So, the AFL Grand Final is going to be played in Brisbane.
The season wouldn’t have existed without the support the QLD government has provided, so that’s why there’s minimal grumbling.
I expect Queensland will be enthusiastic hosts.
But the narrative of this being a development of a frontier market is not a strong one.
Don’t expect nine out of ten Queenslanders to be able to name more than a half-dozen players who participate in the grand final the week after it happens.
A half-dozen may be generous.
Despite providing tips each week and following AFL for over 20 years, there’s at least twelve or more clubs where I’m not sure I could name any players with confidence.
(Draws count as correct)
NRL (last round 5/8; season tally 93/128)
Penrith
Cronulla
Melbourne
Canterbury (because I don’t think Gold Coast will win two in a row; the fact another side will end up running last is a bonus. How many spite tips are Canterbury getting for a win this week?)
Manly
Easts
Saint George
(Draws count as correct)
AFL (last rounds 7/8; season tally 80/121)
Round 15
Hawthorn
West Coast
Richmond
Melbourne
Greater Western Sydney
Brisbane
Round 16
Port Adelaide
Saint Kilda
Geelong
West Coast
Melbourne
Greater Western Sydney
Carlton
Brisbane