What a year of AFL football it has been. Upsets aplenty, thriller after thriller and intrigue right till the final minute of the home and away season, and now we have reached the big dance. The 2017 AFL Grand Final.
Adelaide and Richmond have shown themselves to be the best two teams of the season when it truly counts, the Crows minor premiers and the Tigers climbing from third to secure their first Grand Final appearance since 1982. Don’t remember that decider? Two words. Helen D’amico.
In the first Grand Final not to feature neither Hawthorn or Sydney since 2011, both clubs have the chance to break long standing premiership droughts, the Crows last flag coming in 1998 and the Tigers all the way back in 1980.
While the Crows have had their time in the sun and played in 4 preliminary finals, Richmond have endured a barren period that has seen them play finals in just five of the past 28 seasons. Numerous coach sackings, ninth placed finishes and Richmond memberships being sacrificed to microwaves later, the boys from Punt Road are back in the big dance.
Their long suffering supporters have been out in force throughout September, riding the wave of success of Damien Hardwick’s team after so many barren years. The atmosphere for both the qualifying and preliminary finals have been electric, with the Tiger army making their presence felt.
OH WHERE FROM TIGERLAND: Richmond stars Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Jack Riewoldt celebrate their team’s preliminary final win over Greater Western Sydney last Saturday. SOURCE: The New Daily.
While the Crows will be well supported, with many loyal Adelaide fans making the trek across the nullabor to see their team in a Grand Final. Tellingly, Don Pyke’s men are yet to lose an AFL decider, having won premierships in both 1997 and 1998.
It promises to be a fast paced, exciting game, both teams playing eye catching brands of football throughout the season. Richmond has built itself in to a premiership contender without a second tall forward/ruck option, a bevy of small forwards causing opponents constant headaches.
The likes of Rioli, Castagna, Butler, Caddy and Townsend have been constant threats inside forward 50 all season, joining Jack Riewoldt as a viable forward target for the boys in yellow and black.
Adelaide are the most potent scoring side in the competition in 2017, averaging 109 points per game. With the likes of Walker, Jenkins, Betts, Cameron and Lynch always a threat inside forward 50, Richmond’s defence led by Alex Rance will have their work cut out.
It should be a fitting climax to what has been one of the brilliant seasons of AFL football. Here is a preview of the 2017 AFL Grand Final.
SO CLOSE THEY CAN TOUCH IT: Adelaide players walk past the premiership cup after their preliminary final win over Geelong last Friday. SOURCE: ABC.
GRAND FINAL
ADELAIDE v RICHMOND
SATURDAY, 2:30 PM EST, MCG.
TEAM CHANGES
Adelaide
Unchanged
Richmond
Unchanged
SEASON RECORD
Adelaide: Played 24, Won 17, Drawn 1, Lost 6
Richmond: Played 24, Won 17, Lost 7
LEADING GOALKICKERS
Adelaide: Eddie Betts (54)
Richmond: Jack Riewoldt (52)
LAST TIME THEY MET
Adelaide 21.14 (140) defeated Richmond 10.4 (64), Round 6, 2017, Adelaide Oval.
STAR OF THE PRELIM: Charlie Cameron boots one of his 5 goals last week. SOURCE: ABC.
PREVIEW
What were the odds on these two clubs making the Grand Final at the start of the year? Adelaide maybe, but Richmond were a long shot at best to make the big dance. Having failed to win a premiership since 1980 and without a Grand Final appearance since 1982, the Tigers weren’t expected to qualify for finals let alone feature in the last Saturday in September.
After a 13th placed 8 win season in 2016, the pressure was on Damien Hardwick and his team to perform at the start of this year. 5 consecutive wins to start the season gave them momentum, that run brought to an abrupt end by (as luck would have it) Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval in round 6.
A run of heartbreaking losses left the Tigers in danger of blowing their fantastic start to the season, losing three consecutive games by under a goal to fall back to the pack. But they regained their mojo mid-year, minus one horrid night against St Kilda in round 16 to finish inside the top four, a third placed finish their best in a home and away season since 1995.
While it’s easy to put the entire success of the year down to one individual, there is no doubt that Dustin Martin’s individual season in 2017 is one of the greatest had by any player in the history of the game. He was duly rewarded with the Brownlow Medal on Monday night, an astounding 11 best on ground games for one of the most popular footballers in the game.
