Millions of people across Australia will tune in tomorrow to watch the biggest sporting event of the year – the AFL Grand Final.
GWS Giants and Richmond will go head-to-head at the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – UCFB’s global hub partner – and play it out to fly the premiership flag. Nearly 100,000 spectators are expected to pack into the stadium for the match, where locals Richmond are hot favourites to defeat the Sydney-based Giants.
Ahead of the final and the inaugural UCFB Melbourne Sports Summit at the MCG in January, we take a look at some of the most memorable moments down the years at the iconic stadium…
All’s fair in love and draw
Over 100,000 packed into the MCG for 2010 final between Collingwood and St Kilda to witness only the third draw in Grand Final history. Despite Collingwood having a healthy lead at half-time, the Saints levelled the game for the first time in the final quarter. The 68-68 score line was breathless. The teams returned the following week to see Collingwood emerge victorious.
Catch of the century
Sydney Swans had waited 72 long years for their first premiership title when Leo Barry leapt high into the MCG sky to catch a huge launch from the West Coast Eagles. With just seconds left, the Swans were leading 58-54 when the ball was driven by the Eagles towards their scoring zone. Out of nowhere, Barry rose into the sky above the pack and emerged with the ball and the championship. The image of the leap is one of the most iconic in modern Australian sport.
“Bowling, Shane!”
The MCG might host the AFL Grand Final, but around the world it’s known for hosting some of the biggest crowds and events in cricket. Poetically, it was the scene of Shane Warne’s 700th Test wicket in his final ever MCG Test. Already leading the 2006 Ashes series 3-0, Warne took the wicket of England opener Andrew Strauss to bring up the magic number before going on to take his final ever five-fer. Widely considered the greatest bowler of all time, it was a moment the whole of Australia celebrated.
