After a fairly long gap of three years, I am compelled to compose a writeup about the game that stops a nation (ie. the Australian Football League or "footy" as it is known in the non-rugby States of Australia). We have been experiencing extraordinary times across the world over the last 1.5 years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are facing restrictions and regulations, borders are closed. However, in this phase of doom and gloom, sport has been the glue that has held the country in place. Our footy stars have given us hope and belief that despite whatever is going on, we can be uplifted in these bleak times.
Over the last few years, we have witnessed dynasties rise and fall. In 2018, West Coast Eagles became crowned as the new premiers ('kings of the big game') against all odds. 2019 and 2020 saw Richmond keep their machine going (initially won in 2017. This was a remarkable effort to win three flags ('premierships') in the space of four years.
This season has seen Richmond fall off the cliff... perhaps momentarily. The last team to win three back-to-back premierships were the Brisbane Lions with the legendary coaching of Leigh Matthews across 2001/2002/2003.
Today's memorable AFL Grand Final, which will be played in Perth (kickoff time 5.15pm local time) will be Melbourne Demons vs Western Bulldogs. The Grand Final usually gets played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground every year but due to the Covid-19 situation last year it was played in Brisbane and this year a decision was taken that it be played in Perth. The football mad public in Western Australia will get a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their passion.
Premiership History
Going in to today's Grand Final, Melbourne Demons have the longest wait for a Premiership. The last time they won was in 1964 (a record 12th time) - so effectively there has been a 57 year gap. Putting this into perspective, Sydney (formerly known as South Melbourne) waited 72 years, St Kilda waited 68 years and Western Bulldogs (formerly known as Footscray) waited 62 years - but all these teams achieved the ultimate prize, winning a premiership.
You can read further details about this history here History of AFL Premiership Droughts
Another piece of factual history about the Melbourne Demons is referred to as the Curse of Norm Smith, a legend of the football club. Had an impressive record of four premierships as a player and six as coach. Comparisons can be drawn to the modern day master coach Alistair Clarkson, who coached Hawthorn Hawks to successful premierships in 2008/2013/2014/2015 (four in total). We have to remember that this was the era of the Victorian Football League (VFL), the period before the AFL was formed. He seemed to have been a polarising figure within the administration of the football club but loved and respected by the fans and players. After he was unceremoniously sacked as the Head Coach of Melbourne Demons in the 1960's, ironically during the most successful era of the club, he uttered some infamous words (mainly targeted at the administrators, riven by instability at that stage):
He appeared on a television show (Tony Charlton's Football Show on Channel Nine) to reveal what he felt about the decision. I am sharing the story and archival video clip if you are interested to find out more about this story (The "Curse of Norm Smith")
Another legendary figure in Victoria is John Kennedy Senior (coached Hawthorn Hawks and North Melbourne Kangaroos) who inspired his Hawthorn players at half-time in the 1975 Grand Final with his oratory. His famous words were "Don't Think Just Do". Sharing an archival video clip here
The last time that the Western Bulldogs won a premiership was in 1954 coached by Ted Whitten, yet another legendary figure in Victoria. They created history by winning the 2016 premiership from seventh position in the AFL ladder, which had not been done before in history. This elevated their coach Luke Beveridge to legend status at their club overnight.
The Melbourne Demons have come a long way during this time as well. The last time they played in a Grand Final was in 2000 (Essendon ultimately prevailing by 60 points). There has been a long wait, hurt and pain. Jim Stynes and Paul Roos starting turning their wheels of fortune which has given them the groundwork and platform to succeed. Simon Goodwin (former premiership player at Adelaide Crows in 1997 & 1998) is their current coach - he could become a hero depending on today's result.
Outcome
I feel that today's AFL Grand Final will be a close one. They have been the two best teams over the season. Max Gawn and Luke Jackson vs Aaron Naughton and Steffan Martin (ruck), Bailey Smith vs Christian Petracca (midfield), Lachie Hunter vs Jake Lever (defence). The list can go on... dynasties rise and fall, especially in the AFL, very few teams win consecutive (as referred to in my historical analysis). But wishing that Melbourne can break their long curse and become the new 2021 Premiers!
I am backing Melbourne to go all the way in today's match, hopeful that the curse of Norm Smith can be overturned. There is another factor of why I am backing them. Two of their players (Luke Jackson and Trent Rivers) started their footy journey from Bullcreek-Leeming Junior Football Club, the same suburb that I live in. Attaching a news article about this here.
