2020 AFL grand final live: Dustin Martin the man as Richmond stun Geelong
Richmond looked down and out at the main break, but staged a stunning comeback to claim their third premiership in four years.
- Martin the man as Richmond stun Geelong
- The view from The Gabba at HT
- Ablett injured, Vlastuin knocked out
- ‘Bring back Meatloaf’: entertainment slammed
- Full AFL grand final running sheet
Richmond have come from behind to defeat Geelong by 31 points and win the 2020 AFL grand final in Brisbane. Dustin Martin was the star yet again for the Tigers, winning a third Norm Smith Medal. See how it all unfolded below.
Courtney Walsh 10.32pm: Martin the man as Richmond stun Geelong
In a historic grand final that began with a dramatic flourish, Richmond has confirmed their greatness with a resolute 31-point triumph over Geelong at The Gabba.
The Tigers, who defended a premiership for the first time since 1974, were outpaced by Geelong until halftime but were by far the superior team after halftime.
A remarkable goal kicked by Dustin Martin from deep in the pocket with one minute remaining, with the Tiger shrugging the challenge of Patrick Dangerfield, provided a perfect snapshot of the grand final.
One superstar delivered, in the process becoming the first man in history to win a third Norm Smith Medal, while his rival champion proved ineffectual despite giving his all.
Martin praised the performance of his rivals and paid special tribute to the returning Ablett.
“I would just like to thank Geelong for an awesome game. You’re an awesome club,” he said. “Well done to Gaz on your unbelievable career. To the AFL, Toyota, the government, last but not least, the Richmond footy club. Let’s go.”
He had 21 possessions, ten of them won in contested fashion, and had nine score assists to go with the four goals he kicked.
It was Martin who began to turn the tide for the Tigers when he kicked a freakish goal to reduce the margin to 15 points shortly before halftime.
Geelong had been largely poised until in the opening two terms, but the goal from Martin clearly created some uncertainty going into halftime.
The Cats’ nerves came to the fore early in the third term when pressed and Richmond, a ruthless champion, seized the moment, just as their talisman did.
By three-quarter time Richmond held a two-point lead. They then kicked the opening three goals of the final term to seize complete control in a remarkable effort.
By the end of a grand final that capped the most difficult season the AFL has seen, the decider had become a victory parade for Richmond.
There would be no fairytale farewell for Gary Ablett Jnr, who suffered a serious shoulder injury early in a ferocious start that also saw Tiger Nick Vlastuin knocked unconscious.
The legend performed courageously while clearly in play and was creative at times, but it is a bitter farewell for one of the all-time greats.
Later, with the premiership seemingly within the Tigers grasp, Cat Sam Simpson also needed to be stretchered from the field when knocked out in a marking contest.
Sam Menegola kicked a goal from outside 50m when play resumed to reduce the margin to 16 points, but it proved Geelong’s last hurrah in a season they had played with resolve.
Nor does Dangerfield secure a much wanted premiership. Playing in his first grand final, the Geelong champion was the player who knocked Vlastuin in a heavy collision.
But he was not able to have an impact in attack and, with the Cats’ challenge waning, was thrust into the midfield to start the last term, to no avail.
Richmond’s third flag in four years marks them as one of the best teams of this century alongside Brisbane from 2001 to 2003, the Hawks of 2013 to 2015 and also the Cats, which managed three flags in five years between 2007 and 2011.
The triumph makes good on the vow Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale made a decade ago.
It had been three decades since the Tigers had won a premiership when Gale said he wanted Richmond to win three flags, surpass 75,000 members and eradicate their debt by 2020.
The promise seemed fantastical at the time. But the boldest of promises has been fulfilled.
On a history making night, Richmond captain Trent Cotchin is the first man to lead the Tigers to three premierships.
He is a superb skipper of a champion team led by an outstanding coach in Damien Hardwick, who has three premierships in charge to go with the two he won as a player.
The premiership coach said the remarkable achievement was the results of the efforts of an entire club, not simply the 22 who delivered another astonishing performance.
“You know, we started at the bottom, a mountain with everyone else, but to be the very last side on the top is an incredible journey,” he said.
“We have had an enormous amount of fun. We’ve had some incredible challenges and one thing I will say, when push comes to shove boys, you guys raise the bar. You’re an incredible side. An incredible organisation.”
He praised chief executive Brendon Gale and club president Peggy O’Neal for their stewardship.
