AFL Grand Final Track Watch: Sydney and Brisbane hit the ‘G on Friday
While the Swans ruled out Callum Mills due to his hamstring injury, a key tall was on light duties today and will go into the grand final not quite at full fitness. Plus Brisbane’s flex at the ‘G.
Errol Gulden was one of the first to emerge for the Swans at their captain’s run on the MCG on Friday.
With a soccer ball at his feet, he dribbled around the ground, playing one-twos with his teammates before showing off his juggling skills. “He could have been a Premier League player,” his teammates would tell you. But the two-time All-Australian’s relaxed attitude on the eve of the biggest game of Sydney’s season summed up their preparations for their clash with Brisbane.
In front of thousands of fans decked in red and white, the team took to the field for an incredibly light session following the conclusion of the grand final parade. Smiles all around, there was a sense of calmness across the team that wasn’t as evident in 2022.
Logan McDonald only participated in a handful of drills as he wore trainers for the session, but John Longmire and Dean Cox have confirmed in the past 24 hours that there are no lingering concerns surrounding the key forward. His left ankle clearly won’t be at 100 per cent, but the Swans are confident he will be able to play out the entire game.
One of the biggest receptions of the day was saved for club captain Callum Mills who was ruled out with a hamstring strain. As he kicked some balls to his teammates from the goalsquare, the Swans fans rose as one to show him some appreciation as he deals with the pain of not playing in the grand final. Isaac Heeney also got plenty of love as he snapped goals from the pocket and kicked truly from 50.
At the very least, this team gives the appearance of one that has learned its lessons from two years earlier.
They have approached the week with a sense of maturity, and their no-fuss captain’s run is just another box ticked as they look to win their first premiership since 2012.
LIONS OUT-ROAR SWANS
Wounded Lion Oscar McInerney was in good spirits as he watched his Brisbane teammates complete a final captain’s run on the MCG before Saturday’s AFL grand final.
The ‘Big O’ is Brisbane’s grand final bad luck story after twice dislocating his shoulder in a heroic preliminary final performance against Geelong.
Last year’s unlucky man to miss, Jack Payne, will get his chance on Saturday.
The key defender spent much of Friday’s session standing alongside McInerney, clearly on a limited workload as he manages a minor MCL injury.
Payne is traditionally a light trainer. Even when fully fit it can take him days to recover from the rigors of an AFL match. He will be ready to fire when the whips are cracking.
After a trio of brutal finals contests, the rest of Brisbane’s bruised and battered men presented fit and ready to face the Swans on Saturday.
Lachie Neale moved freely on his troublesome foot, while Eric Hipwood and Will Ashcroft looked lively despite being limited at training during the week.
Last year Chris Fagan was almost knocked off his feet by the 10,000-strong fan reception at the pre-grand final open training session.
This time around he thought he knew what to expect when he stepped onto the MCG on Friday afternoon. He was wrong.
This was a major flex from the travelling Brisbane faithful, who outnumbered their Sydney counterparts who had earlier filled the opposite end of the ground for the Swans’ final run.
For a second time in as many years, Fagan was the man of the moment.
The recently crowned coach of the year had the 15,000-plus Lions fans hanging on his every move.
Whenever he placed a marker on the ground it was met with raucous cheers from the stands behind him.
The coach looked completely at ease ahead of the biggest day on the AFL calendar.
Hidden amongst the organised chaos were two goalsneaks talking tactics: triple-premiership Lion and cult hero, Jason Akermanis, could be seen offering pointers to young gun Kai Lohmann. What a combination.
But the main event was of course, Charlie Cameron.
The fan favourite was presented to the crowd before lining up to complete some set shots at goal.
As he began his run-up, the familiar chorus of Country Roads rang out around the MCG.
The Gabba’s greatest show has hit be road for one last time in season 2024.
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