It’s a rematch of the 2002 and 2003 deciders as Collingwood and Brisbane face off in what looms as an epic 2023 AFL Grand Final.
One of the most anticipated grand finals in recent memory, the Magpies and Lions will do battle in the premiership showdown with no standout favourite on a bright sunny day in Melbourne, set to hit a top of 28 degrees.
Follow our live coverage from the pre-game build-up and the game itself below.
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‘Thought it was the longest Kiss’ | 03:14
12:50PM — PRE-GAME FUN COMPLETE
The two big pre-game events have been run and won.
Geelong’s Max Holmes claimed victory in the Grand Final sprint – fitting, as he was the only player to bring his own spikes – while Brisbane’s Daniel Rich roosted one nearly 70 metres across the Yarra to win the Longest Kick.
11:50AM — FAN FRUSTRATION OVER MCC TICKETING MESS
Melbourne Cricket Club members have been left frustrated with some leftover restricted member ticketing going on sale late this morning, yet being unavailable for purchase.
A limited number of seats were placed on sale from 11am but members found themselves unable to actually click through and nab them.
“We are aware of an issue with accessing ticketing for Restricted members for this match. We are investigating the issue and will provide an update shortly regarding accessing tickets,” the MCC said on Twitter.
10.30AM — GINNIVAN’S UNIQUE GF PREP
Every player’s Grand Final preparation is different.
For Collingwood forward Jack Ginnivan, he spent Grand Final eve at the track.
Multiple outlets reported Ginnivan spent around an hour at Moonee Valley race course on Friday night. 7 News Melbourne reported Ginnivan sat in a private box and watched a mate’s horse before heading home.
“Ginni goes out, he loves his punting, loves his horses. Relaxed night,” Magpies CEO Craig Kelly said on Triple M.
“The other night we went to Vlados (restaurant) and had a lovely steak up there and he played one of the best games next week.
“He said we’ve got to do that every night Ned.
“I said I don’t know if that will sit in the soft cap.
“That’s how we roll now. Everyone just chill and relax.
“The players, let them do what they want.
9AM — ALBO ROASTS OUTGOING AFL BOSS
Appearing at the North Melbourne Grand Final Breakfast, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a crack at opposition leader Peter Dutton and outgoing AFL chief executive Gill McLachlan.
“Pete, remember a few years ago you said the streets of Melbourne were so dangerous that people were afraid of going out for dinner. Well, if the Pies win today, you might finally be right about that,” Mr Albanese said.
Seconds later, the PM paid “tribute” to Lions fans after experiencing a tough build-up.
“A big shout-out to all the Brisbane Lions fans in the house, especially those who’ve made the trip down there – there are a few of you,” he said.
“You’ve had to overcome Port, Carlton, Qantas and Ticketek.”
The Prime Minister told the crowd he was delighted to be at the 57th North Melbourne Grand Final breakfast — and McLachlan’s 93rd “official farewell”.
Clarkson fires back at Scott’s Roos rant | 00:54
7AM — COLLINGWOOD v BRISBANE GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
Collingwood (18-5, 127%), is given the slight edge after finishing first on the ladder and, of course, because of the MCG factor – though the club’s narrow finals wins over Melbourne and GWS have been less than convincing.
The Pies have also only put up total scores of 60 and 58 in their finals, which could become a factor against Brisbane’s high-octane attack, while Craig McRae’s side will be without Dan McStay in a hammer blow.
Collingwood has replaced McStay with Billy Frampton, while Jack Ginnivan also comes into the 22 for Patrick Lipinski, who’s been made sub.
The Lions (17-6, 123.1%) will meanwhile be full of confidence after blowing away Port Adelaide, and after a slow start, convincingly beating Carlton in their two finals.
Brisbane has also won its last six games against Collingwood, though none have been played at the MCG – where Chris Fagan’s side has dropped 10 of 11 games since he began coaching 2017.
The Lions go in unchanged after key defender Jack Payne failed to prove his fitness in time due to an all-timed ankle injury. The visitors are yet to confirm their sub, with Payne, Jarryd Lyons, James Tunstill and Darcy Fort their emergencies.
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“There’s a couple of factors there. I think the weather no question plays into the hands of the Lions, should it turn out the way it’s forecasted,“ Brown told Foxfooty.com.au’s David Zita this week.
“But they’ve got the game style to match Collingwood.
“Then it really becomes moments and momentum. Can you control the momentum when Collingwood has it and can you maximise momentum when you‘ve got it? That’s really what finals is all about, especially when you’ve got the two best teams in it.”
Some desperate MCC members still needing to secure their tickets for the game were camping outside the MCG overnight waiting for the gates to open.
FULL TEAMS
Magpies
B: Murphy, Moore, Howe
HB: Maynard, Frampton, Quaynor
C: Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Markov
HF: Hill, Mihocek, Elliott
F: McCreery, De Goey, J.Daicos
FOL: Cox, N.Daicos, Crisp
I/C: Mitchell, Cameron, Hoskin-Elliott, Ginnivan
EMG: Lipinski, Noble, Macrae, Harrison
IN: Frampton
OUT: Lipinski (Sub), McStay (injured)
Lions
B: Starcevich, Andrews, Gardiner
HB: McKenna, Lester, Coleman
C: McCluggage, Dunkley, Zorko
HF: Cameron, Hipwood, Ah Chee
F: Rayner, Daniher, Bailey
FOL: McInerney, Neale, Berry
I/C: Robertson, McCarthy, Fletcher, Wilmot
EMG: Lyons, Tunstill, Fort, Payne
IN: None
OUT: Lyons (Sub)
The 2023 AFL Grand Final gets underway at 2.30pm AEST from the MCG.
Watch all the pre-game action on Fox Footy (channel 504) from 10am AEST.
Follow Collingwood v Brisbane in our live blog below!
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