“To Brendan and Peggy, I applaud you guys as well. And, finally, to the Tiger Army both here and far, we thank you very much. Without you guys, we don’t exist. We play for you.”
Hardwick lauded the consistency of their rivals over more than a decade, stating it was an achievement that deserved recognition.
“We admire you guys enormously (for) what you’ve been able to do over the course of the journey. You are an incredible competitor,” he said.
“That grand final today was something I think the whole AFL was looking forward to. I think we got a hell of a game. So well done. You’re a terrific organisation.”
Tigers Jayden Short and Shane Edwards gathered the ball at will in the midfield, while Shai Bolton became more creative the longer the match went.
Mitch Duncan continued his superb finals series for Geelong despite their defeat, while Geelong skipper Joel Selwood worked particularly hard.
Dylan Grimes has excelled since the retirement of Alex Rance and led the Tigers defence brilliantly, with the Cats restricted to just two second half goals.
Adrian McMurray 10.17pm: Richmond claim back-to-back flags
Riewoldt and Martin end any chances of a Geelong comeback, Dusty’s fourth just a little special.
NO WAY. pic.twitter.com/G73r2ZthPD
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 24, 2020
And that’s it! Richmond 12.9.81 have defeated Geelong 7.8.50 to win the 2020 AFL grand final – that’s back-to-back premierships, and three in four years.
Adrian McMurray 10.06pm: Hope for Geelong after ugly incident
Martin has three! Impressive stuff from the superstar, and the Tigers have a 22-point lead.
DUSTY'S KICKED THREE 🌟 pic.twitter.com/90PtMrtwAQ
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 24, 2020
Moments later there’s an ugly incident where Menegola and Simpson collide mid-air, Simpson taken from the ground on a stretcher – looks like he was knocked out before he hit the ground. Awful stuff. There’s a seven minute delay as the medical staff go to work. Menegola has the kick just outside the arc … AND HE KICKS IT! Hope for the Cats, Richmond lead 66-50 with a little over 7 minutes on the clock.
Adrian McMurray 9.51pm: Richmond rolling to another premiership
Prestia kicks his second for the match to open the final quarter, and when Bolton picks out Lynch in the goalsquare, the big man adds another and it’s looking like the premiership cup won’t be leaving Tigerland. Richmond lead 59-44 … Geelong must score next if they’re to have any hope.
Courtney Walsh 9.40pm: The view from The Gabba at 3QT
The stage is set for a thrilling finish to the 2020 grand final after reigning premiers Richmond rebounded strongly to hit the front against Geelong.
The Tigers have kicked four goals in the third quarter and lead by two points at three-quarter time.
Dustin Martin, the Norm Smith Medallist in 2017 and 2019, was dynamic in the third term, kicking two goals for the match as the Tigers raised their level across the ground.
Gary Ablett, who injured a shoulder in the first term, remains on the ground and has been creative. But he is also clearly in pain whenever crunched in a tackle or contest.
Richmond’s key forwards Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch were scarcely anywhere near the football in the first half.
But Riewoldt gave the Tigers the perfect start to the second half when kicking a goal after a free-kick was paid against Lachie Henderson for holding.
Another mistake from Geelong — Jake Kolodjashnij turned the football over in defence — enabled the Tigers to find Jason Castagna loose and he reduced the margin to three points.
Within the space of seven minutes of match play later in the second term and early in the third, the Tigers rebounded from being under significant pressure to within range.
Beaten early on through the midfield, the Tigers were able to get on top out of the centre. By midway through the third term, they were winning 75 per cent of centre clearances.
In contrast, the poise the Cats showed during the second term evaporated when play resumed, with mistakes in defence occurring regularly.
Geelong were able to halt the momentum soon after when, after racing the ball down the field with several handballs, Gryan Myers was able to kick accurately on the run.
But the Tigers continued to press.
When Martin kicked a magnificent checkside kick that bounced through for his second of the term, Richmond was in front for the first time in two terms.
Adrian McMurray 9.30pm: Dusty pulls Tigers in front
Cometh the hour … you know the rest.
DUSTIN MARTIN.
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 24, 2020
WHAT A GOAL 😱 pic.twitter.com/T8PyMLTe2V
Incredible stuff from the Richmond champion, who will no doubt take another Norm Smith Medal if the Tigers can win this one.
Meanwhile Ablett is struggling with that shoulder. He hits the deck relatively softly and grimaces. He’ll push through, but jeez, this is tough to watch.
