AFL Grand Final, Geelong Cats vs Sydney: All you need to know about schedule, live site, where to watch, players, reactions
Football’s final Saturday was back at its rightful home and in blue and white eyes so is the premiership.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Football’s final Saturday was back at its rightful home and in blue and white eyes so is the premiership.
At a sunlit MCG on footy’s best day, ecstasy erupted in the stands when the siren sounded at 5:13pm.
Emotions bottled by Cats fans during the 10-year wait for a 10th flag, punctuated by so many “almosts”, were spilled in momentsof unbridled joy.
Parents clutched children, friends embraced, fans punched the air in celebration.
Cats fan John Desira,65, from Little River who watched the win shoulder to shoulder with others in a standing bay said thegrand final win was the happiest moment of his life.
“I’ve just loved how the club has backed Joel Selwood. What has surprised me the most was the younger players and how muchthey’ve improved the team the likes of Zach Guthrie, Sam De Koning and Jake Kolodjashnij.”
Cat man and super fan, Troy West, who started piecing together his elaborate blue and white outfit at 6:30am on grand finalmorning said he lived for the enjoyment.
“How can you compare anything to this. It’s bloody brilliant,” he said.
Some Cats fans expected a Sydney comeback in the second half but it never came.
By the end of the third quarter chants of “Geeee-long” rang through the stands and fans were hugging in the aisles.
At one point one Cats fan remarked: “We’re up by 11 goals, how good is this.”
In the stands they poked fun at the “too old too slow” criticism levelled against the Cats in recent years.
With three minutes to go in the game a chant of “Selwood” rang around the ‘G after the skipper bent through an unlikely goal.
Minutes later Joel’s mum Maree Selwood was brought to tears by the sight of her son clinching his fourth premiership.
Former Geelong Football Club president Colin Carter said it had defied the odds to claim another premiership.
Geelong going off! So god - well done you Catters! #AFLGF#AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGFÂ #geelongphotographer@geelongaddypic.twitter.com/NepHsNX4Ki
— Alan Barber (@bfmphoto) September 24, 2022
“The AFL system is designed to stop teams doing what Geelong has done.
“We rebuilt over the last 10 years and we’ve done what no other team has done so this is great reward for a lot of effort.”
After collecting a premiership medallion, he’s craved for so long, Zach Tuohy wiped away tears with a Portlaoise Gaelic FootballClub flag, a club he’s had a connection with since he was five-years old.
Zach’s sister Naomi Hooban who travelled from Ireland to the game said the celebrations would be long and hard.
“The poor guy never gets to sort of let loose given the job he’s in. He’s Irish at the end of the day, so the reins will beoff but we’ll have a few beers until we have to stop”
In a touching moment after the game in the changerooms, former Cats skipper Cameron Ling clasped Joel Selwood by the cheekand simply said “well done.”
Coach Chris Scott also had a private moment of unbridled joy in the bowels of the ‘G; where he flung his premiership hat intothe coaches room and pumped his fist.
As grand final day kicked off with entertainment put simply - Robbie Williams rocked.
The ‘G was pumping as Robbie belted out, in his words “Australia’s unofficial anthem”, John Farnham’s You’re the Voice.
Then out bounced Delta Goodrum for a rendition of Kids alongside Robbie, and by that point excitement was at a peak.
“Best entertainment ever,” Cats 25-year cheer squad member Sally Ince said.
Earlier in the day footy fans couldn’t help but smile when Mike Brady’s grand final anthem, Up There Cazaly, echoed aroundthe ‘G for the first time in three years.
On Saturday eyes were pinned on the ‘G but now eyes will turn to the streets of Geelong through which the victorious teamwill likely be paraded in coming days.
In the words of four-time premiership player Joel Selwood said: “It’s coming home back where it belongs.”
‘What a time’: Geelong dancing in the street at triumph
Geelong fans were dancing in the street after their team smashed the Sydney Swans.
