What’s the biggest grand ultimate of all time?
It’s a query that can result in broad dialogue and controversial opinions at each footy gathering underneath the solar – and is the proper fodder for a pre-gran ultimate barbecue chat this Saturday.
So that can assist you out, I’ve gone by way of all 25 deciders performed within the 2000s (together with the 2010 draw), and ranked them from greatest to worst.
Will you agree with me? Nearly definitely not! Ought to it matter? Hell, no! Let’s start.
Unwatchable
25. 2019, Richmond 17.12 (144) defeated GWS 3.7 (25) by 89 factors
Good Lord, was this a tricky watch.
From the second the quarter time siren sounded with Daniel Rioli driving by way of an extended purpose to place Richmond, after a gradual begin, seven factors forward, this sport felt over as a contest – and so it proved.
There have been some good moments – Marlion Pickett’s first purpose and the next pandemonium was iconic, and Trent Cotchin’s late main actually ought to get extra fanfare (however by then, I assume almost everybody had tuned out) – however this was putrid.
The worst grand ultimate of my lifetime, and only a few Richmond fan I’ve spoken to have this as their favorite of the three Tiger premierships – although it have to be mentioned, a lot have come out with this view since I claimed the rely was at 0 within the authentic publish of this text in 2023.
24. 2022, Geelong 20.13 (133) defeated Sydney 8.4 (52) by 81 factors
In loads of methods, 2022’s mind-numbing huge dance was much more excruciating than the Tigers lamping the Giants three years earlier: the match was over as a contest earlier than quarter time, with the Cats six objectives to at least one up by the primary break, and your entire second half was successfully social gathering time.
Will get a bonus level – and off the underside – for mending Joel Selwood’s repute at a stroke: from his heartwarming interactions with Levi Ablett, Sam Morfoot and Auskicker Archie Stockdale, to placing the exclamation mark on his profession with a beautiful purpose within the dying minutes, everybody fell in love with Joel that day.
23. 2000, Essendon 19.21 (135) defeated Melbourne 11.9 (75) by 60 factors
The one grand ultimate I’ve not seen in its entirety – I bought bored and turned off a replay midway by way of the third quarter – this was one other one-sided outing that was over earlier than half time.
Actually, it was over earlier than it began – the Bombers have been as short-priced a favorite as we’ve seen in a era, and actually the sport simply served as a protracted victory lap to finish the best particular person season ever.
Watch when you’re a Bombers fan craving for nostalgia, however in any other case, simply take solace from the actual fact it was the start of the top for the Dons.
22. 2014, Hawthorn 21.11 (137) defeated Sydney 11.8 (74) by 63 factors
“The captain kicks the tenth! He can really feel that cup in his palms, I reckon!”
When Luke Hodge lower off a kick-in and goalled to place the Hawks 47 factors forward after 1 / 4 and 12 minutes, this sport was accomplished.
One more grand ultimate snooze-fest – besides in case your coronary heart bleeds brown and gold – that is principally the unloved center little one of the Hawks’ three-peat. It solely will get as much as twenty first on this listing as a result of Alastair Clarkson’s males have been completely sensational that day, for what was completely summed up by Bruce McAvaney after the siren as their ‘masterpiece’.
Unhealthy
21. 2015, Hawthorn 16.11 (107) defeated West Coast 8.13 (61) by 46 factors
One other yr, one other Hawthorn bloodbath in a grand ultimate. The mid-2010s have been a tricky slog when you adopted anybody else.
This will get elevated out of ‘unwatchable’ principally for a way spectacular Cyril Rioli was, significantly early: among the many most compelling gamers of his era, his crowning jewel was a delight to witness, particularly when his Norm Smith win was so safe that Hawks followers have been chanting ‘Cyril’ because it was being introduced. (And Andrew McLeod presenting it – the script couldn’t have been written any extra completely.)
Apart from that, this was one-sided from begin to end barring a interval to begin the third time period the place the Eagles introduced the margin again to 25 factors… just for Jack Darling to land on the rostrum for grand ultimate comedy moments with a dropped sitter to snuff out all their momentum.
20. 2007, Geelong 24.19 (163) defeated Port Adelaide 6.8 (44) by 119 factors
Yep, essentially the most one-sided grand ultimate in historical past isn’t even within the lowest tier!
