Digby’s AFL Grand Final Preview

Posted on September 29, 2016June 7, 2018 | Posted by Digby Beacham

Sydney v Western Bulldogs

Saturday, 12.30pm MCG

A memorable September has come and gone – now we get to see whether a showdown of epic proportions lives up to its hype on the first day of October. If what we witnessed during the finals series is any indication, the answer is most definitely in the affirmative.

Sydney assaulted Geelong in a brutal opening 30 minutes to advance to the Grand Final and their penchant for contested ball will ensure much responsibility falls to leaders Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Kieren Jack and Dan Hannebery, and Isaac Heeney. As efficient as the Swans are in tight, the Bulldogs are hot on their heels through the deeds of Marcus Bontempelli, Lachie Hunter, Tom Liberatore, Luke Dahlhaus, Jack Macrae and Liam Picken.

The Bulldogs have taken down Sydney in their only two meetings since Luke Beveridge moved into the chair at the Whitten Oval, but this is a different assignment altogether from those thrilling encounters. Many of the Swans players have had a taste of the grandest stage of all and in a contest where little separates the two sides, that could be the deciding factor.

VERDICT: Sydney by 10 points.

1st Goal Scorer: Lance Franklin

Norm Smith Medal: Luke Parker

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