Fans congregated along the footpath Ryrie St and watched on as drivers honked the horns of their cars, many which were decorated with Geelong Football Club flags.
Absolute scenes in Geelong right now. Go Cats! 💪💪 #GeelongStrongpic.twitter.com/ivdmxinYSR
— Geelong Advertiser (@geelongaddy) September 24, 2022
Moorabool St was the true scene of the party, with fans congregating at the intersection as they chanted “We are Geelong” and sung the team’s theme song.
Later, a man carried a giant boom box and played the Geelong while supporters jumped and cheered.
As late afternoon turned into dusk, elated fans released glitter bombs as some supporters crowded surfed.
Margaret Thomas, from St Albans Park, watched the game at home but travelled into the Geelong CBD to celebrate.
“I love it for the town, I love it for the players - especially Joel (Selwood) taking out (Gary) Ablett’s son.
“It’s just wonderful. I’ve been here (into town) for previous wins and I think this is the best.”
Other Cats fans have spoken of just how much it means to see Geelong win their 10th premiership.
Geelong is coming alive as fans flock to Ryrie St @geelongaddypic.twitter.com/CLCmUNVDlW
— Olivia Shying (@oliviashying) September 24, 2022
Joyous cheers spread throughout the decorated Cremorne Hotel in Newtown, owned by Cats legend Billy Brownless, when the final siren sounded.
Cats-supporting brothers Angus and Jamie Nelson, aged 20 and 24 respectively, travelled from Warburton and caught the game with their dad in Geelong at the pub.
Angus said the win meant “the world’ after 11 years of scrutiny and represented proving everyone wrong.
“What a time it is to be a Geelong supporter,” he said.
Melbourne-based Cats supporter Brianna Bowell made the trip to Geelong so she could be around like-minded fans.
“Absolutely (it was worth it). Just to be around Geelong supporters.”
Anup Rajagopal and Navya Surendran, from Melbourne’s west, felt the same.
They’d been visiting Kinglake but made the trip to Geelong to soak up the atmosphere.
Ms Surendran said: “It’s so much better to watch the game in Geelong when they’re playing like this.”
For Jane Stewart, a lifelong Geelong fan, an amazing day was made even more memorable when her partner Jeff Leech-Hines proposed at three-quarter time.
“Jane loves the Cats and when they were going to win I thought, why not?”
Ms Stewart said she was “pretty happy” that she could celebrate both her loves at once.
Fiona De Vivo watched outside the MCG, but snuck in for the celebrations.
“We only got into the ground with one minute to go, because unfortunately we didn’t get tickets,” she said.
“We watched it outside, which was amazing. The boys brought it home. So bloody thankful for Joel, for Paddy, for Tommy, for all players. To see another grand final victory in our lifetime, it means everything. It’s just an incredible feeling and I’ll treasure it forever.”
The win was even more memorable for one couple at the Sporting Globe, who got engaged at three-quarter-time.
Jane Stewart is one happy Cats fan after her partner Jeff proposed at 3/4 time. #AFLGF#AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGFpic.twitter.com/R9oC8UZNR7
— Olivia Shying (@oliviashying) September 24, 2022
Siren sounds: Geelong’s mega win
Geelong has obliterated Sydney by 81 points to capture the 2022 AFL premiership, fuelling emotions of euphoria and relief among ecstatic supporters across the city.
The result was almost locked in after a dominant first quarter, and by three-quarter time it was well and truly over with Geelong up by 74.
Here’s how they celebrated at the live site in Geelong:
And from the press box:
The moment Geelong became premiers #AFLGF#AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGFÂ @geelongaddypic.twitter.com/HBCecnygQA
— Ollie Nash (@ollie_nash44) September 24, 2022
From the Cremorne:
The Cremorne pub as the siren sounds!!!! Absolute elation #AFLGF#AFLCatsSwans#AddyGF#WeAreGeelong#GeelongStrongpic.twitter.com/p57cZPqWnz
— Tamara McDonald (@TamaraMcDonald3) September 24, 2022
Joel Selwood’s goal in the dying minutes sparked amazing scenes on the field, as player piled on around him in a sign it could potentially be his last game.
