With 13 different grand finalists over the last decade and a half, no two grand finals have been alike, and while not all have been close, all have been fascinating for one reason or another.
To celebrate the lead-up to Saturday’s grand final, let’s take a look at the five best deciders of the last 15 years.
2006, West Coast Eagles defeated Sydney Swans
In the closest grand final for 40 years, Sydney looked like they were going to snatch it from West Coast for the second year running, after making up a five-goal first-quarter deficit.
In one of the most intense fourth quarters in grand final history, the Eagles were able to keep Sydney at bay by matching them goal-for-goal, and eventually just hang on by the slimmest of all margins to avenge their loss.
But more on that later.
2012, Sydney Swans defeated Hawthorn Hawks
Another classic grand final involving the Sydney Swans, this grand final may not have been as close as 2006, but had a final quarter with just as much, if not more drama.
The game had been even all day, with each team dominating play for different periods of time, and when risks were there to be taken and the match was there to be won, Sydney proved they are one of the great modern-day teams, kicking two huge goals late to snatch the game from the more fancied Hawks.
2010, Collingwood Magpies drew with St Kilda Saints
While I may not have adjudged this the best grand final of the past 15 years, it is without a doubt the most remarkable and unique. At the end of four quarters of utter heroism and desperation from Collingwood and St Kilda, the final match of the year ended with scores locked at 68, for only the third time in VFL/AFL history.
While Collingwood recovered far better and won the replay a week later by 10 goals, it is the first encounter that will not only go down as one of the great grand finals of its time, but of all time.
2009, Geelong Cats defeated St Kilda Saints
In one of the toughest and statistically closest grand finals of all time, the combined total of 214 tackles made is the second most in any game, ever.
The intensity, desperation, desire and absolute refusal to lose brought to the table by both teams was incredible, with casualties on both sides, including St Kilda star Brendon Goddard playing on despite a broken nose and collarbone.
In the end, Geelong executed when they needed to in a finale that the 1989 Cats and Hawks would’ve been proud of.
2005, Sydney Swans defeated West Coast Eagles
There has been a lot of debate over whether the original or the sequel is better, and for me, it’s the unforgettable moments in football history that the original gave us that sees it get the nod for me.
The final few minutes of the match are possibly the greatest and most intense minutes of football ever played, culminating in Leo Barry’s unforgettable grab.
The rest is history.
slane
Guest
I'm not sure I can agree with you, Me Too. While Geelong were obviously playing out of their skins, Port might aswell have not been on the ground. I'm not sure I can equate 'running around witches hats' with an epic Grand Final. 2012 was a better example of a beautiful footy match. Free-flowing footy from both teams and a real struggle for dominance.
Me Too
Guest
Horrible final, saved only by the tightness and Leo Barry's immortal mark. Even 2007 was better, as despite the one-sidedness, we were watching football as it was meant to be played, albeit, by only one team.
Myles Stedman
Roar Guru
Might not be the prettiest match on the list but man was it intense!
Slane
Guest
I watched the 2005 Grand Final again a few weeks ago. It was a tight contest but not very aesthetically pleasing. It was like watching a UFC match where both fighters are happy to roll around on the ground the whole time. I might feel differently if I was an Eagles or Swans man but it was very ugly footy.
Vea
Guest
Ports win wasn't too bad as was the hawks "surprise" win.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
They played 25 mins before time on back then. More time to kick goals. I lament the passing of the goalfest and I spent all my time in the backline. Collingwood 19 10 124 vs NM 21 25 151, those were the days. Sydney have the capacity to put on the goals and I sincerely hope they do.
Brian
Guest
2002 was probably 2nd only to 2012. The 2005 and 2006 ones were poor in footy terms.
Troy
Guest
Exactly the five I would have picked (and did pick, in a blog post elsewhere).
EddyJ
Guest
The 2005 Grand Final was like a game of chess. I found it more absorbing than the 1989 Grand Final between Geelong and Hawthorn. 42 goals! That's far too many. Give me a game of 15 goals between two teams any day of the week. The 2006 Grand Final was probably a better version – the Swans were outwitted by John Worsfold in the first half – more goals, but still the psychological battle between players and coaches. There's no fun in just kicking goal after goal. The 2012 Grand Final was probably close to perfection. Goals (but not too many), class, strategy, intrigue, and a last-minute snap by a full-bearded backline player to seal the match. As Denis Cometti said during the game, 'it does not get any better than this'.
Josh
Expert
2012 a comfortable winner in my books. Great game full of twists and turns.
Myles Stedman
Roar Guru
Very nearly made the cut!
Paul D
Roar Guru
I think the 2002 Grand Final is a worthy entrant, but I'm very biased. ;)
Damien
Guest
Seriously, 2005 Grand Final, if it wasn't a close game and it wasn't a Grand Final, I would have turned off at quarter time. It was one the most boring games of football I have ever seen. Yes, there moments, like Leo Barry's mark, but on the whole, it was trench warfare at it's absolute worst. 2006 was slight better because West Coast were able to play with a little more freedom which meant Sydney had to take some risks as well. As a neutral supporter, I really enjoyed the clinic Geelong displayed in 2007. A close game it was not, but the way Geelong played for the full for quarters (minus one minute so that Scarlett could hang to the ball when the final siren sounded), they were just relentless and piled on goal after goal. Loved it, except when Scarlett refused to move the ball forward in the last minute at the expense getting that elusive 20 goal grandfinal win. 119 points is very, very good, but 20 goals has nicer sound to it.