Why? Two causes: the primary is that, whereas the underside 4 have been all solely watchable for the profitable membership’s supporters within the final quarter, 2007 was at the very least compelling out of a morbid curiosity to see simply how unhealthy the pummelling would get. It’s the primary and solely 100-point decider in historical past, and with the margin at 90 at three-quarter time it was truly fairly fascinating for my nine-year previous self to witness the extent of the humiliation.
The opposite is that the Cats performed the proper grand ultimate: actually, it’s price awaiting impartial supporters only for how stone chilly good they have been. Ferociously quick, brutal in defence and with essentially the most beautiful expertise, no group in my footy-watching lifetime would have gotten near the Cats that day. Port have been simply unfortunate to be those who drew the quick straw.
19. 2010 replay, Collingwood 16.12 (108) defeated St Kilda 7.10 (52) by 56 factors
Each one-sided grand ultimate has a second the place you understand, in your coronary heart of hearts, that it’s over: this one was at the very least memorable. You certainly know what second I’m speaking about.
Other than that well-known second, although, this was grim, particularly when you have been raised on a food regimen of Collingwood hatred like I used to be. 12 years previous on the time, I distinctly keep in mind my dad coming house in a dirty temper having spent the afternoon within the MCC Members surrounded by jubilant Magpies followers – he’s dreading a repeat this Saturday.
3.6 roentgen (not nice, not horrible)
18. 2017, Richmond 16.12 (108) defeated Adelaide 8.12 (60) by 48 factors
Bonus factors for being a drought-breaking premiership AND an underdog story, however that and the second quarter through which the Tigers turned the tide are about the one memorable issues about this grand ultimate.
The day that an incredible Crows group was despatched spinning into utter disarray – keep in mind the ability stance? The camp? The bus the place they performed the Richmond theme tune again and again? – at the present time will at all times maintain a particular place in Tigers followers’ hearts. For the remainder of us, although, simply skip to the bit the place Jack Riewoldt sings Mr Brightside with The Killers.
17. 2003, Brisbane 20.14 (134) defeated Collingwood 12.12 (84) by 50 factors
On the plus aspect – a Collingwood grand ultimate loss is at all times good enjoyable for us neutrals!
On the minus – this was extra a Hawthorn-esque crowning jewel on an all time nice group, the Lions seldom troubled, 42 factors up at half time and attending to benefit from the final quarter-hour with no concern of a comeback. Price watching simply to see Jason Akermanis totally gentle it up with the most effective non-Norm Smith-winning efficiency I’ve ever seen.
16. 2005, Sydney 8.10 (58) defeated West Coast 7.12 (54) by 4 factors
Simply because a sport is shut doesn’t imply it’s any good – and if I wanted to defend that time, the 2005 grand ultimate could be the primary slide of my PowerPoint presentation.
The tight end – plus, in fact, “LEO BARRY YOU STAR!” – means nearly each footy fan has watched at the very least a little bit of this one, however a mixture of dour Swans defence and a few abysmal foot expertise made this the lowest-quality grand ultimate I’ve watched.
I’ll additionally die on the hill that Chris Judd’s Norm Smith Medal was each bit as unearned as Jason Johannisen’s 11 years on; no, I can’t be taking questions.
15. 2021, Melbourne 21.14 (140) defeated Western Bulldogs 10.6 (66) by 74 factors
For 3 quarters and 25 minutes, this was an incredible grand ultimate: positive, it went to hell, particularly for us Bulldogs followers, however you’ll be able to’t inform me that up till then it wasn’t compelling.
A red-hot begin from the Demons, matched by a scorching Bulldogs comeback to show a 21-point quarter time deficit right into a 19-point lead midway by way of the third, and the turnaround was staggering. Plus, in fact, the ‘Mad Minute’ to finish that time period was totally spectacular for everybody – I’ve even watched it once more just a few occasions, simply to persuade myself it actually occurred.
In case you’ve solely bought time to observe the primary three quarters of any grand ultimate, this is likely to be the one to select.
14. 2013, Hawthorn 11.11 (77) defeated Fremantle 8.14 (62) by 15 factors
The most effective of the Hawks’ threepeat of flags… however I’m nonetheless undecided it was correctly good.