Richmond 7.4.46 lead Geelong 6.8.44 at 3QT.
Adrian McMurray 9.20pm: Richmond aren’t done with just yet
Richmond have raced out of the blocks in the third. Jack Riewoldt grabs a goal and Jason Castagna, who famously kicked 0.5 in last year’s decider, has the Tigers back within three points. Geelong hit straight back through Gryan Miers, but Bolton and Lambert combine to bring it back to three. Geelong lead 42-39 midway through the third quarter.
The Cats move the ball by hand and Gryan finishes on the run 🔥#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/QHXb7EhpyG
— AFL (@AFL) October 24, 2020
Adrian McMurray 9.07pm: Streakers identified as third quarter begins
The players are back out there and we’re on for the third quarter. Dusty is up from for Richmond, likewise Dangerfield for Geelong, let’s see what they can produce.
Meanwhile, remember those pitch invaders from earlier? Fox Sports has identified the pair as comedy duo Marty and Michael. The pair have 1.2 million followers on Instagram … a few sponsored posts should cover the fine.
Adrian McMurray 8.57pm: Sheppard steal the show at halftime
Brisbane band Sheppard have stolen the show at halftime. The AFL perhaps taking a note from the NFL’s book, the best was most certainly saved for the main break with a spectacular performance.
Sheppard are lighting up Brisbane at Half Time 💫@7AFL | #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/S1FK0CZrCL
— AFL (@AFL) October 24, 2020
That more than made up for the pre-match entertainment. But, there could be a few visibility issues in the third quarter …
Hoping this clears a little in the next few mins! #Gabba pic.twitter.com/IVGXCoKHmk
— Courtney Walsh (@walshcee) October 24, 2020
Courtney Walsh 8.45pm: The view from The Gabba at HT
Geelong holds a 15 point lead at halftime over Richmond in the AFL grand final being held at The Gabba, but that does not reflect their dominance of the second term.
After taking a one-point lead into the second term, the Cats were by far the more polished side in the second, kicking the opening three goals of the quarter before Dustin Martin snared a late goal for the Tigers.
There were alarming signs for Richmond the longer the term went as Geelong’s run of goals reached five in succession. The absence of Nick Vlastuin in defence was clearly a factor in the Tigers defence looking disjointed.
The most notable example occurred in the passage that led to Sam Menegola’s goal at the 16-minute mark.
A skill error caused a turnover, but then the Cats were able to find enough space for a series of chip kicks before Menegola marked within range of goal.
That extended the margin to 16 points, with Richmond lucky the deficit was not greater given the Cats squandered a few opportunities, with a miss from Gryan Miers an example.
Soon after Tom Hawkins kicked his first goal for the match, with Gary Ablett deserving of an assist given a superb deflection opened the path for Geelong to attack.
Earlier in the quarter, it was clear the match was being played on Geelong’s terms.
They were able to win first use of the football at the stoppages and control the pace of the play there after.
Despite wasting some opportunities, the Cats have been far more efficient when inside their attacking arc (39 per cent versus their rivals 22 per cent).
Adrian McMurray 8.41pm: Dusty keeps Richmond in the contest
Just when you think Geelong are running away with it, a certain D Martin has something to say, the Richmond champion with a trademark snap to pull the Tigers back within 15.
You can try and stop Dusty, but he will find a way 💪#ColesGoals | #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/JgyatrEAPj
— AFL (@AFL) October 24, 2020
And that’s where it stays at halftime … What a half!
Geelong 5.5.35 lead Richmond 3.2.20 at halftime.
Adrian McMurray 8.31pm: Geelong purring in the second quarter
Richmond have managed just six marks the entire match at the midway mark of the second quarter. Geelong are all over them – and Dangerfield pushes their lead out to seven.
The Cats came out hunting in the Second Quarter 😤@MonsterEnergy | #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/H9pZQjfyTa
— AFL (@AFL) October 24, 2020
It’s all being played down one end of The Gabba, and when Menegola gets his first goal of the night, Geelong move out to a 29-13 lead. When Hawkins pushes it out to 35-13, things are starting to look grim for the defending premiers. Duncan and Stewart have been immense for the Cats.
Meanwhile Vlastuin won’t take any further part due to that nasty head knock. The Tigers are really missing him. Dangerfield will face some scrutiny for that elbow.
Courtney Walsh 8.13pm: The view from The Gabba at QT
An opening quarter for the ages at The Gabba has unfolded in the first AFL grand final played at night and away from Victoria.
