2002 AFL Grand Final - Reviewed by Daniel Cookson

On a wet, miserable day in the city of Melbourne, the Brisbane Lions vying for back to back flags took on the young Collingwood Magpies who were aiming to win their first premiership since 1990. The lions started warm favourites but nobody was ready to ride off the Magpies who had defeated the reigning champs earlier in 2002.

The Brisbane side would carry in warriors such as Michael Voss, the gutsy captain who would lead from the front. Jason Akermanis, the 2001 Brownlow Medallist who could turn a game on its head, and of course Simon Black, the young man with silky skills, who had won the Brownlow Medal the Monday night before the huge game. The Magpies on the other hand, had the likes of Nathan Buckley, the inspirational captain who would always damage the opposition with his disposal. Anthony Rocca, the gun forward that was capable of kicking a bagful, and Chris Tarrant, the other key forward that had proved a handful on many occasions throughout the 2002 season.

In a somewhat dull start to the game, the slippery conditions made it difficult for both teams to score. Skill errors and ‘clangers’ played a major part in the opening term, with mistakes coming left right and centre. Although frustrating to watch at times, you knew you had a close, tough contest on that last day in September. The first goal of the fierce battle came late in the first quarter from a long, Anthony Rocca bomb. In fact, it was the only goal of the quarter, which set the low scoring trend for the day. It was the beginning of an epic.

The second quarter saw a body crunching display. The lions hit back hard with four classy goals, however the Magpies wouldn’t give in, and were only behind by eight points at the main break.

The third quarter, known by many as ‘the premiership quarter’ would prove pivotal in who would take home the silverware. The quarter saw Nathan Buckley, and Michael Voss, captains of either side playing their hearts out to get their side across the line. The Collingwood side pulled away to an eight point lead before the experienced Brisbane players lifted into another gear. Jonathan Brown and Michael Voss kicked two inspirational goals just before three quarter time to give the Lions the lead, which set up a phenomenal final term.

It was a genuine nail biter. Fans were on the edge of their seats. Everyone knew what was at stake, the 2002 AFL Premiership.
The quarter started with tremendous ferocity, as players dived on the ball from everywhere, doing anything they could to knock the ball forward. It wasn’t long before the Collingwood faithful were roaring again, after a Josh Fraser goal to open the quarter. Alastair Lynch, the Lions spearhead answered with a goal moments later which settled the Brisbane nerves. A controversial goal umpiring decision was then the centre of attention after an Anthony Rocca shot on goal was paid a behind. Collingwood fans were ropeable but as they say, you take the good with the bad and that’s football. Unfortunately, the Magpies players showed inexperience after this and were beaten to the ball on a number of occasions. The Lions’ big bodies were proving too good in the wet weather. With five minutes remaining, nerves were at an ultimate high. The ball was bottled inside the Brisbane 50m arc and didn’t look like it was coming out. Enter Jason Akermanis. The big-mouthed midfielder after having had a quiet day kicked a miraculous left foot snap to seal the Grand Final. The siren sounded shortly after. The Lions had snatched victory by 9 points, and had become the first team to win back to back premierships in five years. What a day, what a team, what a grand final!