That’s it for today – thanks for joining us!
Updated
AFL Grand Final - Eagles by five points!
The West Coast Eagles have won their fourth premiership in a thrilling five-point win over Collingwood.
The Magpies dominated the game in the first quarter, kicking five consecutive goals; the Eagles only got in the game in the final two minutes, with two late goals but they still trailed by 29 points.
The second quarter was much quieter for both teams, although the Eagles had narrowed the gap by two points going into half-time. In the third quarter, Collingwood’s Mason Cox put in a strong display, with high marks and one goal.
But that display appeared to awake something in the Eagles’ Luke Shoey, who became the stand-out player for the match, winning the Norm Smith medal. The third quarter - aka, the premiership quarter - was a brilliantly close goal-for-goal, with the teams drawn at 55 points a piece. It was truly anyone’s game.
The atmosphere really changed at the beginning of the fourth quarter, with Collingwood’s Brody Mihocek kicking a goal within the first 15 seconds. The Magpies hung onto their led, just three points, with just three minutes to go. It was theirs to lose and they did – two unanswered goals by Eagles sealed a classic victory by five points. The game was short on long kicks, a bit surprising from two teams that have built their reputations for such a thing. The Eagles led easily on disposals and kicks, plus inside 50s. But Collingwood did well on handballs and contested possessions.
Congratulations West Coast Eagles!
Updated
Simpson and captain Shannon Hurn lift the cup in celebration before the traditional rush of players to the podium.
Couch Adam Simpson is thanking everyone and says he “can’t wait to bring that cup home”.
Just in case you missed the game, it can be recapped like this:
The Eagles have won their fourth premiership - the first of this decade. This makes them the most successful interstate team in the AFL. (Sydney have won five premierships but three of those was when they were South Melbourne).
The Eagles are now going up on stage to collect their medals - lots of high gives and fist pumps are going round.
The Eagles’ Luke Shuey has been named the 2018 Norm Smith medalist - he’s a very popular choice with the crowd. He thanks the fans - which produces a roar from the crowd - and dedicates his medal to them.
Updated
Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury gives a short speech to congratulate the Eagles.
Updated
Formalities have now started, with medals to the awarded to the Eagles, plus the Norm Smith medalist.
Collingwood did a remarkable job, and considering that they finished 13th last year, they have truly remade themselves.
A thrilling last five minutes of this game kept both the players and the crowd on their toes. This was a closely contested game, with no massive difference in disposals or kicks. But the difference can be seen from the inside 50, which the Eagles led by a third.
The Eagles have come from behind to snatch victory from Collingwood in the last three minutes of the game. The players are hugging each other, ecstatic at their win-from-behind. The Collingwood players will be really feeling this loss, by less than one goal. This game was theirs to lose in the fourth quarter and they did.
Final score - West Coast 11.13 (79) beats Collingwood 11.8 (74)
The flying fourth quarter by the Eagles was a formidable display from a team that simply refused to let this game go. A spate of goals have given them their fourth premiership! Well done Eagles!
Updated
Fourth Quarter (1.00 remaining): West Coast 11.12 (78) vs Collingwood 11.8 (74)
The Eagles have wrestled control and are four points in front. Shuey takes a mark and surely he can suck up the seconds with a set shot! The Collingwood players look distraught.
Updated
Eagles goal! Fourth Quarter (1.35 remaining): West Coast 11.12 (78) vs Collingwood 11.8 (74)
The Eagles are attempting to get control of the ball, but Collingwood is delaying and obstructing - they’re two points in front that’s all that’s needed to win. But the Eagles are flying, with one remarkable mark giving them the ball again. Dom Sheed kicks from the pocket and he scores! The crowd is going bananas!
Updated
Fourth Quarter (3.34 remaining): West Coast 10.12 (72) vs Collingwood 11.7 (74)
The ball lands back with the Eagles but then Collingwood chase it. The crowd is getting really vocal - it’s the dying minutes of the final quarter and just one goal could decide it.
Updated
Fourth Quarter (5.01 remaining): West Coast 10.12 (72) vs Collingwood 11.7 (74)
Mason Cox kicks for a goal but it’s the outside 50 and it’s wobbly, not even a behind. He could have etched his name in the history books, the big American – but it’s not to be!
Updated
Fourth Quarter (5.51 remaining): West Coast 10.12 (72) vs Collingwood 11.8 (74)
The crowd holds its breath after an umpire review for a Collingwood goal - the umpires are back and they decide it’s a behind. Collingwood is now just two points in front.