Players including legend Gary Ablett Jnr, who is playing the final match of his career, were felled in a ferocious term remarkable for the drama that eventuated.
The Cats hold a one point advantage at the first change after Mitch Duncan kicked a superb goal from a testing angle later in a quarter that ran for 34 minutes.
The length stems from the delay that occurred as Richmond’s medical staff tended to Nick Vlastuin after he was knocked unconscious in a collision with Patrick Dangerfield.
Geelong may also have a personnel advantage as well.
While Ablett Jnr was able to return to the field late in the opening quarter, which is remarkable given the pain he was in, the Tigers are at least one man down.
From a statistical viewpoint, the trend to date mirrors the style with which both teams have played in 2020.
Geelong has had 20 more disposals than the reigning premiers and also had the better in terms of winning the football from stoppages and contested passages.
The Tigers have entered their forward 50 metre arc more regularly, but have been less efficient than Geelong in an opening that matched the hype leading into the grand final.
Adrian McMurray 8.04pm: Cats on top at QT as streakers hit Gabba
Guthrie gets Geelong’s first, keeping things tight in a first quarter that feels like an eternity.
Guthrie is having a huge first term!
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) October 24, 2020
7 Disposals
5 Clearances
1 Goal#AFLGF #GeelongStrong
More injury concern as Richmond’s Nathan Broad comes from the field due to a head knock.
There’s a brief pause as two fully-clothed streakers (does that even allow them streaker status?) enter the field. Stupid at the best of times, it’s hardly a great idea in the middle of a pandemic. They’re quickly rounded up and taken from the ground.
Duncan nails one from the pocket to give the Cats a one-point lead at QT.
Geelong 2.2.14 lead Richmond 2.1.13 at QT.
Adrian McMurray 7.50pm: Ablett returns, Richmond take early lead
The crowd roars as Ablett emerges from the tunnel – he’s got that shoulder strapped but is warming up on the boundary.
GARY IS BACK! pic.twitter.com/9hA585z2ID
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 24, 2020
Geelong kick two behinds to star the scoring, but it’s Richmond’s Dion Prestia who kicks the game’s first goal. Unfortunately, that might not be such a good thing …
2020: Dion Prestia (Richmond) #AFLGF https://t.co/UhuSQ1j3Ej
— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) October 24, 2020
Kamdyn McIntosh adds another, and Richmond hit the front 12-2.
Courtney Walsh 7.40pm: Ablett injured, Vlastuin knocked out
In a stunning opening to the AFL grand final, Gary Ablett has come from the ground with a significant shoulder injury a moment after Nick Vlastuin was knocked out.
The Tiger defender was cannoned into by Patrick Dangerfield when running with the flight of the ball and was unconscious immediately when falling to the ground.
Both Gary Ablett and Nick Vlastuin have been helped off the ground in a wild sequence of play. #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/hA4gZbXoFe
— AFL (@AFL) October 24, 2020
As Ablett was bouncing on the football, which rebounded from Dangerfield’s fist, he was tackled to the ground by Richmond captain Trent Cotchin and was immediately in pain.
The champion Cat is playing the final game of a legendary career, but required the assistance of trainers when coming from the ground.
Richmond medical staff tended to Vlastuin for several minutes before he was taken from The Gabba on a mobile stretcher six minutes into the decider.
Neither side has scored yet.
Adrian McMurray 7.31pm: Rain clears, grand final begins
We’re underway in the grand final! The rain has really cleared up and we’re set for a cracker. Settle in, footy fans!
Adrian McMurray 7.25pm: A Queensland feel
The trophy is brought onto the field by … surf life savers.
So if the Grand Final was held in Adelaide would the trophy be brought out by Barossa winemakers?? pic.twitter.com/RFUEPqEcGD
— Eli Greenblat (@EliGreenblat) October 24, 2020
Simon Black takes over and hands it to Ash Barty and Ian Nankervis.
Simon, Ash and Ian. ðŸ†#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/66h1ua1ACT
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 24, 2020
Onto the anthem – a stunning rendition from Tim McCallum (best on ground for the pre-match?). Geelong go with the power stance … not sure that worked out for Adelaide in 2017.
