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2016 AFL Grand Final fixture: Who plays who, where and when

Expert
24th September, 2016
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The Sydney Swans, the AFL's golden children, will hope to make the grand final again. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Expert
24th September, 2016
37
9321 Reads

The Western Bulldogs will make their first appearance in the AFL Grand Final since 1961 against the Sydney Swans, after the two teams won their way through to the decider on preliminary final weekend.

Sydney Swans vs Western Bulldogs
2016 AFL Grand Final
Time: 2:30pm (AEST)
Date: Saturday, October 1
Venue: MCG

The Bulldogs earned their spot in the match with an incredibly thrilling six-point win over the GWS Giants in one of the greatest AFL matches ever played.

The game had twists and turns, lead changes, and was close throughout, but looked lost to the Dogs when the Giants took a game-high 14-point lead early in the last.

However, they fought back and were a slim five points ahead when Tory Dickson took a mark to line up for goal with seconds left.

The siren blew and Dickson took his shot knowing that the Bulldogs already had it won, slamming it into the post but celebrating regardless.

The Swans, by comparison, had a dominant win over Geelong – they kicked seven goals to none and the game was effectively over by the first change.

The Cats stayed in the fight throughout the match but could never really get within striking distance of the lead.

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For the Swans it’s the third time in five years that they have contested the grand final. For the Bulldogs, it’s just the third time in their history and the first time since 1961.

The Bulldogs amazingly have qualified for the game from seventh on the ladder but despite that low starting position they will have a home ground advantage of sorts as a Victorian side at the MCG.

The Swans will have to travel for the match but have proven in the past that a trip to the home of footy is no concern for them.

It’s sure to be an incredible match, and it all kicks off next Saturday.

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