The ultimate margin is misleading – this sport was over midway by way of the final and the Hawks by no means trailed – however whereas Freo have been by no means put away, Ross Lyon’s dedication to dour defence made this one a tough slog at occasions to get by way of.
The dictionary definition of a ‘meh’ grand ultimate: very similar to Birds of Tokyo’s pre-match efficiency that day, definitely not putrid sufficient to be unforgettable and I wouldn’t blame you for not remembering a minute of it both.
Good
13. 2004, Port Adelaide 17.11 (113) defeated Brisbane 10.13 (73) by 40 factors
Like 2021 however on a smaller scale, the primary two and a half quarters of this sport, earlier than Port and Gavin Wanganeen kicked it to mattress, have been nice.
From there, although, the final time period was only a victory lap with the strain eliminated; an in contrast to different grand finals of its like additional up this listing, the ability degree wasn’t fairly adequate to advantage a better place than mid-table.
Bonus factors for Alastair Lynch making an attempt to kill Darryl Wakelin within the final correct grand ultimate punch-on we’ll most likely ever see.
12. 2020, Richmond 12.9 (81) defeated Geelong 7.8 (50) by 31 factors
Greater than another grand ultimate, this one actually bugs me, as a result of it actually ought to have been a traditional.
But Tigers-Cats video games of this period tended to observe an identical path: evenly fought and even in Geelong’s benefit for the primary half, after which turning on a dime.
It’s why, regardless of some compelling drama – Dustin Martin’s third, and biggest, Norm Smith the choose of the bunch – I can’t have it any increased than eleventh. From the second Jack Riewoldt goalled within the first minute of the third quarter, it felt just like the Tigers had it regardless of nonetheless being 9 factors down – and the Cats from there supplied scant resistance because the match slowly however inevitably was ripped from them.
11. 2001, Brisbane 15.18 (108) defeated Essendon 12.10 (82) by 26 factors
This was truly a reasonably enjoyable grand ultimate – however I additionally suppose it’s essentially the most extensively forgotten one of many twenty first century.
It serves as simply ‘the one which began all of it’ for the Lions’ hat-trick of flags, and whereas it’s higher than that, I believe it additionally suffers from having no correct iconic moments like so many others on this listing – even the floggings.
Nonetheless, for the Lions to be 14 factors down at half time and are available storming excessive of the yr’s greatest group was spectacular, so it’s positively price a rewatch.
Nice
10. 2006, West Coast 12.13 (85) defeated Sydney 12.12 (84) by 1 level
“Who would have thought the sequel could be simply nearly as good as the unique?” was Anthony Hudson’s well-known proclamation on the ultimate siren – sorry, Huddo, however this was one million miles higher than 2005.
Increased-scoring, with higher expertise from begin to end and a slashing efficiency from Andrew Embley to say the Norm Smith, this was a wonderfully good grand ultimate till a busy ultimate minutes to push this up till the second-top tier.
Daniel Chick’ smother, Adam Hunter’s purpose, the closeness of the ultimate margin… and fittingly, the Eagles and the Swans, the 2 biggest rivals of the mid-2000s, would finish with one flag apiece. Can’t say fairer than that!
9. 2016, Western Bulldogs 13.11 (89) defeated Sydney 10.7 (67) by 22 factors
“BOYD’S KICKED A GOAL! FROM INSIDE THE CENTRE SQUARE! F–Okay!”
Any Bulldogs fan price their salt has spam-replayed the ultimate quarter-hour to infinity – however even when the ultimate margin doesn’t mirror it, this was a correctly wonderful grand ultimate between two evenly-matched groups.
Was the umpiring nice? No (and naturally nobody will take me critically if I say it wasn’t as unhealthy because it appeared – so perhaps simply take Has the Umpire Made a Unhealthy Decison’s Twitter abstract for proof), however when you’re not a Sydney fan and your first evaluation of a day that was wildly entertaining – and shut – all through, plus so significant to so many individuals, is to say it was ruined by the umps I don’t suppose you’re having fun with footy fandom as a lot as you possibly can be.
That it’s down in ninth is generally as a result of the highest seven are of such top quality – as a lot as we complain about grand finals being fizzers as a rule, we’ve additionally been fortunate sufficient to see some actually terrific encounters!
8. 2002, Brisbane 10.15 (75) defeated Collingwood 9.12 (66) by 9 factors
The second-toughest grand ultimate of the twenty first century – extra on the primary later – this was as hard-fought a sport of footy as you’ll ever see.