Adrian McMurray 7.10pm: Wolfmother bring back the hype
Wolfmother’s Andrew Stockdale is up next, and ‘Joker and the Thief’ gets the crowd — and viewers — going. However, someone went a little overboard with the flashing lights …
When you hear that riff, you know it's GAME TIME ðŸ†@7AFL | #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/DNgOflCKRo
— AFL (@AFL) October 24, 2020
A seizure warning would be nice. #AFLGF
— Lachlan Steele (@Lachy_Steele) October 24, 2020
Just when you think Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother +band could save its someone strobes the hell out of the viewers at home #AFLGF #AFLTigersCats pic.twitter.com/4e7NaNcapR
— Anders (@alex_anders) October 24, 2020
Adrian McMurray 7.05pm: ‘Bring back Meatloaf’: pre-game entertainment slammed
Cub Sport hit the stage next, with a cover of Powderfinger’s ‘These Days’.
Cub Sport has kicked off the entertainment with their cover of Powderfinger's "These Days" ðŸ‘
— AFL (@AFL) October 24, 2020
@7afl | #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/lflk7xr5En
The punters haven’t held back.
This GF entertainment is really really bad #AFLGF
— Paul (@ShesApples23) October 24, 2020
No no no please stop singing guy in sunglasses #AFLGF
— Prof. Stephen Catterall (@stevecattz) October 24, 2020
What was that Powderfinger cover!?!?! #AFLGF Jesus
— meticulous (@meticulous73) October 24, 2020
“Bring back Meatloaf”.
— Dan, DTC 🇦🇺 (@NightProwlar) October 24, 2020
At least Meatloaf will be pleased #AFLGF
— Alfa (@Alfonse74) October 24, 2020
DMA’S are up next and it seems they didn’t really get the vibe right, either.
Who else is loving @dmasmusic?@7afl | #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/PRcrfw0497
— AFL (@AFL) October 24, 2020
This is the perfect music to pump people up before a grand final 😳 I feel like I’ve just been broken up with... #AFLGF
— Montana Duncan (@montana_duncan9) October 24, 2020
If the pre game entertainment was supposed to capture the feeling of 2020 it has nailed it. #AFLGF
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) October 24, 2020
Adrian McMurray 6.54pm: Up There Cazaly hits Brisbane
The pre-match entertainment is underway, and we’ve got our dose of Up There Cazaly for the year with Mike Brady at the MCG and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and choir at The Gabba. There were a few sound issues, but I suppose there’s always an issue with these sorts of things.
What's an #AFLGF without Up There Cazaly? @7AFL pic.twitter.com/Z071tO93Lx
— AFL (@AFL) October 24, 2020
Adrian McMurray 6.45pm: No late changes for either side
Both sides will be as per program, with no late changes.
While rain is still falling in Brisbane, it looks like we’re good to go tonight. That’s good news for both sides, their supporters and footy fans, and potentially bad news for those who have been rejoicing the potential of a delay in the comments below. Sorry, folks!
Meanwhile, it would appear someone in the Geelong media team has been waiting a while to use this line.
The last dance.#AFLGF #GeelongStrong pic.twitter.com/dfxsZx3113
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) October 24, 2020
Rest assured we won’t be pulling out any Michael Jordan/Chicago Bulls references tonight.
Courtney Walsh 6.40pm: AFL goes from $1bn blackhole to Brisbane bonanza
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has confirmed the league feared a loss of almost $1 billion for 2020 shortly after the season was suspended in March.
But the league’s ability to negotiate the coronavirus shutdown of Victoria, along with state border difficulties, to reach the end of the season has largely countered the deficit. The abridged season will conclude with a historic night grand final at the Gabba tonight between Richmond and Geelong.
From concerns of financial doom at the start of the season, McLachlan told club administrators this week that the league will walk away with a loss of about 10 per cent of the initial catastrophic estimate.
“In March, April, when the season stopped, we had a notional hole of about $965 million,” McLachlan told The Weekend Australian. “Through sacrifice and commitment from all parts of the industry and hard work and great partnership with our broadcasters and our sponsors, and the incredible loyalty of our members and supporters and the commitment to get this season away, the industry loss between the clubs and the AFL will be something under $100 million. It will be significantly lower and (that is) a credit to our players and our clubs and our supporters.”
Read the full story here.
Courtney Walsh 6.35pm: What Barty has learnt from Richmond’s run
At the start of the year, reigning AFL premiership coach Damien Hardwick and WTA Tour coach of the year Craig Tyzzer struck up a rapport.
The connection between the two champion coaches came about via the close relationship Australian star Ash Barty has with the Tigers and it has proven beneficial for both parties.
