Who’s the favourite for the Norm Smith medal? Do they always give it to someone from the winning team? Be interesting to know some stats, thanks guys.
– Merrowyn
It’s a really difficult prediction to make this year because there are a heap of players from both sides who fit the mould of a Norm Smith medallist.
First off, to address the question, yes we do get winners from losing teams, but rarely. Maurice Rioli won it for Richmond in 1982, Gary Ablett Sr did it for Geelong in 1989, Nathan Buckley took it home (and took it off) for Collingwood in 2002, and Chris Judd won in 2005 for West Coast.
Nathan Buckley takes off the Norm Smith Medal before even leaving the stage in 2002.
The winners tend to be midfielders/half forwards who can snare a goal or two, or attacking half backs.
In my opinion, I’d be looking at Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden and Chad Warner for the Swans, with Tom Papley a roughie.
For the Lions, I’d lean towards Hugh McCluggage, Lachie Neale, and Cam Rayner, with Will Ashcroft as the roughie.
These two have run to the MCG all the way from Bermagui
Mates Jack Corcoran and Sam O’Connor have had a longer trip to the MCG today than most.
Sam O’Connor (left) and Jack Corcoran have run from Bermagui to the MCG.(ABC News: Richard Sydenham)
The pair have run roughly 500km from Bermagui in New South Wales — all in the name of raising funds for concussion research.
It’s an issue close to heart for the pair, who play in the Bermagui Breakers footy team.
There was time for a quick breather before the opening bounce at the ‘G.(ABC News: Richard Sydenham)
Brisbane brothers Bailey (right) and Lachlan Carter have made the road trip down to Melbourne to see their team compete in the AFL grand final.
“So 18 hours in total of driving, it was pretty good,” Bailey said.
Bailey and Lachlan Carter are among the passionate Brisbane fans in Melbourne today.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)
The pair, who cultivate an Instagram following as @thosecarterboys, were warming up their vocal chords in preparation for the big game.
“We haven’t seen anything like it, it’s our first time at the ‘G, so it’s special,” Bailey said.
Reporting by Mietta Adams
How’s the weather in Melbourne today?
It is a glorious day for football my friends.
We’re currently sitting at 19C with an expected high of 22C around 3pm. The feels like is sitting around 17C.
And it’s clear skies and no rain, which should make some slick, fast-moving footy.
The sun rises over the MCG on AFL grand final day(Getty Images: Josh Chadwick)
A ‘freezing’ pre-dawn wait for some fans at the MCG
Hours before the grand final bounce, fans have been gathering outside the MCG in Melbourne.
A brisk Melbourne morning provided the perfect reason to rug up in football colours.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)
Dozens of AFL fans told the ABC they’d been queuing to enter since the chilly pre-dawn hours.
Sydney Swans fans from far and wide have gathered to watch their team compete for the ultimate AFL prize.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)
“I’m usually pretty good in the cold, then rocked up and I was freezing, should have packed an extra layer,” Brisbane Lions fan Harrison said.
Fans young and old have been steadily building at the MCG.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)
Another fan told the ABC he felt some Melburnians had talked down the excitement of a grand final between non-Victorian teams — but he wasn’t buying it.
Nearly 100,000 fans are expected to flood the Melbourne Cricket Ground today.(ABC News: Iskhandar Razak)
“I think it’ll be a great game, there are two teams who’ve worked really hard to be here,” he said.
Reporting by Mietta Adams
Here’s the rundown for the AFL grand final between the Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans
Need to double check the match times, where to watch and the pre-show entertainment?
Good morning Australia and welcome to ABC Sport’s online coverage of the 2024 AFL Grand Final.
For the first time since 2006, two non-Victorian teams go head-to-head for a slice of Aussie Rules glory, as the Sydney Swans take on the Brisbane Lions.
My name is Kyle Pollard and I’m excited to take you through the entire day of action, from now until the final siren, and all the madness that happens after the game.
