2002 AFL Grand Final

The 2002 AFL Grand Final was an Australian rules football match staged between Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions, to determine the premiers for 2002. Many consider it as one of the most famous in the modern era. The Lions had made it into their second consecutive Grand Final after finishing second on the AFL ladder, and overcoming Adelaide and Port Adelaide in their early finals, shooting for back-to-back successes after their 2001 triumph over Essendon. Collingwood had reached the finals for the first time since 1994 and found their way into their first Grand Final since their 14th Premiership over the Bombers in 1990. They finished fourth on the ladder, and not much was expected of them in the final month of the year. However the Magpies upset minor premiers Port Adelaide in the Qualifying Final at AAMI Stadium, earning a week's rest before defeating Adelaide in the Preliminary Final at the MCG.

Match Summary

In a tight and overly enthralling exhibition of AFL football, Brisbane withstood a brave challenge from Collingwood to win the 2002 AFL Grand Final by nine points, taking out their second successive flag. It was the first grand final to be decided by less than four goals since 1989. The first goal of the match wasn't scored until very late in the first quarter - in fact in was the only one scored, by Collingwoods Anthony Rocca. In the second quarter, Brisbane looked like pulling away at half time with a late run of second quarter goals before Collingwood surged back in the third quarter. It was goal for goal in the last quarter before Jason Akermanis slotted a snap shot for goal late in the last term to drag the margin out by more than a kick. In the end it was enough for the Lions to hold on for back-to-back premierships.

Nathan Buckley was rewarded for his brilliance throughout the day, receiving the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in the gritty encounter.

Jason Cloke from Collingwood was suspended during the week after being charged for striking during their Preliminary final victory against Adelaide. This controversy dominated headlines during the week in the build up to the grand final.

The match is remembered with such fondness by all Collingwood supporters, who were hauled into an emotion fueled whirl pool, with coach Malthouse and favourite son Licuria at the coalface, crying in each others arms.

Teams

Collingwood Emergencies:

• Brodie Holland
• Mark McGough
• Ben Kinnear
• Note: Mark Richardson was originally selected as an emergency on the Thursday prior, but was forced to withdraw due to a thigh injury. He was replaced on Saturday morning by Ben Kinnear

Result

List

References