As Tyzzer said in Brisbane on Friday, the coaching duties between the pair differ to a degree, but they are both tasked with harnessing excellence from the best in the business.
He said spending time with Hardwick, who played in premierships with Essendon and Port Adelaide and is seeking a third flag in four years as coach of Richmond, was invaluable.
“We had a few sit-down chats and talks about coaching at the start of this year,” Tyzzer told The Weekend Australian.
Read the full story here.
6.20pm: The last wet grand final, Geelong reigned supreme
While Richmond have been backed to thrive in the wet conditions in Brisbane, a trip down memory lane will bring some comfort to Geelong fans.
Courtney Walsh 6.13pm: Quizmaster could be the answer for Cats
On answering his phone at Southport on Monday, Geelong ruckman Rhys Stanley bellowed “Italy”.
The surprising introduction was not sparked by a desire to skedaddle from the hub and head for Europe, nor by the stresses related to playing in his first grand final, which comes against Richmond at The Gabba on Saturday night.
If anything, the 29-year-old was relaxed. As Stanley clarified, he had just finished his duties as Geelong’s quizmaster and was providing the final answer when the call came through.
In a regular season, several Cats including Stanley and Zach Tuohy grab the paper on the morning after a game and test each other’s general knowledge following a recovery session.
In extraordinary times, the quiz has become a near daily ritual for the pair and other Cats, just as Richmond players have become addicted to the card game Monopoly Deal in their hub.
Read the full story here.
Courtney Walsh 5.58pm: Footy’s here to stay in Queensland: McLachlan
Gillon McLachlan is confident the AFL has strengthened its foothold in Queensland as the result of an extraordinary season that concludes on Saturday night at The Gabba.
The AFL chief executive, who has been based on the Gold Coast for the past two months, said it was clear Australian rules was thriving in the Sunshine State.
Although Queensland remains a rugby league and rugby dominated territory, the AFL supremo believes Australian football can now be considered a power in the state.
“I am very bullish about what this means for Queensland. We are not saying we are the No 1 sport. But we are certainly right in the conversation, I think,” he told The Weekend Australian.
Read the full story here.
Courtney Walsh 5.48pm: President’s praise in flag push
Richmond president Peggy O’Neal has praised the physical and mental resilience shown by the Tigers as they attempt to win a third premiership in four seasons at The Gabba on Saturday night.
Richmond and its rival, Geelong, have now spent more than 100 days on the road to reach what will be a historic grand final given the location and timeslot.
O’Neal said dual-premiership coach Damien Hardwick had again demonstrated a remarkable ability to keep his players focused despite the difficulties 2020 has presented.
“You really can’t underestimate the amount of personal discipline and effort and commitment required to pursue this,” she said.
“You have to keep moving ahead, to keep going and going, to find new ways to get the message across to your players.”
Read the full story here.
Adrian McMurray 5.37pm: DMA’S faces grand task at Gabba final
Sydney rock trio DMA’S are set to hit The Gabba in about an hour. In an interview with The Australian’s music writer Andrew McMillen, singer Tommy O’Dell said it was an honour to play the grand final, adding that the pandemic had a silver lining for local acts.
“What’s happened with COVID has actually shed light on Australian acts, as opposed to bringing international acts in [to play at the grand final],” he said. “It’s kind of a positive thing in that respect.
“This gig is for people that might not know who we are because we’re playing on much more of a mainstream stage compared to other shows we’ve done.
“We’ll probably play our main single off the record, Criminals, which has just been added to Triple M — and then we might do a cover, because some of our covers have done really well in the past.”
Read the full story here.
Adrian McMurray 4.50pm: Gabba soaked, lightning could hit
Welcome to grand final day! It’s not September, it’s not being played in Melbourne, and it’s being played at night but hey, we made it folks.
It’s been raining heavily in Brisbane all day, and there were earlier concerns tonight’s decider could be delayed due to thunderstorms that were predicted to hit later this evening. Under AFL policy, if lightning was to strike within 10km of The Gabba, play would be suspended and would only go ahead after 30 minutes of no electrical activity.
According to the rules, the first bounce could also be delayed by an hour if lightning was predicted to hit within that 10km boundary.
