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With blockbuster matches lining the AFL fixture and a taste of spring in the air, it is hard not to think of September.
Perhaps more than other year, there are a number of great teams, great rivalries and great players set to make their mark this September. T
hese are seven potentially mouth-watering grand final match ups.
7. Port Adelaide versus Adelaide/Fremantle versus West Coast
Extremely unlikely at this stage, but there is still the slim possibility that one of these two rivals makes the top four and the other finishes inside the eight. Depending on how results went through the finals, you could still have the chance of a Showdown or Western Derby grand final.
6. Geelong versus North Melbourne
As was seen in the NFL Superbowl of 2013, opposing coaches who are brothers on the game’s biggest stage is a story that writes itself.
It is also something that can get neutrals or those with a passing interest to tune in to see what sibling rivalry can look like on the big stage. Consider that Brad and Chris are twins and it only adds to the intrigue that this grand final would bring.
5. Fremantle versus Hawthorn
Not since the classics between Sydney and West Coast in 2005-06 has a grand final rematch been seen. In some ways, last year’s decider was spoilt by Fremantle’s nerves on the big stage. It likely is that a rematch would be both a better game and a better spectacle for the neutral fans.
4. Hawthorn versus Sydney
Over the past three seasons, these two teams have played in some of the best matches that the AFL has produced.
There are a number of reasons for this to be a great matchup. Franklin against his former team, Hawthorn looking to avenge their 2012 loss, Sydney getting justification for their bold recruiting moves, Hawthorn going back to back.
This grand final has stories and has two of the best teams that rise when playing one another. It is a can’t miss grand final.
3. Geelong versus Hawthorn
For as great as this rivalry has been for the past seven years, it seems unjust that only one grand final has been played between these two. Every year, the season enters August with the knowledge that these two are going to play off at some point. It just depends on whether it is in week one, two, three or four of September.
2. Essendon versus anyone
Essendon in a grand final could be looked at as the worst case scenario for the AFL – or the best thing that could happen for marketing. If Essendon were to shock the world and make it through to the decider, regardless of who they played it would be huge.
Some would be tuning in with the hope of seeing Essendon getting thrashed, some would be tuning in to see what the response of the crowd would be to Essendon and some would be tuning in for the theatre of Essendon in a grand final. Everyone would have a reason to watch.
1. Geelong versus Fremantle
When was the last time that two teams that hated each other played off in a grand final? Collingwood and Geelong in 2011 perhaps, but there was a bit of respect between those two sides as opposed to outright hatred.
Over the past five seasons the real aggression and the real hatred between these two clubs has brewed into a must-see rivalry. Whenever these two teams play it is tough, it is physical and it is skilful.
There is no shortage of stories in this one: Crowley versus Johnson, Ballantyne versus the Geelong defence, Geelong wanting retribution for two finals losses to Fremantle and many more.
There are seven great choices, but to please, please give us Geelong and Fremantle on that last Saturday in September.
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