Fourth Quarter (6.29 remaining): West Coast 10.12 (72) vs Collingwood 11.7 (73)
There’s just a single point in it - the crowd are going bananas every time a player gets the ball, because two behinds is all that’s needed for the Eagles to win.
Updated
Fourth Quarter (10.41 remaining): West Coast 10.12 (72) vs Collingwood 11.7 (73)
Chris Masten from the Eagles kicks from just inside the 50 but it wobbles to a behind. We’re at just one point the difference!
Updated
Fourth Quarter (12.21 remaining): West Coast 10.11 (71 vs Collingwood 11.7 (73)
The Eagles get the ball again and it looks likes they’ll kick for goal ... but instead kick shorter and the Magpies grab it!
Updated
Fourth Quarter (15.58 remaining): West Coast 10.11 (71 vs Collingwood 11.7 (73)
It’s only half a goal between these two teams. The Eagles, and especially Kennedy, are giving their everything to try and get themselves in front of the Pies. Kennedy goes for his fourth goal but it misses.
Updated
Goal Eagles! Fourth Quarter (21.01 remaining): West Coast 10.8 (68) vs Collingwood 11.7 (73)
A third goal for Kennedy brings the Eagles up within three points of the Magpies! They’re coming hard, the Eagles. Can the Pies hold on?!
Updated
Goal Pies! Fourth Quarter (24.01 remaining): West Coast 9.8 (68) vs Collingwood 11.7 (73)
A behind to the Eagles. A nice mark from Mason Cox – who is having a much stronger second half after he was almost silent in the first – puts the ball back in contest. A contested mark gives Cox the chance at goal ... he kicks low and long and it’s a goal!
Updated
Goal Eagles! Fourth Quarter (27.39 remaining): West Coast 9.8 (61) vs Collingwood 10.7 (67)
Eagles answer those two goals with one of their own from Nathan Vardy, cutting the Magpies two-goal lead to just six points again.
Updated
Goals Pies! Fourth Quarter (28.01 remaining): West Coast 8.7 (55) vs Collingwood 10.7 (67)
We’re seconds into the fourth and final quarter and Collingwood have announced that they are here to win, scoring a confident goal in the opening seconds thanks to Brody Mihocek, before another goal to De Goey gives them some much-needed breathing space.
Updated
The Fourth Quarter begins!
Updated
As we prepare to enter the final quarter, the phrase “this could be anyone’s game” has never been more perfect. The Eagles and Magpies are tied at 55 points each and we could have a draw - something that happened in 2010, also with Collingwood.
Updated
End of the Third Quarter: West Coast 8.7 (55) vs Collingwood 8.7 (55)
The drama finally started, in the premiership quarter, no less. The Eagles continued their run of goals and the Magpies finally fought back. It tied 54 points each in the second half of this quarter, until a behind to the Magpies can their a one-point lead. But a behind to the Eagles brought them to the same level again - 55 apiece.
A strong mark from Magpies’ and attempt at goal just after the siren sounds fails to give them the lead they desperately need.
Updated
Third Quarter (4:36 remaining): West Coast 8.6 (54) vs Collingwood 8.6 (54)
Eagles’ Liam Ryan is off again, looks like he’s bleeding from his head. A long kick from Collingwood seeks to get the ball away from the Eagles but it comes back. The number of clearances are almost the same, too, 31 to 29, in favour of the Eagles.
Updated
Third Quarter (7:29 remaining): West Coast 8.6 (54) vs Collingwood 8.6 (54)
It’s now tied! The Eagles have inched their way up to meet Collingwood goal-for-goal.
The pressure is now on Collingwood and they respond to that pressure by scoring a behind, from Josh Thomas, and then another one - rushed behind.
Updated
Goal Eagles! Third Quarter (9:57 remaining): West Coast 8.6 (54) vs Collingwood 8.6(52)
A behind to Rioli, and and a behind to Kennedy, and they’re really pushing here, the Eagles. It’s now down to just one goal, we’re seeing some real fight in this game now.
It’s followed by an outside 50 goal by Elliot Yeo - it’s now tied!
Updated
Goal Eagles! Third Quarter (13:32 remaining): West Coast 7.4 (40) vs Collingwood 8.4 (52)
A long kick towards the inner-50 by the Pies results in a behind. The Eagles’ game plan appears to have taking them forward though.
Darling is growing in influence, he’s having a terrific quarter; and no he’s got the goal to match!
Updated
Third Quarter (20:12 remaining): West Coast 7.4 (40) vs Collingwood 8.3 (51)
The crowd is getting really revved up - they know how important this quarter is for both sides. Traditionally, whoever leads by the end of the third quarter goes on the win the game.
Updated
Goal Pies! Third Quarter (22:15 remaining): West Coast 7.4 (39) vs Collingwood 8.3 (51)
Collingwood answer that stunning goal with one of their own, from Taylor Adams!
A brief tussel for the ball sees it going to the other side of the ground, which results in a behind for Scott Lycett.
Updated
Goal Eagles! Third Quarter (23:11 remaining): West Coast 6.3 (39) vs Collingwood 7.3 (45)
Collingwood are doing well with marking and getting control of the ball but a fumble from near the Eagles’ goal post and a move that’s closer to poetry sees Cripps score a short goal.
Updated
Goal Pies! Third Quarter (26:18 remaining): West Coast 5.3 (33) vs Collingwood 7.3 (45)
Collingwood’s Mason Cox finally grabs a starring mark for this game! He kicks for goal from the side and he scores!
Updated
Premiership quarter
Goal Eagles! Third Quarter (28:50 remaining): West Coast 5.3 (33) vs Collingwood 6.3 (39)
The third quarter has barely opened up and the Eagles have landed! Just 45 seconds in and Josh Kennedy scores a mightly and controlled goal from 45 metres out.
The Eagles back within a goal for the first time since the opening ten minutes!
Updated
The grand final sprint is on, featuring the best amateur players under 18.
16 year-old Godfrey Okereneyana from Coolamon Hoppers, New South Wales, wins with a sprint so fast I feel tired just watching it.
This isn’t quite the lightning game that was the qualifying final three weeks ago; Collingwood dominated the first quarter cleanly with five consecutive goals, until the Eagles finally came to play at the very end of the first quarter. The second quarter has been much quieter, with the Eagles continuing but at a much slower rate, their increasing edge. Collingwood perhaps took too much confidence from their incredible first quarter and didn’t know know how to handle an opposition that managed to get the ball.
Updated
Half-time: West Coast 4.3 (27) vs Collingwood 6.3 (39)
Collingwood are now feeling the pressure, with three of the past four goals being for the Eagles. The team seems to have got their game plan together, with handballs delivering them the results they desperately needed. We’re now at half-time and both sides will be seeking to regroup for the third quarter - aka the premiership quarter.
Updated
Goal Eagles! Second Quarter (4:18 remaining): West Coast 4.3 (27) vs Collingwood 6.3 (39)
Is this the start of the tight contest we were promised between these two teams? The Pies add a behind, taking them to 39. There’s some real pushing and shoving, which shows the desperation both teams are feeling.
After one of Kennedy’s long kicks was blocked, Luke Shuey adds a goal to his 16 disposals.
Updated
Goal Pies! Goal Eagles! Second Quarter (9:35 remaining): West Coast 3.3 (21) vs Collingwood 6.2 (38)
It’s a goal! Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey scores his second for this grand final and appears to have given the Pies a real boost after their soggy start to this quarter.
And then it’s a goal to the Eagles! Clear of the goal posts, Mark Hutchings smacks a clean one to answer the Magpie’s within minutes of their own return to form.
Updated
Second Quarter (14:01 remaining): West Coast 2.3 (15) vs Collingwood 5.2 (32)
A great tussle for the ball has replaced those furious goals of the first quarter. There’s a great deal of physicality to this match.
Collingwood adds to their tally with a behind and Brayden Maynard is taken off with an injury.
Updated
Second Quarter (17:44 remaining): West Coast 2.3 (15) vs Collingwood 5.1 (31)
We’re almost half-way through this quarter and there’s no goal in sight. Defences definitely on top at this stage of the contest.
Updated
Second Quarter (21:28 remaining): West Coast 2.3 (15) vs Collingwood 5.1 (31)
No change to the score, although it’s worth pointing out that Collingwood are playing a tackle-heavy game, 41 to the Eagles’ 25. Despite nice maneuvering from the Pies, the ball is still very much up for grabs. This is dramatic change to the first quarter when the Pies simply powered through the Eagles; it’s a much more even contest.
Updated
Second Quarter (22:45 remaining): West Coast 2.3 (15) vs Collingwood 5.1 (31)
Collingwood has had the ball inside the 50 six times this quarter but haven’t managed to convert that into goals or behinds. A rejuvenated Eagles are doing better with the ball and it’s clear in their disposals tally.