STAR OF THE GAME: Dustin Martin with his Brownlow Medal on Monday night. SOURCE: Sunshine Coast Daily.
But Richmond lacked midfield depth in 2016, with Martin and skipper Trent Cotchin the only A grade midfielders part of the Tigers side. The addition of Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy has done wonders for the boys from Punt Road, allowing Martin and Cotchin a little bit more reign in the middle of the ground.
The midfield depth has also allowed Martin to go forward with devastating effect, kicking 35 goals for the season to be Richmond’s second leading goal scorer after Jack Riewoldt.
The Tigers have been heavily reliant on the two time Coleman Medallist in recent seasons, but a more even spread of goal kickers has helped make the forward line more potent for the boys in yellow and black.
The mosquito fleet of Jason Castagna, Dan Butler, Daniel Rioli and Josh Caddy has been a deadly combination for the Tigers, with the late addition of former GWS Giant Jacob Townsend adding more potency up front.
The Richmond defence has been a major factor in the 2017 resurgence, unheralded characters such as David Astbury, Dylan Grimes, Kamdyn McIntosh and Nick Vlaustin partnering All-Australian captain Alex Rance.
It has been a remarkable, largely unforseen rise for Richmond, and good luck stopping their mighty Tiger army now.
Tragedy is an over used word in sport. We talk about tragedy after a close loss, a near miss, the heartbreak of defeat. But the tragedy that befell the Adelaide Football Club in July 2015 was the very definition of the word. And even then it probably doesn’t even do it justice.
The death of Phil Walsh was the saddest day in Australian football. It rocked the Adelaide football club, it rocked the AFL and larger sporting world. But most of all, it rocked the every day common man and woman.
A man in the prime of his life, murdered by his own son on a cold early July Friday morning in Somerton Park, in his own bed. The Crows lost their coach, a family lost their husband and father. It struck at the very core of Australian society.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Phil Walsh’s death in 2015 hit hard with the entire AFL community. SOURCE: Herald Sun.
It could have broken a football club, and a bunch of young men who lost a father like figure from their lives. It didn’t. It made them closer, tougher and stronger. The Crows made the finals in that 2015 season, again last year.
They bandied together, getting through the toughest and most emotional circumstances as one. After all, the Crows motto is, and always will be ‘We fly as one’. Never has a motto seemed so fitting for a football club.
It’s not the only tragedy the club has had to deal with. In 2014 the club lost popular assistant coach Dean Bailey to cancer, more grief for a club that has lost numerous star players to other clubs. Nathan Bock, Phil Davis, Jack Gunston, Kurt Tippett and Patrick Dangerfield are just some of the names, all outstanding players in their prime at the club.
Perhaps Phil Walsh’s biggest lasting legacy will be the decision to appoint Taylor Walker captain at the end of 2014, a decision that surprised many at the time but has been vindicated since. Now voted in consecutive years as the AFLPA Captain of the Year, he is the figurehead of this proud club.
UNFORGETTABLE VICTORY: Crows players celebrate after their 2015 elimination final win over Western Bulldogs at the MCG. SOURCE: SEN.
Their evenness across the ground makes them so hard to beat, but their midfield has been outstanding in the past two years in covering the absence of superstar Patrick Dangerfield, now a spectator for Geelong on Grand Final day after moving to the Cattery at the end of 2015.
The Crouch brothers Matt and Brad have been sensational, as has Rory Sloane. Rory Atkins has stood up, Rory Laird has continued his meteoric rise in to one of the starts of the competition, Richard Douglas has been dependable as ever and David Mackay has provided pace and run off a wing.
They possess a full back every bit as good as Alex Rance in Daniel Talia, while Jake Kelly, Jake Lever and Luke Brown have all been frugal. Spare a thought for Brodie Smith, almost his team’s best player in the regular season who tore his ACL in the 2017 qualifying final.
Their forward line is the best in the competition. Taylor Walker is a constant presence, Josh Jenkins does some heavy lifting, Tom Lynch is the vital link man, Charlie Cameron is exciting and Eddie Betts is perhaps the most loveable character in the game.
A big day on the biggest stage of all could be enough to seal Betts’ legacy in the game, already one of the great small forwards to have played the sport.
Both teams remain unchanged going in to the game, with former basketballer Hugh Greenwood (Adelaide) and mature age player Kane Lambert (Richmond) the only two players really in doubt for the game.