“They’re so hard to win and every team says it but I think we deserved it,” he told Channel 7 after the siren.
“It hasn’t been just 12 months in the making.”
Chris Keifer was thrilled as the Cats drove the nail into the Swans coffin.
Stay tuned to the Addy for all the reactions from pubs, live site, post-game interviews and more.
Chris Kiefer, 45, says the Cats footy in the premiership quarter was sublime. "The pressure was there and then it was gone. We've won it" #GeelongStrong#AFLGF#AFLGrandFinal#WeAreGeelong#AddyGF@geelongaddypic.twitter.com/Bjy8C4bcWP
— Chad Van Estrop (@cvanestrop) September 24, 2022
Party brews at three-quarter-time
Cats fans are getting ready to party as Geelong drives the Swans into the ground in the grand final.
And it’s just about party time here in Geelong#AFLGF#AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGFpic.twitter.com/lqGX0fuxyD
— Harrison Tippet (@Hwtippet) September 24, 2022
Crowd is loving Cam Guthrie as he kicks a goal. Â #AFLGF#AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGFpic.twitter.com/DTWSkiEOHe
— Olivia Shying (@oliviashying) September 24, 2022
Little Matilda struts her stuff at the Cremorne at three quarter time. Looks like her team is about to bring home a big win!! #AFLGF#AFLCatsSwans#AddyGF#WeAreGeelong#GeelongStrongpic.twitter.com/Zq9kpYWgZi
— Tamara McDonald (@TamaraMcDonald3) September 24, 2022
Crowd buoyed by strong half-time lead
Geelong fans are erupting with joy as the Cats continue to maintain a strong lead in the AFL grand final.
Piano Bar owner Andy Pobjoy said the Cats had been off to “a flying start”.
“I reckon the Cats are going to get it by six goals,” he said.
Mr Pobjoy said his live screening of the match was almost spoiled by early transmission issues, but he managed to get it up and running before kick off.
We found a bunch of Brad Close’s mates from the North Gambier footy club in SA at the Barwon Club - and safe to say they’re pumped to see the hometown hero in the big dance!! #AddyGF#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AFLGF#AFLSwansPiespic.twitter.com/YP7ULe1Wfa
— Tamara McDonald (@TamaraMcDonald3) September 24, 2022
“So far, so good for Geelong. It’s a great reason to celebrate and we could be in for a wild one (if the Cats win).
Over at the Sporting Globe punters were getting into the action, with Cats fans jumping for joy whenever a player made a mark.
At the Barwon Club, Brad Close’s former teammates and coach from the North Gambier Football Club in South Australia were enjoying the hometown hero’s success.
Justin McConnell coached Close and said the team was super proud.
He said it was hard to articulate what it was like seeing him make it to big dance.
Lifelong Cats supporter Emma Burchell, from Melbourne, had come down to watch the game at the Barwon Club, with her six-month-old daughter Madelief Velthuis.
Although Madelief may not always remember her team’s huge win, her mum vowed to tell her about it.
Cutest supporter I’ve seen all day - baby Madelief celebrates her first grand final at the Barwon Club! Mum Emma gives her thoughts on the Cats’ performance at half times. #AddyGF#AFLGF#AFLCatsSwans#WeAreGeelong#GeelongStrongpic.twitter.com/kKQ9t1MBvF
— Tamara McDonald (@TamaraMcDonald3) September 24, 2022
Live site erupts at hot Geelong start
About 1000 Cats fans erupted at Geelong’s live site at St Mary’s footy oval outside GMHBA Stadium when Tom Hawkins kicked the opening goal.
