants have had in the last month. Can’t split them with Richmond. Tiredness only factor.

First goal: Toby Greene

Norm Smith: Josh Kelly

Josh Kelly of the Giants is primed for a huge Grand Final.

Bill Shorten (135)

Richmond 26

The best side of the past three seasons will win its second premiership in three years.

First goal: Jack Riewoldt

Norm Smith: Dustin Martin

Jon Anderson (134)

GWS Giants 17

I’m going with the fairytale story, the side that came together against conventional wisdom in September, 2019.

First goal: Daniel Rioli

Norm Smith: Nick Haynes

Jay Clark (133)

Richmond 25

They’ve been the best team for the bulk of the past three years, the Tigers, and, unlike last season, are cherry ripe.

First goal: Jack Riewoldt

Norm Smith: Nick Vlastuin

Lauren Wood (133)

Richmond 15

The Tigers’ style is made for this. If they can keep Greene and Cameron quiet, they’ll lift the cup again.

First goal: Dustin Martin

Norm Smith: Dion Prestia

James Hird (132)

GWS Giants 10

First goal: Jeremy Cameron

Norm Smith: Toby Greene

Sarah Jones (132)

GWS Giants 13

Battled hardened with superstars returning, the Giants have been the team of September.

First goal: Tom Lynch

Norm Smith: Lachie Whitfield

Jon Ralph (132)

Richmond 2

Strap yourself in for an epic in which Richmond chases down a fatiguing Giants in the last 10 minutes.

First goal: Tom Lynch

Norm Smith: Dylan Grimes

Chris Cavanagh (131)

Richmond 17

As Meat Loaf once sang, Two out of Three Ain’t Bad. Another premiership beckons for the Tigers.

First goal: Dustin Martin

Norm Smith: Tom Lynch

Will Dustin Martin claim a second Norm Smith Medal? Picture: David Caird

Rebecca Williams (131)

Richmond 7

The Tigers have been here before and know what it takes to deliver on this stage.

First goal: Tom Lynch

Norm Smith: Toby Greene

Sam Edmund (130)

GWS Giants 12

A wise person once said never change your tips, but there’s a sense of destiny about the Giants.

First goal: Jack Riewoldt

Norm Smith: Nick Haynes

Tyson Goldsack (130)

Richmond

Small forwards to wreak havoc on the back of their fast forward style football.

First goal: Jason Castagna

Norm Smith: Bachar Houli

Brad Johnson (130)

GWS Giants 1 (ET)

This game is going to be a beauty. Extra time needed to decide the winner.

First goal: Toby Greene

Norm Smith: Toby Greene.

David King (130)

GWS Giants 5

Expecting the toughest Grand Final for years. Mumford, Taranto and Hopper... brutal contest players....Mummy with nothing to lose.

First goal: Harry Himmelberg

Norm Smith: Toby Greene

Sam Landsberger (130)

Richmond 9

Expect some old-fashioned dust-ups given Matt de Boer will spend all day agitating Dusty, Mummy wants to run through blokes and Toby Greene is Toby Greene.

First goal: Josh Caddy

Norm Smith: Kane Lambert

Tim Watson (130)

Richmond 23

The Tigers have been the best and most consistent team for three seasons.

First goal: Tom Lynch

Norm Smith: Dion Prestia

Dion Prestia has had a brilliant final series.

Mark Robinson (129)

Richmond 31

Best grinding team v one of the best stoppage teams. The grind wins.

First goal: Jack Riewoldt

Norm Smith: Jack Riewoldt

Scott Morrison (129)

GWS Giants 8

This weekend the Giants will show their Western Sydney spirit and prove all of their doubters wrong.

First goal: Tom Lynch

Norm Smith: Josh Kelly

MORE GRAND FINAL NEWS:

Tigers’ Grand Final selection shock

Grand Final parade: Everything you need to know

Which Grand Final team has the best song?

McGuane: Underrated Tigers could be difference

Gilbert Gardiner (128)

GWS Giants 10

Something about the artists formerly known as orange witches hats and all power to them.

First goal: Toby Greene

Norm Smith: Josh Kelly

Bianca Chatfield (127)

Richmond 11

They have the manpower, height and speed up forward to break the Giants relentless defence.

First goal: Dion Prestia

Norm Smith: Bachar Houli

Mick McGuane (126)

Richmond 14

A strong defensive system, a midfield that works both ways and multiple avenues to goal.

First goal: Jason Castagna

Norm Smith: Bachar Houli

Scott Gullan 119

Richmond 7

The Giants will strangle the life out of the Tigers but eventually something will give, most likely a Dusty memorable moment.

First goal: Toby Greene

Norm Smith: Bachar Houli

Max Gawn 115

GWS Giants 1

Playing with a spirit that can’t be broken.

First goal: Ivan Soldo

Norm Smith: Shane Mumford

Kiss of Death 71

GWS Giants 13

Can’t stop singing that team song.

First goal: Heath Shaw

Norm Smith: Brent Daniels

Originally published as AFL Grand Final tips: Herald Sun experts predict 2019 premier, Norm Smith Medal winner