Voices Of Victoria: Your say on who will win the 2022 AFL Premiership

With the AFL finals just around the corner, we’ve asked Victorians how they’ll be celebrating in September and their tips for the flag.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood holding the 2022 AFL premiership cup at the league’s captains day in March. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL.

It might be a weekend off, but footy is still well and truly on the minds of locals as the AFL finals loom.

Leader and Geelong Advertiser reporters hit the streets this week to ask locals who they believe is the favourite to hold the premiership cup aloft at the MCG on September 24.

And, in findings which might surprise you, none of the Geelong-based readers we spoke to have tipped the ladder-topping Cats to win the flag.

In fact, one of them isn’t even going to be watching the game – she’ll be getting prepared for Billie Eilish’s concert at Rod Laver Arena instead.

We’ve also asked locals how they plan to spend Grand Final day, which will be the first not impacted by Covid-19 restrictions for three years.

See if you can spot anyone you know, and let us know your thoughts on Grand Final day and your tips to win this year’s premiership in the comments section.

Anthony Turpin, Burwood

“I will watch the game with my partner.

“Who will win is a good question, I wouldn’t mind Melbourne again, and I wouldn’t mind Richmond, as I barrack for Richmond.

“I don’t think Geelong will win – I think it will be Melbourne or Collingwood.”

Harry Templeton, Ballarat

“It’ll all depend if the Bulldogs are in it, because I own season (tickets), so if the Bulldogs are in it, we’ll be down in Melbourne all week.

“Otherwise hanging around here. Bulldogs (will win).”

Martin Hyde, Newport

“I think the Cats have a pretty good shot at winning. If you’d asked me two weeks ago I might have said the Dees.

“I’ll probably get a few friends around on the day for some fun. I like the ritual of it.”

Dean Breen, Armstrong Creek

VOXIES with intern - ANYTIMEFooty vox pop

“Melbourne, I think they are the best team and will keep that momentum going into the

finals.”

Chaunice Hearn, Armstrong Creek

VOXIES with intern - ANYTIMEFooty vox pop

“I’m not a footy person, I won’t be watching the grand final, I’ll be at a Billie Eilish concert.”

Judy Bogemann, Lara

VOXIES with intern - ANYTIMEFooty vox pop

“Richmond, they are the best, they’ve been playing pretty average but they normally ramp up at finals time.”

Derek Bogemann, Lara

VOXIES with intern - ANYTIMEFooty vox pop

“My son and granddaughter are mad Collingwood supporters so I’ll hopefully be watching with them.”

Ariella Kennedy, Croydon

“I think the public holiday is unnecessary, but it is good for the schoolkids and fans to go watch the footy parade. I’ll probably spend the day getting things ready to have people over to watch the grand final at home.

“I’m a Hawthorn supporter, but I’m going for Collingwood, the coach has done so well this year and their form has been great, they’ve improved a lot.”

Nick Batsilas, Rowville

Nick from Rowville told Leader the grand final is a great chance to catch up with mates, even though his team haven’t had a good season.

“At the moment I don’t have any plans for the grand final but I presume I’ll watch it at the pub or have a BBQ at a mate’s house,” he said.

“I’m not really sure who’s in the final but it’s a good excuse to have a drink and socialise with friends.

“I can’t say I have actually watched any footy for the last few years as Hawthorn aren’t doing too well.

“But when they start dominating, I’ll be sure to jump on the bandwagon.”