In an incredible ‘avalanche of attack’, as Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor put it, Geelong kicked six opening quarter goals to lead 6.4 (40) to 1.0 (6).
Geelong +19 contested, +39 uncontested, +12 i50. And it felt like every bit of that. As dominant as you can be that first quarter
— Josh Barnes (@Josh__Barnes) September 24, 2022
The fans, many young families, cheered when the Cats walked out onto the ground at the MCG, especially when little Levi Ablett was carried onto the ground by captain Joel Selwood.
Before the live broadcast was aired, kids including Sammi, Isabelle, Stella, Lily and Harrison, enjoyed a kick to kick in the park with their parents.
Sammi, Isabelle, Stella, Lily and Harrison came with their families from Gippsland for the live site at Kardinia Park today, and are loving the pregame kick to kick!#AFLGF#AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGFpic.twitter.com/4Fwseh0yOO
— Harrison Tippet (@Hwtippet) September 24, 2022
Geelong pubs turn blue and white
Geelong venues are turning blue and white as supporters get behind the Cats.
By 1pm the Sporting Globe was packed, and Cats supporter Mat Dean was feeling confident the day would end well for his team.
Dressed in his blue and white jersey, Mr Dean even wore a Geelong themed brace on his injured finger.
“I was playing cricket and injured it. I had to have it operated on and asked for a blue cast for Geelong. When they put it on, the ties were white,” he said.
The Sporting Globe is turning blue and white and Brianna is confident of a Cats victory. Â #AFLGF#AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGFpic.twitter.com/0wNjATzDe3
— Olivia Shying (@oliviashying) September 24, 2022
Mr Dean was at the venue from 10am to hear Geelong legend Gary Ablett Jnr speak. He said watching Ablett’s son Levi be brought onto the field by captain Joel Selwood would be his highlight.
“I’ve known the boys slightly and they are the most genuine, kind people. It (Selwood’s action) shows what a good character he is,” Mr Dean said.
“Living with a disability, I believe you just have to give everything a go,” he said.
Melbourne-based Cats supporter Brianna Bowell made the trip to Geelong so she could be around like-minded fans.
“Absolutely (it was worth it). Just to be around Geelong supporters.”
Cats fans’ “quiet confidence” ahead of the big game
Cats fans had a quiet sense of confidence on packed trains as they headed to Melbourne.
Supporters travelled from Sydney and Terang in the Western District to be a part of the grand final buzz in Geelong before they jumped on trains to the MCG.
The Cats’ win was a perfect 76th birthday present for 30-year member Irene Morgan who watched a fifth AFL grand final live.
AFL Grand Final day is here. Here’s a quick look at the walk to the media centre at the ‘G #AFLGF#AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGF@geelongaddypic.twitter.com/t3u69834ho
— Ollie Nash (@ollie_nash44) September 24, 2022
“I’m so excited and feeling pretty confident,” Ms Morgan said on her way to the game.
“I got an email with a happy birthday message from Tom Hawkins (on Saturday morning) which was a perfect start to the day.”
Ms Morgan took the train with sister, Patricia O’Keefee, and grandkids Lincoln Gray and Isla Gray.
“I first went to the football (at Kardinia Park) in the 1960s with my sister and I remember very well when Polly Farmer first played,” Ms O’Keefee said.
“For Geelong I think it’s great to have a team that’s so well liked in the whole community. It just lifts Geelong.”
Anna Gilham, 39, was on her way to the ’G with family Birch Behmann, Sam Behmann, and Jack Gilham to watch a third grand final live.
“I remember when we won in 2007, my dad took me into Geelong and that was the first time I felt a sense of belonging to Geelong. I would have been 24 years old at that time.”
Glen Breeze from Mildura caught the train from Geelong station with son Angus and mate Nigel Deadman from suburban Sydney.
“To share this with my son is a pretty special experience and something he will remember after I’m gone,” Mr Breeze said.