Mitch McGovern was ruled out of the Grand Final on Wednesday for the Crows, while talk persists about Wayne Milera coming in as a late inclusion to add some pace up front for the visitors.
Richmond will wear their clash strip in a story that has persisted all week, but to quote Damien Hardwick they would happily wear a hessian sack if they are to win this match, and end a long suffering drought.
It promises to be a cracking Grand Final, a wonderful story for the winner regardless of who emerges victorious.
MISSING IN ACTION: Mitch McGovern has failed to recover in time to take his place in the Crows side for the 2017 AFL Grand Final. SOURCE: SEN.
MATCH UPS
Daniel Talia v Jack Riewoldt
One of the best full backs in the game, against one of the most consistent forwards in the game. Having kicked more than 40 goals every season since 2010, Riewoldt will be the one team mates look to for inspiration in this decider.
While one on one match ups these days are rare, it would be great to see these two scrapping it out in the goal square at a pivotal time in the game with everything on the line.
Team defence is the order of the day, but Talia winning this battle helps his team go a long way to being the premiership team on the day.
Matt Crouch v Trent Cotchin
This is a speculative match up, but it would be great to see two hard nuts go at it. Could easily be Brad Crouch who goes to the Tigers skipper, but either way I expect one of the Crouch brothers to be assigned to Cotchin on the day.
While some may say he is lucky to be playing, Cotchin has been playing like a man possessed in this year’s finals series, his will and desire to win the football almost unparalleled. He will be hard to stop, but if you can’t stop him beat him at his own game. That may be Don Pyke’s message to his midfield tyros for this decider.
LEADING FROM THE FRONT: Trent Cotchin has been inspirational for the Tigers in the 2017 Finals series. SOURCE: AFLPA.
Tom Lynch v Kamdyn McIntosh
This matchup is crucial. Both players may seem somewhat unobtrusive from the outside, but Tom Lynch is almost the most vital to the Crows side, the link man between defence and attack. While 31 goals in 22 games is a solid season, the former Saint sets up so many goals for his team mates further up the field.
McIntosh is a run and gun defender from Pinjarra South of Perth, bursting on to the scene in 2015 by playing every game in a team that made finals. Like his side he struggled in 2016, playing just six games, his season at AFL level over after round 7.
He has missed just one game in 2017 and provided spark off half back, averaging 15 disposals. If he can nullify Lynch’s impact, Richmond will be confident of breaking their premiership drought.
Taylor Walker v Alex Rance
A mouthwatering match up. ‘Tex’ vs the All Australian captain. A gun full forward against a star full back. A throwback to the 1980’s-90’s. But will it happen?
While the logical match up is for Rance to go to the bulkier Josh Jenkins, this would be one of the highlights of the Grand Final should it occur. One captain trying to take his team to the promised land, one star defender trying to win the game from the last line.
Walker kicked 5 goals when the teams met in round 6, his side victorious by 76 points. It’s too easy to say stop the skipper win the game, but if you cut the snake off at the head…
Rance is an attacking defender and looks to get involved in the play further up field, while Walker runs hard both ways to set up his team mates for a goal scoring opportunity.
Don, Damien, I beg you. Let two stars go head to head. For footy. For destiny.
GREAT BATTLE: Taylor Walker and Alex Rance could go head to head on Saturday. SOURCE: The Mercury.
Eddie Betts v Nick Vlaustin
Okay, straight out I’ll admit it. I love Eddie Betts. I loved him at Carlton, but the man love has gone to another level since he went to the Crows. The smiling assassin who can kick a goal from anywhere, every bit as good as Peter Daicos before him.
He smiles, you smile. He brings people through the gate, he can do the unbelievable, he can do the unselfish things. A great Grand Final equals AFL footballing immortality. His legacy would be sealed.
Nick Vlaustin is the man most likely to have the unenviable task on the former Blue of 184 games, with Betts only kicking one goal in the round six contest.
Vlaustin is a reliable defender who has found his spot in defence, and has the discipline required to do the job. But geez I hope he doesn’t. WE LOVE EDDIE!
HEDGE YOUR BETTS ON EDDIE: Eddie Betts has been a human highlight reel again in 2017. SOURCE: The Advertiser.
