A bitterly cold forecast for the AFL grand final could benefit Collingwood as they strive to win a 16th premiership.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a high of just 13 degrees and a chance of rain on Saturday when the Magpies take on West Coast in this year’s decider.
Should that be the case, it will be the coldest grand final in 16 years – when Brisbane defeated Collingwood to win the 2002 premiership.
Given the clubs’ contrasting game styles, the forecast should favour the Magpies.
Nathan Buckley’s team possess a controlled chaos game plan, in sharp contrast to West Coast’s aim to own the skies.
If it’s wet and cold, ruck Brodie Grundy sees an advantage to his side.
“It would obviously help if it is raining,” Grundy said.
“They’re elite aerialists … Jeremy McGovern and (Tom) Barrass and forward of the ball.
“If that does eventuate it’s going to bring our smaller players into the game, our elite small forwards.
“Whatever the weather brings it’s going to be an extremely contested, heated contest.
“I’m looking forward to being in amongst it and hopefully getting my hands dirty.”
The Eagles defeated Melbourne in 27-degree heat and sparkling sunshine on Saturday to take their place in the grand final.
Pale-skinned defender Tyson Goldsack joked the forecast suited him to the ground, but he was more concerned with the forecast for the grand final parade.
“Twenty-seven and sunny doesn’t work for my complexion – 13 and overcast does,” he said.
“We’re a Melbourne-based club and we’ve played in it all before. Sometimes all in the one day.
“Let’s hope Friday is a good day.
“If we’re sitting on the back of a ute I don’t want to be getting wet.”
The forecast for Friday is 17 degrees, but with a 70 per cent chance of between one and four millimetres of rain.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I thought the same thing Doc. How can the Gary Ayres medal be fair for teams who play extra games?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
A lot of it will be about who is the most accurate Matti. If the Pies were kicked out of the finals my sides to follow in order were the Cats and then the Eagles. If we lose it will hurt like hell but I won't begrudge the winner. The question is will the loser use the pain for 2019.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Oh thats good. Thanks Goalsonly.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
We didn't go so well down at Blundstone, 8 degrees and windy.... It is a cool weather game after all,although I remember seeing a game at the Gabba when the sweating Magpies were huddled in the shade of a stand at quarter time. Lions fed well that day. If the Eagles' marking is a bit off because of the conditions,although it doesn't look as if it'll be too windy,that'll bring them closer to the Pies on that factor. Will there be a parallel reduction in kicking skill? Don't see it myself.Plus, from watching their finals so far ,Simpson and the other coaches have been working on ground-ball collects. It must be up by 10-15% over the season's averages. Venables,Cripps,Masten and Sheed have been picking up at speed in both games. On a side note,what's with the Gary Ayres Award for finals performances? Sidebottom leads but he's played one more game than Redden. How can that be equitable?
User
Roar Rookie
It's definitely something I've thought about, but on the flipside if Collingwood force our fwds leads wide it will cause alot of inaccurate shots on goal which can kill you in gf.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Slight winds at 10am easing to nothing much during playing time. http://www.bom.gov.au/places/vic/melbourne/forecast/detailed/#d2018-09-29
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
windy is my fear....when its windy we spray it onto the forward line terribly allowing Gov to read the flight...
User
Roar Rookie
Wce did beat the pies on a 13 degree day at the mcg not to far back
User
Roar Rookie
I was commenting on article Pete. In regards to your question yes we have but in all honesty I don't see it as an issue at all, the drainage at all the AFL grounds nowadays is ridiculous so the small amount forecast is a non issue.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
It was actually a genuine question Matti. I actually don’t know how the Eagles have gone in wet so was asking Eagles fans as I want to know.
User
Roar Rookie
When your president is trying to get the state behind you, and your star player is banking on the weather to create an advantage yikes Collingwood, you're showing fear already and won't be long and you'll blink.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
How have the Eagles gone in cold and wet this year?