Asked about the Cats chance of a win, Mr Breeze said: “Pretty confident. I think we play a better brand of footy.”
As the V/Line snaked into Melbourne the Addy spoke to the Vollebregt sisters Rachel and Leisha from Mount Duneed.
Rachael, who watched her first grand final live on Saturday, said she was excited to soak in the atmosphere.
“Our finals games have been very strong so I’m pretty confident.”
Thusands converge on Federation Square
Thousands of footy fans gathered from far and wide to march to the MCG together ahead of the hotly-anticipated clash between Geelong and Sydney.
Cats fanatics converged on Federation Square on a sunny Melbourne morning, before the team’s marching band and cheer squalled the crowd to the ground from about 11am.
A sea of blue and white made its way along the Yarra River behind the energetic musicians who pumped up the crowd with the team song as well as popular tunes like Hunters and Collectors’ Holy Grail.
😻😜 #AddyGFpic.twitter.com/AJ2sX1sy8b
— Tamara McDonald (@TamaraMcDonald3) September 24, 2022
Geelong supporters Fiona Read and her 25-year-old son Brayden had come all the way from Perth, Western Australia to witness their first grand final in person.
Brayden, who had his face painted like a feline ahead of the march, gravitated towards the Cats as a youngster.
He said his favourite player was champion Patrick Dangerfield.
Ms Read said the atmosphere in Melbourne was electric.
“Just seeing all the crowds was amazing … we were so excited,” she said.
She said Geelong would “without a doubt” being holding up the Premiership Cup after Saturday’s match.
Ms Read said Jeremy Cameron could claim the Norm Smith Medal, while Brayden’s pick was Tom Hawkins.
The pair attend Geelong games in Perth, and planned to make the journey to Geelong on Sunday to celebrate a win.
Meanwhile, the Cats supporting Sack family from Pakenham was also soaking up the atmosphere at Federation Square before the game.
Mum Fiona and dad Rodney both supported the Cats before they met.
Sons Heath, 8, and Abel, 6, said they most were excited about “everything” ahead of attending the match.
They both predicted the Cats would win, while Abel picked star forward Cameron for the first goal while Heath’s pick was veteran Hawkins.
Gary Ablett Jr’s game-day predictions
A few dozen Cats fans kicked off their Grand Final day celebrations by heading to a breakfast with legend Gary Ablett Jr on Saturday morning.
The AFL legend spoke to a crowded private function at the Sporting Globe, sharing stories and insights into the game as punters tucked into breakfast, coffees, orange juices and morning beers.
Here’s what the little master had to say on
… TODAY’S WINNER
“I reckon the Cats win by about 35”
… HIS NORM SMITH PREDICTION
“Tom Hawkins or Mitch Duncan.”
… HIS SON LEVI RUNNING THROUGH THE BANNER
“I’m sure you’ve all heard Levi is going to be running through the banner today with Joel Selwood. It’s going to be a really special day for our family. I got the call about three or four days ago from Joel, he said he’d love to run through the banner with Levi and celebrate the Ablett family. My wife got quite emotional hearing Joel talk about that, and I just think it’s such a kind gesture for the club to do and for Joel to do, so I’m looking forward to getting up there and cheering the Cats on, and hopefully we can bring home the premiership cup.”
. HOW THE CATS CAN WIN TODAY
“I know they are a little bit nervous, they’re probably feeling the expectations of winning 15 games in a row, so there’s no doubt they’ll be a little nervous when the game starts. But, I’m confident we’re playing a really good brand of footy at the moment.”
“I think it’s crucial we make the most of our opportunities early in the game, because Sydney is a team you’re not going to get 30-35 scoring shots against, when you mark the ball inside 50 you need to go back and make sure you make the most of those opportunities.”
“So I’m quietly confident, but Sydney are a good team at the same time, so I’m nervous but excited.”
CATS 2022 BEST & FAIREST
“I think Jeremy Cameron will win it.”
