I'm breaking a tradition of mine on Saturday

[westdog54]

Ever since we lost the 2008 prelim, I've found it difficult to get into the AFL Grand Final as anything but an interested neutral.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Grand Final. I love the build up, I love the match, I love the aftermath.

But anything not involving the Bulldogs? I've never bought into the notion of picking a team to barrack for on the day.

This year is different.

I'll be devastated if Brisbane don't win.

Not because I dislike Collingwood. I don't actually dislike Collingwood. I'm normally completely indifferent to them. And I actually like Craig McRae and what he's getting out of his team. They were minor premiers for a reason.

I want Brisbane to win because I like Chris Fagan. He's living proof that the attitude that some in the industry hold towards those who've "never played the have at the highest level" is horseshit.

I want Brisbane to win because Daniel Rich deserves to go out with a celebration, even if he doesn't play. If anyone deserves a "Bob Murphy" moment it's Daniel Rich.

I want Brisbane to win because this might be Neale Daniher's last Grand Final. We don't know how long he has left. We do know the unbridled joy it would bring him to see his nephew have a premiership medal draped around his neck.

I want Brisbane to win because, with a few exceptions, anyone who has served our club well continues to have my best wishes. Josh Dunkley is a Building premiership hero. I'd be genuinely happy to see him be a Lions premiership hero.

I want Brisbane to win because Charlie Cameron is one of my favourite non-Bulldogs.

So, for one day only, I'm allowing myself to have a "second team".

Go the Lions.

[Go_Dogs]

I’m going on Saturday and will be cheering for the Lions too. Like you, I actually rate and enjoy watching the 2023 edition of the Collingwood side, however Brisbane have been around the mark for a few years now without quite getting there and I’d like to see them win it. Collingwood will be up for a while longer yet.

[FrediKanoute]

I want Lipinski to have a Premiership medal and not Dunks. I'm hoping the Pies win. Best team all year.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Ever since we lost the 2008 prelim, I've found it difficult to get into the AFL Grand Final as anything but an interested neutral.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Grand Final. I love the build up, I love the match, I love the aftermath.

But anything not involving the Bulldogs? I've never bought into the notion of picking a team to barrack for on the day.

This year is different.

I'll be devastated if Brisbane don't win.

Not because I dislike Collingwood. I don't actually dislike Collingwood. I'm normally completely indifferent to them. And I actually like Craig McRae and what he's getting out of his team. They were minor premiers for a reason.

I want Brisbane to win because I like Chris Fagan. He's living proof that the attitude that some in the industry hold towards those who've "never played the have at the highest level" is horseshit.

I want Brisbane to win because Daniel Rich deserves to go out with a celebration, even if he doesn't play. If anyone deserves a "Bob Murphy" moment it's Daniel Rich.

I want Brisbane to win because this might be Neale Daniher's last Grand Final. We don't know how long he has left. We do know the unbridled joy it would bring him to see his nephew have a premiership medal draped around his neck.

I want Brisbane to win because, with a few exceptions, anyone who has served our club well continues to have my best wishes. Josh Dunkley is a Building premiership hero. I'd be genuinely happy to see him be a Lions premiership hero.

I want Brisbane to win because Charlie Cameron is one of my favourite non-Bulldogs.

So, for one day only, I'm allowing myself to have a "second team".

Go the Lions.

Is that you GG?

[mjp]

I have a pretty close connection to one Brisbane player in particular but can't get there with you mate.

Hope for a close game that keeps in interesting...the outcome to me right now is a big ZERO. Do. Not. Care.

[bornadog]

I am staying neutral for this game, and would be happy if either win.

[MrMahatma]

Go Lions. I watch a lot of them and have some very close friends (and my dad) who are fans. Go get em Lions!

I’m flying down for it. But don’t have a ticket. Slight detail I missed!

[Scraggers]

I always watch the Grand Final … year in/year out. I have never missed one since the mid 70s. It’s always a big affair at my home. The four’n’twentys are purchased and in the pie warmer. The VB on ice. It’s the one thing that I truly miss since moving to WA (nearly 30 years ago).

But now I’m going to show my pettiness. I want Collingwood to win so Dunkley doesn’t. I know … immature and childish, but hey.

[SonofScray]

I’m going ice skating.

May it be a brutal match, full of controversy and take such a toll on both teams they struggle to back up next season.

Go Pies.

[Twodogs]

.

But now I’m going to show my pettiness. I want Collingwood to win so Dunkley doesn’t. I know … immature and childish, but hey.

I'm with you 100% on that one.

[MrMahatma]

Go Lions. I watch a lot of them and have some very close friends (and my dad) who are fans. Go get em Lions!

I’m flying down for it. But don’t have a ticket. Slight detail I missed!

Got a ticket!
Go Lions!

[bornadog]

Got a ticket!
Go Lions!

Well done, how did you manage that.

[jeemak]

I'm taking it super easy.

Previously GF days have been big days and I just can't be bothered this year.

[hujsh]

I want Brisbane to win because I like Chris Fagan. He's living proof that the attitude that some in the industry hold towards those who've "never played the have at the highest level" is horseshit.

Living proof you don't need AFL experience to discriminate against Aboriginal people and treat them horribly. Huzzah I say

[Flamethrower]

On the Collingwood bandwagon for a number of reasons...

Collingwood were the only club to join the fight against the AFL and Fitzroy in 1989 when the Lions tried to put us out of existence.
Collingwood's AFLW team / players have a close relationship with my daughter's WRFL club.
Some of the Collingwood players and staff have become good friends with my family because of the above.
A lot of my mates are Collingwood members, and they jumped on the Bulldog bandwagon in 2016.