Updated
Second Quarter (24:58 remaining): West Coast 2.3 (15) vs Collingwood 5.1 (31)
The Eagles are getting more confident and starting to contest for control of the ball - a behind to Mark Hutchings brings the Eagles to 15 points. After the fire of the first quarter, there’s been no goals scored yet.
Updated
Second Quarter (26:58 remaining): West Coast 2.2 (14) vs Collingwood 5.1 (31)
The Eagles’ Liam Ryan has been taken off the field due to injury - not sure what it might be yet but teammates on the bench look concerned. He had an ankle injury earlier this year.
Updated
Second Quarter: West Coast 2.2 (14) vs Collingwood 5.1 (31)
We’re back for the second quarter, with Collingwood in the lead. Can the Eagles keep the momentum rolling after the break?
Updated
End of First Quarter: West Coast 2.2 (14) vs Collingwood 5.1 (31)
The Eagles got themselves into the game just before the end of the first quarter and has been welcomed by a huge cheer from the fans in the crowd. A second goal in quick succession of their first, this time from Josh Kennedy, will give the visitors some much-needed confidence as they head into the break.
It’s a flip from the first quarter just three weeks ago when the two teams played each other in their first finals meet-up - the Eagles dominated the first quarter, conceded the next two quarters before making a comeback in the fourth to take it home.
Updated
First goal to the Eagles: First Quarter (3:08 remaining): West Coast 1.2 (8) vs Collingwood 5.1 (31)
Collingwood is leading with better efficiency on the inside 50 but the Eagles are strong with the clearances. The latter have been overwhelmed by a Magpies that is applying pressure in every pocket of this game. Their precision and hunger to get the ball to their side of the ground resulted in five unanswered goals until the Eagles finally responded with a goal by Willie Rioli. The shallow goal wasn’t clear and had to go to an umpire review until it was declared a six-pointer.
Updated
Another goal for the Magpies! First Quarter (8 remaining): West Coast 0.2 (2) vs Collingwood 5.0 (30)
Love them or hate them, but you can’t deny that Collingwood are on fire this quarter! Five unanswered goals, the latest by Will Hoskin-Elliott.
Updated
First Quarter (10 remaining): West Coast 0.2 (2) vs Collingwood 4.0 (24)
The Eagles are pouring themselves into this and manage to get the ball but a crooked kick for goal by Lewis Jetta results in just a behind.
Updated
First Quarter (12 remaining): West Coast 0.1 (1) vs Collingwood 4.0 (24)
Collingwood has just scored a free kick and it goes down the line. After a fumble for the ball, Collingwood gets the ball clear; their speed is simply blinding the Eagles and they haven’t figured out how to clear the ball in their goal area.
Updated
Goal Pies! First Quarter (14:31 remaining): West Coast 0.1 (1) vs Collingwood 4.0 (24)
Collingwood is using its newly discover kick-focused play to lead by three goals and while writing this, Collingwood added a fourth goal!
Jordan De Goey saw a weakness and swooped in with the ball and the Pies fans in the crowd are simply loving this flying start to the first quarter.
Updated
Goal Pies! First Quarter (17:36 remaining): West Coast 0.1 (1) vs Collingwood 3.0 (18)
Another goal to the Collingwood, that’s three goals in 13 minutes the Magpies! It’s a second to Stephenson, almost two in two minutes!
Updated
Goal Pies! First Quarter (19:34 remaining) West Coast 0.1 (1) v Collingwood 2.0 (12): There’s been a strong contest for the ball, at times a bit sloppy and the contest is now about trying to get the ball into the team’s respective goal area. Magpies managed to block Kennedy for a long kick and after a minutes of unremarkable play, but early disposal efficiency favouring the Magpies, Jaidyn Stephenson sneaks in a goal.
Updated
Goal Pies! First quarter (26:40 remaining) West Coast 0.1 (1) vs Collingwood 1.0 (6)
Collingwood fans are ecstatic as fan favourite Travis Varcoe kicks the first goal of the game! A sentimental favourite, and what a player to open the goals!
Updated
First quarter (27:08 remaining) Official crowd numbers at the MCG aren’t in yet but it’s believed that more than 100,000 people are there. The noise is massive, every time a player gets the ball you can hear the crowd feel every moment.
Updated
Eagles scored the first free for the game and long kick to the Eagle’s goal area, plus a strong mark, gives the Eagles their first shot for the goal. Kennedy kicks from just outside the 50 but misses and scores just a point.
First bounce!
