It was evident at half-time that Collingwood v Brisbane Lions was a classic. But was it the best grand final of the 21st century? From my vantage in the press box, it is clearly on the podium.
Gillon McLachlan cannot recall a better grand final or experience of a day at the footy than the 2023 finale, his last as AFL chief executive.
Consider those highlights: Zac Bailey’s goals near the boundary, the second of which would be a rival for goal of the year if the award was still open. Charlie Cameron, subdued for much of the match, electrified the second term with his speed and finish.For Collingwood, Bobby Hill took a hanger, then nailed a clever snap on his left foot.
After Collingwood was warned for violating the six-six-six formation, Daicos grabbed the footy that fell from the centre square ruck contest, handballing immediately to his only peer afield in spatial awareness terms, Scott Pendlebury, who kicked across his body. From my vantage in the press box, the grand final is clearly on the podium since the year 2000 and, on some levels, eclipsed even the storied 1989 epic.Saturday’s game was superior to those West Coast-Sydney cliffhangers of 2005-2006 because there were many more highlights. It would rank ahead of the Collingwood-St Kilda draw and 2009’s epic – decided by Matthew Scarlett’s toe poke – between the hapless Saints and happy Cats.
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