Grand Final Preview

Well. It's the biggest game of the year, the one that 16 teams at the start of the year fight it out for but only two get the priverledge of going for. Those two teams for 2009, St Kilda and Geelong.

The biggest game of the year is such a massive understatement, it's HUGE! So much rides on this game, for the premiership glory. It's one of my favourite times of the year regardless of whether my team is in it or not. It has a massive build up which starts with the Brownlow Medal. Congratulations to Gary Ablett of the Geelong Football Club who took out the league's highest honor. Then the rest of the week builds up with functions and the Grand Final parade on Friday and then for the footy diehards (like me) the footy marathons are on various chanels. It's a massive build up for one game but you can understand why as there is a lot at stake.

Two teams in the Grand Final have had big years, St Kilda have won 20 games and lost two, both by under a kick, plus their finals form has been good despite only winning by 7 points. Geelong haven't won as many as St Kilda during the year but their form has been good including a convincing 73 point win over a once flag favourites Collingwood. Both teams carry form going into this week's game.

Who will win will be determined by a number of factors:
1. Will the wet and windy conditions favour any team? Or will this be a deterant for both teams?
2. Will it be Stop Riewoldt stop St Kilda? Or will St Kilda have more firepower up forward than Geelong can handle?
3. Who's midfield will have the upperhand at the end of the day?
4. Will Geelong avenge last years Grand Final loss? Or will the 43 year drought be broken for St Kilda?
5. Will the game be as hard and tough as it was in round 14?
6. Who will be best matched up?
7. Will there be any jubious free kicks that will determine the result? Or will the umpiring be good for once?

There will be many questions that in time will be answered. The uncertainty of things will rear it's ugly head once again. One thing for sure is that it will be a good game. Those who don't support any team will enjoy the spectacle, maybe apart from the bad weather. Even though I'm a Geelong supporter, the round 14 game was one of the best home and away games I've seen even though it didn't go the Cats way. People have said to me that because it's at the MCG the Cats have an advantage. Yes St Kilda only had one game during the season and three overall four including the Grand Final at the MCG, Geelong played there for times this year. I remember Geelong had less games at the G in 07 so I don't think that will fase St Kilda. Also they have played games at Subiaco and AAMI stadium which are bigger grounds, and they won those, so they can do well on the bigger grounds.

It does prove that it's how you play on the day. Yes you can be the best side all year but that doesn't mean anything unless you can put together a performance on the biggest day of the year, just ask Geelong of 08.

Below is my tips for the Big Day of who I think will win etc. Believe you me it was hard to pick but here it is anyway:

Winner= Geelong
Margin= 18 points
First Goal= Brad Ottens
Most goals player & amount= Nick Riewoldt 4 goals
Most Possessions= Corey Enright 32
Norm Smith Medal= Corey Enright
Crowd= 98,632

Well here it is. All I can say is GO CATS!!!!!!