Most football fans heading to the MCG today expected a close AFL grand final. But this was a bloodbath. It was essentially over at half-time. Brisbane fed on Sydney’s entrails and secured their first premiership in more than two decades. It left a wound in every Swans player and supporter that will take a long time to heal.
It was secured with an astonishing second term, where the Lions played flawless football and where the Swans were tentative and confused. The minor premiers were being beaten in the ruck, in the middle, in the air, on the ground, by veterans, and by kids. More than anything, they just couldn’t get their hands on the ball. 46 points down at half-time, they were in a hole every bit as deep as the grand final two years ago, and probably worse given that they went in as favourites.