Rory Atkins v Dustin Martin
If this match up eventuates, Rory Atkins won’t sleep Friday night. Guaranteed. How do you stop Dusty is the millon dollar question, but one wonders if it is truly possible. You might be able to limit him, but completely stop him? I doubt it.
Atkins is a capable ball winner himself, and could hurt Martin the other way. Sure he can’t fend off half a team and kick incredible goals, but he has his own strengths that could hurt the 2017 Brownlow Medallist.
Averaging 21 disposals after playing every game in 2017 is a solid season for the young Crow, but can he match a man who has kicked 35 goals and averaged 29 disposals per match? Probably not, but Grand Finals are littered with tales of players who have lifted on a big day and played blinders.
I reckon Atkins can do just that, and while Martin will still have his moments, I think the man in number 21 for the Crows can play a blinder.
Sam Jacobs v Toby Nankervis
A crucial match up. Sam Jacobs has stood up in big games, winning 3 Showdown Medals. He is also playing for his late older brother Aaron, who passed away in August due to illness. No doubt he will be with him in spirit on Saturday, and the man known as ‘Sauce’ will be hard to stop.
Toby Nankervis’ story is just as incredible. An emergency in last year’s Grand Final for Sydney, Nankervis went to Richmond seeking more opportunities. I doubt even in his wildest dreams he anticipated playing in a Grand Final himself 12 months later.
He has played all bar one match in 2017, averaging 14 disposals and 24 hitouts per game. Jacobs was perhaps unlucky not to be the All-Australian ruckman, also averaging 14 disposals but 39 hitouts per match. Jacobs had 26 disposals and 50 hitouts in round six, and his around the ground work will be pivotal.
If Nankervis can hurt Jacobs by getting forward and kicking a goal, it may prove to be the difference.
CRUCIAL CONTEST: Toby Nankervis’ and Sam Jacobs’ battle could well decide the outcome of the 2017 AFL Grand Final. SOURCE: AFL.com.au
THE COACHES
Don Pyke
What a role to walk in to. A club that has gone through unparalleled heartbreak, the club needed a strong, no frills character. A two time premiership player at West Coast renowned for his no nonsense approach, he was just the man the team from West Lakes needed.
He has managed to keep his team up in the toughest of times, taking them to a semi-final in his first year at the helm, followed by a minor premiership in 2017. If not for a round 23 slip up to the side he once played for last year, the Crows may have been in a second successive Grand Final.
His coaching approach is simple, and effective. Like most teams nowadays the Crows game plan is based on effort, and getting the most out of all 22 players.
While no doubt the late Phil Walsh will be praised in the event of an Adelaide premiership, Pyke deserves a lot of credit too. He has got the most out of his players, and now he asks for one last effort from his team. You reckon he will get it.
IS DON, IS GOOD: Don Pyke could become a premiership coach on Saturday after two flags as a player at West Coast. SOURCE: The Advertiser.
Damien Hardwick
What a coaching performance. Written off at the end of 2016 and ahead of the 2017 campaign, Hardwick was announced as the Coach of the Year last week, and could well be a premiership coach come Saturday evening.
A premiership player with Essendon and Port Adelaide as well as being an assistant coach at Hawthorn in their 2008 flag triumph, like his counterpart Don Pyke he knows what it takes to win on the biggest day on the AFL calendar.
A deep period of self-reflection has led Hardwick and his side back to the big dance, their thrilling running style and manic pressure suffocating many a team during their brilliant season. Now he needs just one last effort, and he is a Richmond immortal.
Good luck, Dimma. It’s already an incredible story.
FIGHT LIKE A TIGER: Damien Hardwick has endured a rags to riches season at the helm of Richmond. SOURCE: The Age.
THE VERDICT
Like everyone, I want a great Grand Final. In what has been a melodramatic finals series so far, the 2017 season deserves a great finish. The Tigers will come to play early, but they won’t be able to maintain it against a side riding the wave of emotion. The Crows will do it for their former coach.
Adelaide by 19 points.
Norm Smith Medal: Rory Atkins (Adelaide)
WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF: Captains Taylor Walker and Trent Cotchin hold the premiership cup aloft at the Grand Final parade. SOURCE: ABC.
By Jacob Landsmeer.
Jacob Landsmeer is a sports broadcaster on 91.3 Sport FM in Perth. He blogs here at zombiecrowscricket. Follow him on Twitter: @jlandsme_93
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