Somewhere in there is Brisbane, the Gabba and the AFL Grand Final venuehttps://t.co/829aGESxVo pic.twitter.com/Nfaxq78aUN
— Emily Benammar (@EmilyBenammar) October 24, 2020
The Gabba was hit by 40mm of rain in 20 minutes on Saturday afternoon according to curator David Sandurski, but there won’t be too many issues with the surface given its superior drainage.
“The main thing is it gets slippery, it will puddle up when it gets heavy,” he said on Saturday afternoon.
“Give it half an hour we will be OK.”
The conditions are likely to favour the reigning premiers. During the week, Richmond’s senior assistant coach Justin Leppitsch said he had “no doubt” the rain will help his side.
“We feel in any weather we can play well. That’s the beauty of our game. It holds up in many styles,” Leppitsch said.
“It keeps the ball on the ground and I think Geelong are a possession-based team. I think the whole footy world knows that.”
Gideon Haigh 4.30pm: Melbourne must be content to watch from afar
Ten days ago, a sponsored truck with a refrigerated container backed up a ramp at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to take receipt of a three square metre roll of turf from its long-dormant goalsquare for a 1700km journey north.
Its ostensible purpose was to sow a little of the AFL grand final’s traditional home in its temporary home, The Gabba, in Brisbane. Its underlying purpose was to get the sponsor’s name on the side of the trailer in the photographs.
Corporate grabs for pieces of the footy action are common this time of year in Melbourne, but this one fell even flatter than usual — a reinforcement of, rather than a remedy for, how far Australian football feels from the state that has loved it longest and deepest.
Read the full story here.
Courtney Walsh 4.00pm: Chasing holy grail an uplifting experience
The weight of sporting expectation sat lightly on the shoulders of Geelong players as family members joined them on the field at the end of their final training session before Saturday night’s AFL grand final.
Patrick Dangerfield got a hug from his children George and Felicity, ruckman Rhys Stanley had a kick with son Jagger and skipper Joel Selwood playfully hoisted Tom Hawkins’s daughter Primrose above his head.
At the end of the first AFL grand final played outside Victoria, he’ll be hoping it’s the premiership cup he is holding aloft.
No matter whether it is Selwood who gets that honour or Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, history will be created.
Read the full story here.
Courtney Walsh 3.30pm: Faith, family, then footy: Why Houli almost quit
Richmond defender Bachar Houli concedes there were times over the past couple of months when he wondered why he had bothered rejoining the Tigers in Queensland.
Every player has been tested to some degree in 2020, with most representatives of Geelong and Richmond passing 100 days on the road earlier this week.
A season spent in the sun, sand and surf of southeast Queensland has proven paradise for some but there are prominent examples of the lifestyle being unsuitable for others.
For Houli, a considered thinker who is motivated by his family and faith, the sacrifices associated with pursuing a third premiership for his football club troubled him at times.
“I love my fishing. I love going on my boat. I love going camping. I love going to the mosque. These things have all been eliminated and it has been very tough,” he told The Weekend Australian.
Read the full story here.
3.00pm: Full AFL grand final running sheet
All times in AEDT
6.40pm – Welcome to Country
6.42pm – Electric Fields/Thelma Plum/Busby Marou/Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO)
6.47pm – Past Players Video Tribute with Mike Brady, QSO Orchestra & Choir
6.52pm – Pre-Game Entertainment Performance including Cub Sport: These Days, DMA’S, Andrew Stockdale + Band & QSO Orchestra: Joker and The Thief
7.08pm – Pre-Game Entertainment Concludes
7.11pm – Umpires enter arena, delivery of match footballs to umpires
7.13pm – Geelong enters arena, team photo
7.15pm – Richmond enters arena, team photo
7.25pm – Premiership Cup Arrival – Simon Black delivers premiership cup to presenters Ash Barty (Richmond) and Ian Nankervis (Geelong), teams line up
7.26pm – National Anthem, Tim McCallum + QSO
7.28pm – Two Sirens, coin toss
7.30pm – 2020 AFL Grand Final commences
Following timings are approximate
7.55pm – Quarter time
7.59pm – Grand Final Sprint
8.03pm – Second quarter commences
8.28pm – Half time
8.33pm – Half time entertainment performance – Sheppard
8.55pm – Third quarter commences
9.20pm – Three quarter time
9.28pm – Fourth quarter commences
9.53pm – Final siren
10.04pm – Post-match presentation, team photo
Media conference (Runners up) – This post-match media conference will commence 15 minutes after the winning club exits the field of play.
Media Conference (Premiers) – To be conducted following the Runners Up media conference.
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