The 2023 AFL men’s Grand Final is here. The Collingwood Magpies will face the Brisbane Lions at the MCG, with the first bounce at 2:30pm AEST.
Whether you’re a diehard, a casual fan, or just want to sound like you know what you’re talking about before your Grand Final BBQ, this is the preview for you.
Collingwood
Collingwood finished on top of the ladder during the regular season, one win ahead of the Lions, who finished in second place.
If they win, it will be their 16th premiership, equalling Carlton and Essendon as the most titles held by a club.
The club hasn’t won a premiership since 2010, and lost to the Lions in the Grand Finals of 2002 and 2003.
Key players
The Daicos brothers
At just 20 and 24, Nick and Josh Daicos are two of the most influential players on Collingwood’s side.
Darcy Moore
Collingwood’s captain and most important defender missed the 2018 Grand Final, but is in fine form heading into this year’s decider.
Jordan De Goey
After a stellar performance in the preliminary final against GWS, De Goey has the ability to totally change the flow of play.
Brisbane
It is Brisbane’s first men’s Grand Final since 2004, but they’ve been lurking around the pointy end of the season for a number of years – they have made the top eight every season since 2019.
If they win, it will be their first title since 2003.
They’ll need to overcome their MCG curse — the side have lost 14 of their last 15 games at the stadium.
Key players
Lachie Neale
Fresh after his Brownlow Medal win on Monday night (the award given to the best player in the AFL), Neale is in career-best form.
Josh Dunkley
This is his third Grand Final. That sort of big-game experience is invaluable on the biggest match day of the year.
Charlie Cameron
A similar force to De Goey. He has the ability to change the game for his team, and kick goals from impossible angles.
How to watch
The 2023 AFL men’s Grand Final will be broadcast on Channel 7. It can also be streamed via 7plus through select TV, set-top-box and gaming console devices.
The game begins at 2:30pm, but there will be a variety of entertainment before the game and during breaks, headlined by Kiss.
If you’re not in Australia, you can watch the game on ‘WatchAFL‘.