Thousands gather ahead of the grand final
Thousands of footy fans gathered from far and wide to march to the MCG together ahead of the grand final.
Cats fanatics converged on Federation Square on a sunny Melbourne morning before the team’s marching band led the crowd to the ground.
A sea of blue and white travelled along Yarra River behind the energetic musicians who pumped up the crowd with the team song as well as popular tunes like Hunters and Collectors’ Holy Grail.
Fiona Read and her son Brayden have travelled all the way from Perth to attend the #AFGLGF. She’s tipping Cameron for the Norm Smith while Brayden thinks Tom Hawkins can take it home! #AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#WeAreGeelong#GeelongStrongpic.twitter.com/50yK18uZtF
— Tamara McDonald (@TamaraMcDonald3) September 24, 2022
Geelong supporters Fiona Read and her 25-year-old son Brayden had come all the way from Perth to witness their first grand final in person.
Ms Read said the atmosphere was electric.
“Just seeing all the crowds was amazing … we were so excited,” she said.
Cats fans’ excitement builds on the way to the MCG
Those Cats supporters lucky enough to have tickets the grand final are lapping up the atmosphere.
Here’s Tamara McDonald in the crowd as fans follow the Geelong marching band from Fed Square to the MCG.
BTS with me 😎 Let’s go! #AFLGF#AFLCatsSwans#AddyGF#WeAreGeelong#GeelongStrongpic.twitter.com/bGCfFqKpnu
— Tamara McDonald (@TamaraMcDonald3) September 24, 2022
Here we go!! #AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGFpic.twitter.com/S8Rf6ewQ6N
— Tamara McDonald (@TamaraMcDonald3) September 24, 2022
On the train is Chad Van Estrop, and he’s spoken to a few punters making their way from Geelong to get their tips.
Patricia O'Keeffe from Grovedale has been watching the Cats since the Polly Farmer days in the 1960s. She's going to her first #AFLGrandFinal today.
— Chad Van Estrop (@cvanestrop) September 24, 2022
Patricia says a Cats win would lift the whole town. #GeelongStrong#AFLGF#WeAreGeelong#AddyGF@geelongaddypic.twitter.com/e1Oqqb8Bkq
Irene Morgan from Torquay is celebrating her 76th birthday today. She's taking quiet confidence into the 5th #AFLGrandFinal she will watch live. #GeelongStrong#AFLGF#WeAreGeelong#AddyGF@geelongaddypic.twitter.com/Ajpa3OXcpX
— Chad Van Estrop (@cvanestrop) September 24, 2022
Max Holmes gets worst news
It appears all the positive vibes from the Geelong community this week, to go along with the hours of rehab, will not be enough for Max Holmes.
Multiple sources are reporting Chris Scott had already made the call late on Friday to rule him out of the game.
It came despite a strong training session at GMHBA Stadium ahead of the grand final parade.
Scott on Friday said that Mark O’Connor would “probably” replace Holmes if need be but fellow emergencies Brandan Parfitt and Sam Menegola were also options for selectors.
“I feel desperately for them (to miss selection), if Max doesn’t come up it will be one of those guys (who replaces him),” Scott said.
Scott said the coaches knew who would be Geelong’s medical sub if Holmes doesn’t play but he refused to reveal who it would be.
Daniel Andrews throws support behind Geelong
Premier Daniel Andrews has thrown his support behind the Cats for the 2022 Grand Final.
While the premier’s other choice would be to barrack for interstate rivals Sydney, he praised Geelong’s passion in the lead up to the bounce.
“The community of Geelong is counting down the hours until a packed MCG cheers on their team in the Grand Final,” Mr Andrews said.
“We know the people of Geelong are passionate – and there’s no doubt that passion will be front and centre tomorrow.
“This weekend, I think we are all Geelong. Go Cats.”
GEELONG GRAND FINAL DAY GUIDE: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you’re still looking for the ideal pub where you can watch the game, or figuring out how to get to the ‘G by train or ferry, click here to see our comprehensive guide to both.
