Harry O'Brien

Brook "Boris" Kilpatrick reporting for AFANA

A massive crowd packed into the MCG to witness the blockbuster between the improving Richmond Tigers and perennial powerhouse Collingwood. Tiger supporters' confidence was high after a 3-0 start and they were excited by the chance to prove their credentials against one of the best teams in the League. The Magpies were keen to put the Black and Gold army back in their place and

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Kevin Sheedy coached his 650th game in Round 16. He coached Essendon in 635 games 1981-2007. The leading ten coaches in the game’s history are Jock McHale (714 games with Collingwood), Michael Malthouse (664 games with Footscray, West Coast and Collingwood), Kevin Sheedy (650 games with Essendon and the GWS Giants), Allan Jeans (575 games with St Kilda, Hawthorn and Richmond), Tom Hafey (522 games with Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong and the Sydney Swans), David Parkin (518 games with Hawthorn, Carlton and Fitzroy), Ron Barassi (515 games with Melbourne, Carlton, North Melbourne and the Sydney Swans), Leigh Matthews (461 games with Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions), Norm Smith (449 games with Fitzroy, Melbourne and South Melbourne) and Dick Reynolds (415 games with Essendon).

Collingwood and West Coast have played each other in three Finals over recent years. Each game has been a closely fought affair, including one draw. This was Allan Didak’s 200th game and while most were expecting the Pies to win, the encounter didn’t go entirely to plan.

Both Collingwood and St Kilda have made minimal changes to the teams which will line up for the Grand Final replay. One good news story is Saint Ben McEvoy, who played 18 games this season as a back up ruckman to Michael Gardiner.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago