Matthew Lloyd

by Lisa Albergo reporting from AFANA from Chicago

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 9/26/13 We have had major reductions in US coverage.Awaiting word on Canada. See our note here.)

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Growing up in Perth, Brian Peake's hero was a pro surfer named Ian Cairns. He spent much of his time hitching rides to the beaches and the waves. He credits his surfing days for the body strength needed for AFL football. That strength also saw him avoid hamstring and groin injuries. “I believe that's where it set me up with the strength and for recovery. I never had a hamstring, didn't even know what they were. Knees, groins, it never happened. So the saltwater must do something for you.'' Two weeks after a failed tryout with Perth in an intra-club game, Peake was recruited to East Fremantle. As his career took off, he had to fend off offers from VFL (now AFL) teams. In 1981, at the age of 27, he finally decided to give the VFL a try to test himself and believes he would have regretted it if he had not. He chose Geelong thinking the lifestyle there would be the closest to that of Perth. Officials met him at the airport with a helicopter to fly him to his first training session. After just 13 games with the Cats, he was appointed captain.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Just after Round Ten, the AFL held its Hall of Fame Function in Canberra to induct six new members and elevate a current member to Legend status. Richmond champion Royce Hart, one of the original inductees in 1996, was elevated to Legend status. He is the 25th player to receive the honor. Hart played 188 games and kicked 371 goals 1967-1977. He was a star center half forward and played in the club's 1967, 1969, 1973 and 1974 Premierships. He captained the club 1972-1975 and led the goal kicking in 1967 and 1971. He won the club Best and Fairest 1969 and 1972. Other honors: Victorian representative in 11 games, All-Australian 1969, AFL Team of the Century (1996), Richmond Team of the Century and Tasmanian Team of the Century. He also coached Footscray (now Western Bulldogs) 1980-1982.

The Western Sydney Giants have signed former Carlton fullback Stephen Silvagni as the club's list manager. Silvagni will play a key role in putting together the team list ahead of their 2012 entry into the AFL. Silvagni has been an assistant coach with St. Kilda for the past four seasons.

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Perth

Twenty-five years of rivalry came to a head Friday night at Etihad Stadium. A pro-Hawthorn crowd of 50,000 was looking forward to an easy win over the Bombers, and tipsters from all around Australia were licking their lips at the odds.