Remember, the game is scheduled to start at 2.30pm.
Not only will we have all the reactions once the game is done (and hopefully won), if the Cats win the Geelong Advertiser will print a one-off Sunday edition for you to buy as a keepsake from a memorable day.
Diehard Cats fan of 58 years, John Barron, who coincidentally lives on (Tom) Stewart St, expects it to be a good one.
While you wait for the bounce, we’ve got heaps of content for you to enjoy.
For starters, you can win a signed 2022 Geelong guernsey by testing your knowledge in our Cats super quiz. Complete the questions and the entry form here to go into the draw.
From a football perspective, we’ve got more stories than you can poke a stick at.
The name on everyone’s lips is Max Holmes after he injured his hamstring in the preliminary final. Get the latest on his progress here.
He got a huge cheer at the Cats’ open training session on Monday.
Fan favourite Zach Tuohy spoke to the Addy about bringing up his 250th game in the grand final. His older sister flew over for the game and revealed the immense support being shown back in his hometown of Portlaoise.
Tom Hawkins is another one of our wholesome heroes, and we decided to give you a behind-the-scenes feature story about his life outside footy.
The Hawkins clan has a property in the Barrabool hills with a handful of cattle, which wife Emma and the kids love, and helps the Cats forward take his mind off the pressure cooker that will be the MCG today.
Here’s a similar read about Patrick Dangerfield’s laidback lifestyle at Moggs Creek.
You can also read about Tom Atkins, who skipped Schoolies to pursue his AFL dream, and spoke to us about rebuilding himself about being dropped for the 2020 grand final.
Atkins will join Zach Guthrie, Brad Close, Tyson Stengle, Sam De Koning and Max Holmes – if fit – as grand final debutants.
Other Cats we’ve covered this week include Gary Rohan, who is up against his old club and hopes it’s fourth time lucky for him in grand finals, youngster Sam de Koning on a likely match-up with Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin, Rhys Stanley taking on his good mate Tom Hickey in the ruck, Jeremy Cameron on his support from hometown Dartmoor, Jonathon Ceglar, Jed Bews and Gryan Miers on the relaxed, trusting atmosphere that allows the club to thrive and more with Mark Blicavs, Mark O’Connor, Jed Bews and Tom Stewart.
Plus, there’s a guide to the roots of every player participating in the grand final, from both sides.
We even have a Swans story or two, including about local junior Paddy McCartin, who will play a grand final less than a year on from gaining a spot on Sydney’s list after spending time in pre-season with St Joseph’s – having had to give up the elite level to recover from multiple concussions.
His parents, Matt and Jo McCartin, were lifelong Cats fan until Paddy and brother Tom joined Sydney, although the owners of the Barwon Club Hotel will be happy no matter the result.
We’ve also engaged plenty of ex-players this week, from flag winners like Gary Ablett Jr to those who weren’t so lucky, including players from the unfortunate 1992 grand final team, who have urged today’s current squad to learn from their mistakes.
Here’s some good times to reflect on.
If the Cats do happen to win, behave yourself! (And even if they lose)
Police will be on high alert and out in numbers targeting anti-social behaviour.
Here’s the list of offences and potential punishments if you’re caught acting out.
Otherwise, make sure you stay glued on our website throughout the day for all the updates.
More Coverage
Originally published as AFL Grand Final, Geelong Cats vs Sydney: All you need to know about schedule, live site, where to watch, players, reactions
Join the conversation
‘Textbook male violence’: Man held woman captive in ‘nasty’ ordeal
A man who spent a night torturing a woman in his home with a cigarette, a syringe and a box cutter claimed he didn’t “hit females”, a court has heard.
Read more
Major update on Douro St transfer station
A “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of Geelong’s recycling infrastructure has been announced, as council opts to raze rather than repair a troubled facility.
Read more