At no level did the margin attain double figures for both aspect, and with the arrival of the five-minute warning for the primary time because of the daybreak of Ten’s protection, followers watching on TV might declare to nonetheless have doubts over the outcome proper up till the ultimate siren.
Jason Akermanis’ last-quarter match-sealer is likely to be the defining second out of this one, however the situations and the brutality of either side simply made this sport a tougher watching expertise than a number of the ones increased up this listing, therefore its spot right here.
7. 2008, Hawthorn 18.7 (115) defeated Geelong 11.23 (89) by 26 factors
The quintessential grand ultimate upset, I don’t suppose this sport will get the respect it deserves.
I’d argue 2008 was essentially the most entertaining footy season of all time – scores have been excessive, the footy was breathtaking and the highest groups performed with an aggression and gusto by no means to be repeated as everybody tried to imitate Geelong – and the decider definitely lived as much as that.
There was drama – Cam Mooney lacking on the half time siren for a Cats scoreline of 6.12, Brent Guerra altering the rushed behind rule in a single day with an orgy of handballs again over the road – and naturally no Hawthorn fan will ever overlook THOSE 5 minutes from the ‘unlikely, cumbersome hero’ Stuart Dew late within the third.
My core reminiscence, although, is Cyril Rioli’s unbelievable effort to win a three-on-one late within the third quarter on the wing: the primary, however definitely not the final, time he’d pull off what gave the impression to be inconceivable on the MCG.
6. 2010 draw, Collingwood 9.14 (68) drew with St Kilda 9.14 (68)
The final quarter of the primary 2010 grand ultimate is the best, tensest, and most compelling I’ve ever watched stay, and greater than makes up for the primary three being respectable however removed from spectacular.
That ultimate time period, although… Nick Maxwell getting a contact to Nick Riewoldt’s snap proper on the road, Brendon Goddard’s iconic hanger that might have been remembered without end had the Saints bought up, and naturally, the bounce of fates that left Stephen Milne the final word AFL embodiment of ‘what might need been’.
5. 2011, Geelong 18.11 (119) defeated Collingwood 12.9 (81) by 38 factors
It’s an incredible disgrace the Cats kicked 5 objectives to none within the final quarter to blow the margin out, as a result of the primary three quarters of this one have been a number of the biggest any grand ultimate has ever seen.
I’ve by no means seen a grand ultimate, stay or replay, with a better ability degree: the Cats and Pies have been on the prime of their sport, and it confirmed. Tom Hawkins got here of age and marked every little thing (you’ll at all times be MY Norm Smith, Tom), and with twists and turns, momentum swings, purple patches and even a rating assessment controversy, this was a pleasure to observe.
Even the final quarter was compelling: from Travis Varcoe operating finish to finish to kick an iconic grand ultimate purpose to begin the rot within the final, to Cameron Ling icing his profession in simply as candy trend as Selwood would handle 11 years later with a final-term captain’s purpose, it’s definitely price a watch.
In case you might mix the primary three quarters of this sport with the final of the 2010 draw, you’d have one of many biggest matches of all time.
Stone chilly traditional
4. 2009, Geelong 12.8 (80) defeated St Kilda 9.14 (68) by 12 factors
Bear in mind once I mentioned the 2002 grand ultimate was the second-most brutal ever? This one is on prime.
Maybe the toughest, most gruelling sport of footy ever performed, this was an arm-wrestle from begin to end; at time on within the final quarter, the scores have been even tied, earlier than a Matthew Scarlett toe-poke began a well-known chain of occasions that led to Paul Chapman’s game-winner.
There was drama besides as properly – Darren Milburn giving up a double-goal by sticking two fingers up at umpire Steve McBurney properly cancelling out Hawkins’ purpose that hit the publish – and with the margin solely attending to 12 factors because of a Max Rooke purpose after the siren, I’m fairly snug calling this a six-point sport.
3. 2024, Collingwood 12.18 (90) defeated Brisbane 13.8 (86) by 4 factors
You principally couldn’t ask for extra out of a grand ultimate than what we bought final yr.
