AFL grand final 2021 LIVE updates No late changes subs named as Demons and Bulldogs count down to first bounce
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Well after two long weeks we are finally here.
Perth has absolutely turned on the stunning weather; it’s 22 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. The pre-game entertainment has been largely well received. John Butler’s rendition of Aussie classic “Great Southern Land†seemed to receive the warmest response from the locals.
There would be slightly more red and blue scarves than red, white and blue but the crowd doesn’t appear as Demon dominant as the preliminary final two weeks ago against Geelong.
With every day that has passed in Perth, I’ve shifted closer towards tipping an upset. But I’m simply not courageous enough to go against Melbourne, who deserve to be warm favourites after a tremendous home and away season.
Both forward lines pose multiple threats and it might just be who makes the most of their opportunities - and which player bobs up to kick multiple goals - that is the difference.
I’m tipping the Demons by 10 points and Kozzie Pickett to kick four and win the Norm Smith medal.
Kysaiah Pickett.Credit:Getty Images
Passionate Bulldogs fans have gathered en masse at Blasta Brewery, a Scottish Gaelic-inspired pub known for its gold medal bespoke brews.
Hopes were high among the club’s official WA supporter base group the WA Bulldogs that their ‘team from the mighty west’ would repeat their drought-breaking premiership of 2016 after an impressive 71-point drubbing of Port Adelaide a fortnight ago.
PJ lover Damien Giglia rocks Western Bulldog jammies.Credit:Sharon Smith
The build-up has been carnival-like for their fans, starting with Friday’s open training session and people’s parade to to Forrest Chase in the CBD, dubbed Footy Place and the scene of some epic mullet haircuts during grand final week, with young Bulldogs fans eager to emulate new club cult hero Bailey Smith after his electric exploits this finals series.
Grand final excitement hit fever pitch on Friday night, when WA members gathered at Blasta for an exclusive function, continuing the celebrations there on Saturday before the bounce a few drop punts away at Optus Stadium.
Damien Giglia was one of the more colourful characters there, donning full-length Bulldogs pyjamas despite being a Dockers fan.
His outfit was in support of good mate Ryan Matthews, a UK resident who fell in love with the Dogs after watching them play when he arrived in Australia four years ago.
“Luckily I was able to get tickets through interstate membership,†Mr Matthew said.
“I fell in love with them and the way they play after I came over here from the UK in 2017.â€
MELBOURNE 93
Ben Brown 9, Jake Lever 7, Michael Hibberd 5, Christian Salem 5, Angus Brayshaw 5, Christian Petracca 5, Alex Neal-Bullen 5, Tom McDonald 5, Charlie Spargo 5, Max Gawn 5, Clayton Oliver 5, Jack Viney 5, James Harmes 5, Bayley Fritsch 4, Steven May 2, Trent Rivers 2, Harrison Petty 2, Ed Langdon 2, Tom Sparrow 2, Luke Jackson 2, Jake Bowey 2, Kysaiah Pickett 2, James Jordon 2
WESTERN BULLDOGS 160
Taylor Duryea 15, Easton Wood 12, Adam Treloar 11, Lachie Hunter 10, Jack Macrae 10, Marcus Bontempelli 10, Caleb Daniel 9, Jason Johannisen 9, Josh Dunkley 9, Tom Liberatore 8, Zaine Cordy 7, Mitch Hannan 6, Bailey Smith 5, Aaron Naughton 5, Tim English 5, Stefan Martin 5, Bailey Williams 4, Bailey Dale 4, Josh Schache 4, Roarke Smith 4, Alex Keath 3, Laitham Vandermeer 3, Cody Weightman 2
Taylor Duryea.Credit:Getty Images
Melbourne great Garry Lyon admits he just wants first bounce to arrive as his Demons chase their first premiership since 1964.
Lyon is in Perth for the grand final after leaving over two weeks ago and completing quarantine in the hope the Demons would make the grand final.
He told Fox Footy he had been awake since 5.30am WA time and had never felt nerves like today since his playing days.
“I’m 54 years old and been retired a long time but today is the closest thing to the nerves of my playing days,†Lyon said.
“I thought I had been able to leave my playing career behind and never think about it again but I had those same feelings today where I was nervous and horrible to be around - until I got here to the ground.
“It’s been a long wait, a long two weeks. I’m here, I’m excited, I wish this damn thing would start.â€
Lyon said past players from around the country were in touch with each other and counting down the moments until the big game.
“I’ve never felt closer to the group. This has been the greatest re-connection of a footy club that I’ve seen in this last two weeks, everyone has done a great job,†Lyon said.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. They have connected the generations which is so hard to do.â€
Lyon will present the premiership cup if Melbourne wins, if the Bulldogs win then Chris Grant will present the trophy.
MELBOURNE
B: Michael Hibberd, Steven May, Jake Lever
HB: Trent Rivers, Harrison Petty, Christian Salem
C: Angus Brayshaw, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon
HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tom McDonald, Tom Sparrow
F: Charlie Spargo, Ben Brown, Bayley Fritsch
R: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney
I: James Harmes, Luke Jackson, Jake Bowey, Kysaiah Pickett, James Jordon (sub)
E: Jake Melksham, Jayden Hunt, Kade Chandler
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Easton Wood, Alex Keath, Bailey Williams
HB: Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy, Bailey Dale
C: Bailey Smith, Tom Liberatore, Lachie Hunter
HF: Cody Weightman, Aaron Naughton, Adam Treloar
F: Josh Schache, Tim English, Mitch Hannan
R: Stefan Martin, Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli
I: Jason Johannisen, Josh Dunkley, Taylor Duryea, Roarke Smith, Laitham Vandermeer (sub)
E: Ed Richards, Anthony Scott, Ryan Gardner
MELBOURNE
No change
WESTERN BULLDOGS
In: Alex Keath, Cody Weightman
Out: Ryan Gardner, Anthony Scott (medi-sub)
Alex Keath.Credit:Getty Images
No late changes for either side.
Midfielder James Jordon has completed a full season with the Demons by filling the medical sub spot for the sixth time in 2021.
Forward/midfielder Laitham Vandermeer has won the race to be the Bulldogs’ medical sub, his desperation rushed behind won the semi-final against Brisbane.
We asked readers how they were celebrating grand final day.
In Melbourne, Sharon Smith told us she planned to catch up with a football friend in St Kilda - within their shared 10km radius.
Sandra Wilson of Altona Meadows, in Melbourne’s south-west, said her husband had been busy sketching a chalk drawing to honour the Doggies across a shared driveway. Her neighbours, both in their 90s, have been Western Bulldogs supporters their whole lives.
A chalk drawing to celebrate grand final day.
Meanwhile, in Perth, Ian Satchwell tells us the stations is filled with footy fans and Royal Show goers, with Demons fans certainly in the majority. Later, he sent a pic of crowds gathering at Optus Stadium.
Busy Perth station.
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