Regardless of who you support, who will not only be settling down to watch the Carlton versus Collingwood blockbuster on Friday night, or Geelong versus Hawthorn on Saturday night, but is looking forward to both these matches?
A good AFL rivalry attracts more than just the own clubs respective supporters, it gathers interest from the entire AFL community.
Both these games have big season implications, which helps increase interest levels. But this weekend got me thinking, which game this weekend is bigger?
I jotted down my thoughts on a few, and tried to pick a winner. Wasn’t easy.
Carlton versus Collingwood:
This rivalry can be dated back to as early as the late 1800’s, when Carlton’s VFA premiership captain Billy Strickland jumped ship to Collingwood, and was instrumental in turning the club around and helping them to a VFA premiership in 1896.
Things where only going to get more heated 14 years later in the 1910 grand final, when a huge brawl broke out in the final quarter, with Collingwood hanging on to win.
Four players deemed responsible for starting the brawl received a combined 60 month suspension (insane, I know) and Carlton vowed never to forget that day.
Fast forward to today, and after over a century of presidential stirrings (Google George Harris 1979 grand final if you’re interested), close finals and general hatred, this rivalry took an extra twist when Mick Malthouse signed up to coach the Blues at the end of 2012.
Not only is there a level of hurt from Collingwood supporters but the added factors of master versus apprentice between Malthouse and Nathan Buckley and the pressure of this game being important for both teams finals chances puts this one right up there.
Geelong versus Hawthorn
This rivalry is based on what all true rivalries should be based upon, grand finals.
Geelong’s 1963 premiership win was the true beginning of this rivalry, 1989 took it up a notch, 2008 took it to overdrive and the events since then have exploded this rivalry to near war like levels (no, I don’t think I’m exaggerating).
Jeff Kennett’s comments after 2008 – that Geelong does not have the psychological drive of Hawthorn – have backfired dramatically, with Hawthorn players no doubt questioning their ability to beat Geelong.
Geelong’s 10 wins on the trot since 2008 have included:
– Two kick after the siren wins.
– Eight matches of less than 10 points margin.
– A smallest crowd of 63,000.
Let me tell you, there is no greater fear for a Geelong supporter than losing to Hawthorn in a grand final again, and Hawthorn supporters’ spirits blacken a little bit every time they squander a winnable position against Geelong.
The fact that these teams are one and two currently makes it one of (if not the biggest) rivalries of 2013, and maybe even AFL history.
The verdict
These rivalries are numbers one and two in the AFL. Splitting them was tricky, but because of the drama, history and critical importance of this game, Carlton versus Collingwood takes this one.
Just.
pope paul v11
Guest
North vs Richmond obviously. The race for the final nine is definately on, Carlton not out of it by either despite their loss.
Jsteel
Roar Pro
It's sort of about both, tried to discuss how the importance of the game adds to the rivalry for this week
Macca
Guest
Yeah it's one of the advantages of not being an Essendon supporter, you can read which allows you to find out all sorts of things. ;)
Redb
Roar Guru
I guess you'd know Macca. :)
Redb
Roar Guru
Frankly Franko I think Ken Hinkley's criticism or otherwise wouldn't make a dent on the Bombers.
Franko
Guest
Redb I said best for the AFL, not Essendon. Essendon seem to love all the hype, as I mentioned elsewhere, I think Hinkley said Jobe is fine to play because he doesn't want to add any fuel to your fire.
A Mans Not A Camel
Guest
Hahaha - love it. I know you're a blues suporter, and as such would not break if you crossed the road in front of my car :) but still gona give you the thumbs up for that call :)
Anthony
Roar Rookie
As a Carlton supporter, I am still looking forward more to Cats v Hawks - hope the Cats stitch them up for 11th time in a row. Don't get me wrong, still watching tonight, but don't expect it to be the greatest game. The games between Geelong and Hawthorn over the last 5 years have never failed as a spectacle, and Chappo's and Kennett's comments just add extra impetus. Whether Cats be four goals down at 3/4 time, its never over until the final siren between these two.
johno
Guest
Best game will be Cats v Hawks - should be an absolute belter! GF preview (and I'm a Freo fan)
Macca
Guest
Which Carlton games have been terrible to watch this year Redb - aside from last week in terrible conditions against a side that loves to keep it tight anyway?
Macca
Guest
It's not the attention Redb - its the cocktail of illegal drugs!! At least poor old Jobe won't have to put up with those mean fans booing him this week. It's no wonder Jobe cried, all those drugs can really mess with your hormones and make you very emotional.
Redb
Roar Guru
Has to be Geelong v Hawthorn. This is a bigger test for Hawthorn than Geelong but it might just nudge one in front of the other for flag contention. Can't wait. Blues v Pies could be a shorefest for the neutral - both teams playing a boring brand. A lot of good games this round.
Redb
Roar Guru
On the contrary, the adverse attention seems to make Essendon stronger. Should be a very good game, I'll be there on Sunday. Go Dons!
TomC
Roar Guru
In the context of the season, Adelaide v West Coast is another pretty big game. Both teams two wins outside the eight, both teams with a couple of tough games in the two weeks after this. Both teams would've expected to play finals, but the loser will find it very hard to make the eight.
Nick
Roar Guru
I would tend to think that Geelong v Hawthorn will be the bigger game, and not just cause of the curse. 1 v 2 with both teams firing and very near full strength. Hawthorn have won 12 in a row, while the cats dispatched Freo with alarming ease....straighter goal kicking would have taken the margin out to 70-80 points. Whereas Collingwood v Carlton features two teams that are erratic in form, and in the Pies case fielding a 'B' team. The atmosphere will definitely be immense, but the game quality will be inferior to the other game. The stakes are much higher in the Cats/Hawks game. The winner will be rightly the genuine premiership favourite. If Geelong win, then not only is the curse extended, but they would still be the only team to beat Hawthorn in 2013...and two times for good measure. While if Hawthorn win, then there really is no stopping them to the last weekend of September.
Franko
Guest
It’s a nervous time to follow Port, I just don’t know if we can bring that A-game every week, if we do it’ll probably be one of the games of the round. Probably best for the AFL for Essendon to lose, as success bring more questions marks.
Macca
Guest
Port have been killing Carlton the last couple of weeks, 2 weeks ago I thought the blues could have lost the last 2 and still been in the 8, for once I will actually be barracking for the Dons.
Danzeman
Guest
Is this about the biggest game or the biggest rivalry? No doubt it's a cracker of a round with 1 v 2, 8 v 9, 10 v 11, 13 v 14 and the cheating Bombers playing the current upset-kings of the comp in Port. Hoping the away teams win in every case! Except for Collingwood.
A Mans Not A Camel
Guest
Bombers v Port could be interesting. Of cours, as a Pies supportr I hate the Dons, and Ports recent form has been great - can they tpple the Dons?
johno
Guest
You missed Doggies v Giants ...... boom tish