The best-scoring first half of a decider in 34 years, the footy was electrifying and the moments iconic – Zac Bailey’s purpose! Bobby Hill’s mark! – and with 13 factors the largest lead both the Pies or Lions had all afternoon, it’s as tightly fought a grand ultimate as we’ve ever seen, with the match not determined till actually the ultimate seconds.
There was late controversy within the type of THAT Brisbane benefit name as an providing to the content material gods, and with beautiful ability, unbelievable drama and one of many clutchest sequences of play you’ll see within the ultimate quarter that ended with Jordan De Goey slotting the go-ahead purpose with 5 minutes left, this goes proper to the pantheon of nice grand finals.
So why does it sit third? Properly, it’s the final word nit-pick, however for me this sport was nearly TOO shut. The margins have been so tight and the sport so up within the air from begin to end that there was no risk for the match to characteristic the one component the 2 grand finals above it on this listing had: an epic comeback.
One and two each featured moments, and a number of other of them, the place the eventual premiers appeared gone for all cash solely to raise themselves off the canvas. However you’d be properly inside your rights – particularly when you barrack for Collingwood – to have 2023’s traditional as numero uno.
2. 2018, West Coast 11.13 (79) defeated Collingwood 11.8 (74) by 5 factors
Lots of people have this traditional up the very prime of their lists – and it’s laborious to disagree.
The last word grand ultimate thriller, Dom Sheed’s profitable purpose – and the end-to-end play that led to it – shall be replayed without end and a day. As will Collingwood kicking the primary 5 objectives of a grand ultimate and dropping, maybe the best ‘Colliwobble’ of all, if 28 years after they’d put that curse to mattress.
With iconic moments – Liam Ryan flattening Brayden Maynard, the Magpies runner blocking Jaidyn Stephenson and resulting in an Eagles purpose within the third quarter, Jordan De Goey placing the Pies in entrance within the first 20 seconds of the final – all over the place you regarded and an totally thrilling end, this was actually one of many greats.
Simply not the best.
1. 2012, Sydney 14.7 (91) defeated Hawthorn 11.15 (81) by 10 factors
Probably the most underrated decider in footy historical past, I’m happy to see this sport begin to get some extra love in recent times.
Considered one of my few regrets as a impartial footy fan is that that is the one grand ultimate since 2005 I didn’t see stay – I used to be coming house from a faculty journey to China, and whereas I did my greatest to keep away from spoilers, a glimpse of purple and white on a TV display within the airport and a classmate telling me the rating and Norm Smith winner whereas pretending he was joking gave the sport away. Max, when you’re studying this, you’re nonetheless a prick.
So why do I charge this sport so extremely? Easy – it had completely every little thing.
An exciting end? Yep – the sport was solely determined with Nick Malceski’s left-foot snap with 40 seconds to go.
A good tussle? Yep – with one level between them at three-quarter time, this match ebbed and flowed like no sport I’ve seen earlier than or since.
Momentum swings? Yep – the Hawks have been 19 factors up at quarter time, earlier than the Swans kicked the subsequent eight objectives to dominate the subsequent time period and a half, solely to see the Hawks bang on 5 objectives in quarter-hour with a number of the greatest footy they performed of their golden period to guide once more.
Then, two objectives behind within the final time period, the Swans kicked the final 4 of the sport to take the factors. Unreal.
Magic moments? In every single place. Cyril Rioli chasing Lewis Jetta down the wing within the first time period (“It’s a fundamental occasion in any stadium on the planet!” – Dennis Cometti). Dan Hannebery’s brave mark whereas getting poleaxed by David Hale. Kieren Jack snatching the ball from a falling-over Clint Younger within the goalsquare to tie the scores midway by way of the final. Adam Goodes defying a torn PCL to play by way of the ache and snap the go-ahead purpose late.
There was even drama; from Lance Franklin’s wayward goalkicking spoiling certainly one of his most good video games, to Sam Mitchell gifting away a 50m penalty with a sloppy return of the footy to reward the Swans a purpose and the lead on the troke of thee quarter time, to Jack Gunston, a dead-eye all season, hitting the publish with three minutes to go that might have put the Hawks in entrance.
The truth is, I believe this sport a greater one, if not fairly as high-skilled, because the well-known 2009 home-and-away conflict between Geelong and St Kilda, thought to be the best match ever performed.
Don’t imagine me? Test it out for your self. I promise you gained’t remorse it.
