The Ultimate Showdown: A 20-Year Rematch of AFL Grand Final Record Breakers

The 2023 AFL Grand Final: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

The 2023 AFL Grand Final is set to be a historic showdown, with the Collingwood Magpies taking on the Brisbane Lions. This highly anticipated match will mark the seventh time these two teams have faced off for a VFL/AFL premiership, setting an AFL-era record. Both teams are vying to claim the title and etch their names in AFL history.

When and Where

The AFL Grand Final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 30th, with a kick-off time of 2:30pm AEST. The match will be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the spiritual home of Australian rules football.

How to Watch

For those unable to attend the game in person, there are several options to catch the action. The 2023 AFL Grand Final will be broadcast live on Channel Seven and its streaming platform, 7Plus. Viewers can also stream a replay of the game on Kayo Sports. The 7Plus app is compatible with a range of devices, including web browsers, iOS and Android devices, Telstra TV, Fetch TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung TV, PlayStation, Chromecast, and LG TV.

For international viewers, the Grand Final, along with Fox Footy coverage and TV shows, can be watched on WatchAFL.

The Matchup

The Collingwood Magpies, led by coach Nathan Buckley, will face off against the Brisbane Lions, led by coach Chris Fagan. The Magpies are aiming to secure their first AFL premiership since 2010 and their record-equalling 16th premiership overall. They have previously fallen short in their last two Grand Finals, in 2011 against Geelong and 2018 against West Coast.

On the other hand, the Lions are seeking their first AFL premiership since 2003, a year in which they defeated the Magpies. This will be their fourth attempt to claim the title since the Brisbane-Fitzroy merger. Their last Grand Final appearance was in 2004, where they were defeated by Port Adelaide.

The Implications

The outcome of the 2023 AFL Grand Final will have significant implications for both teams involved. A win for Collingwood would solidify their place among the league’s most successful clubs, tying them with Carlton and Essendon for the most premierships won. For the Brisbane Lions, a victory would end their 20-year premiership drought and establish them as a force to be reckoned with in the modern era of Australian rules football.

Possible Scenarios and Draw Rules

The Grand Final is scheduled to finish just after 5pm AEST, depending on quarter lengths and possible extra time. If the scores are level at full-time, extra time will be required. The game will resume after a six-minute break, with two three-minute halves (plus time on) played without a break.

An additional 10 interchanges are permitted for each team in each half without a rollover. If the scores are still level after the first period of extra time, two additional halves will be played. The team that emerges victorious at the end of these additional periods will be crowned the premiers.

Ticket Information

Unfortunately, there are no general public tickets available for the Grand Final. All tickets have been allocated to clubs, members, and corporate entities. Unless one purchases an expensive package, attending the match in person may prove challenging.

Entertainment Highlights

The AFL Grand Final is not just about the game itself but a celebration of Australian culture and entertainment. The 2023 Grand Final will feature a star-studded lineup of performances. Iconic rock band KISS will headline the pre-game entertainment, accompanied by Australia’s leading didgeridoo player, William Barton, Indigenous singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock, and the iconic singer Mike Brady, who will perform during the retiring players motorcade. The national anthem will be performed by the award-winning singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke. At halftime, Mark Seymour, the former frontman of Hunters and Collectors, will take the stage alongside The Undertow to provide further musical entertainment.

Conclusion

As anticipation builds for the 2023 AFL Grand Final, fans from both Collingwood and Brisbane eagerly await the outcome of this historic clash. The game represents a chance for both teams to etch their names in AFL history and claim the ultimate prize. With the pre-game entertainment and the promise of an intense contest, the Grand Final promises to be a spectacle for all AFL fans.