And we’re off! The Eagles have won the toss and now the 2018 AFL Grand Final has started!
Updated
Five Collingwood players have previously played in a grand final before but West Coast has 12 players with that sort of experience, and with the pressure that playing on the last Saturday in September brings, that experience can make a huge difference to a team’s confidence.
The Magpies will of course have the hometown and home ground advantage of the MCG. The Eagles have struggled to win at football’s holy turf, winning just five of its past 16 final matches at the MCG.
Collingwood has had a bit of a fairy-tale this season, after finishing 13th on the ladder last year. Coach Nathan Buckley’s career at the Magpies was on the line but a remarkable turnaround in form and their approach to the game has given them a clear path to a possible 16th flag. After a rocky start to the 2018 home-and-away season, and a raft of injuries, the Magpies have challenged themselves to become more forceful in kicking rather than handballs. Their strong midfield and ‘lanky yanky’ marksman Mason Cox are real assets.
Updated
West Coast weren’t considered a finals contender early in the season, and they appear to have snuck up on the competition, letting their increasingly confident play speak for itself. With a dominating approach to kicking and one of the strongest defences in the league, West Coast can be unstoppable, as they proved last week when the thrashed a helpless Demons. Two players to watch, as always are the big forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.
Updated
Although it’s expected to be a tight contest, West Coast are regarded as outsiders, with most of the smart money favouring the Magpies. Pending Colliwobbles, obviously.
Updated
Collingwood may be the most hated club the AFL but they are also one of the most successful. They’ve won 15 premierships and if they nab a win today, they will equal with Carlton for the most premierships. As a Carlton supporter, this is very annoying.
On the other hand, West Coast have punched well above their weight since they entered the AFL in 1987 - they’ve taken home the silverware three times - in 1992, 1994 and 2006.
Updated
West Coast and the Magpies have played against each other twice this season, once in the home-and-away season and once in the finals season already. On both occasions, West Coast won, by 35 points and 14 points respectively.
Updated
Don’t forget to get in touch and become part of today’s coverage - email or tweet me (details to the left of the screen).
The pre-game entertainment is on and the Black Eye Peas sans Fergie are doing their bes to pump up a crowd that just really wants the game to start. For outsiders, it’s almost part of Grand Final tradition to have the pre-game entertainment to be a bit...underwhelming. Jimmy Barnes is coming up and he’s sure to get a warm welcome. Footy, Jimmy Barnes - it’s physically impossible to get any more Australian than that.
Team News
There’s no change to either team’s line up and both sides are relatively free of injuries.
In regards to weather, the forecast in Melbourne today was a drizzly and grey 14 but the sun is out, although the clouds are currently blocking much of it, and the chance of rain is only 20 per cent.
Updated
Preamble
Welcome to the last Saturday in September - the AFL Grand Final. Expectations are high for an explosive game between Collingwood and West Coast following their hold-your-breath semi-final three weeks ago. It was a brilliant display of football and the game could easily have been either team’s but West Coast managed a 14-point win.
The Magpies and Eagles have quite distinctive styles of football, with Magpies recently overhauling their strategy to favour kicks over handballs, while the Eagles have a formidable defence.
Here’s a few things to keep note of before the bounce:
* The teams have played twice this year already, with the Eagles winning both times. In their first finals match up three weeks ago, it was an incredibly close, thrilling game until the Eagles managed to get the ball in the fourth quarter and put some breathing space between them and the Magpies. It was one of the best games of the year and expectations are high today.
* There’s no changes to either team’s line up. Players to watch will be the Eagles’ star forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling. They’re in top form and are a dynamic part of the team’s ability to convert kicks to actual runs on the board. At Collingwood, the American Mason Cox stands out not just because of his tall and slim frame, but for this stellar season as a marksman, who’s been reaching new heights game-after-game. There’s also fan favourite Travis Varcoe, who is not only a gun on the field, but the tragic loss of sister, Maggie, just four weeks ago, will form an emotional inspiration for the team.
* West Coast are expected to win, but this being AFL, the grand final does have a rich tradition of creating upsets. Given both team’s forms and playing list, it could be anyone’s game.
* These are the players that are starting off on the bench:
Collingwood: Adam Treloar, James Aish, Jaidyn Stephenson, Brayden Sier
West Coast: Dom Sheed, Daniel Venables, Nathan Vardy, Tom Cole
* In real life, if an eagle were to run into a magpie, it’s expected the eagle would win, but only because of its size. But this being September and magpie swooping season, there could be a real contest.
Updated
