Ashley McGrath

Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from  Chicago

Ashley McGrath, the last Brisbane premiership player currently playing, announced his retirement ahead of the Lions' Round 22 match against Fremantle. Drafted in 2000, McGrath played 214 games in 14 seasons and kicked 170 goals. Perhaps his most memorable goal came in Round 13 last year in his 200th game and with the Lions 52 points down against Geelong in the third term. In what is the greatest comeback in the club's history, the Lions roared into life to cut the deficit. McGrath had the ball 50 meters (55 yards) from goal as the siren sounded. He coolly slotted the goal to give Brisbane an incredible victory.

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities. All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT. This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. This story will be periodically updated with late information. (Revised 9/25/14)

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Champion St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt will play his 250th game this weekend. Also celebrating his 250 game milestone will be his teammate Nick Dal Santo.

Fremantle kept its Finals' hopes intact with a convincing win over the Brisbane Lions at Patersons Stadium in Round 14. The Dockers were without Michael Barlow who pulled up sore after his comeback game last week, but Alex Silvagni was back to add some muscle in defense. Brisbane had been doing well since the return of bruising full forward and captain Jonathon Brown, but had their worries without classy midfielder Drew Banfield in the team.

Brisbane traveled west having lost their last thirteen out of fourteen games, including their last eight in a row. The Eagle had not fared much better with one win from ten. Not much is anticipated in terms of a football spectacle when the bottom two teams play and whilst this game had its moments, it largely lived up to expectations.

Trent Cotchin (RICH), charging North Melbourne's Sam Wright: assessed as reckless conduct (two points), high impact (three points), and high contact (two points), equaling seven activation points, a Level Four offense, 425 demerits, and a four game suspension. Cotchin and the Richmond Football Club took the case to the Tribunal in an attempt to have the high contact classification dismissed and downgraded.