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Nothing has the power to connect Australia like sport. It’s why Telstra is proud to have partnered with the AFL for 19 years, and helped bring every fan closer to the game they love. And it’s why we’ll continue to do so for years to come.
is why It’s why we keep fans up to date with live scores, stats and replays using Australia’s best mobile network. So fans from Coober Pedy to Darwin and Broome can enjoy all the speccies, banana kicks and truly unforgettable moments. It’s why we’re connecting the biggest stadiums across Australia, and it’s why we’re excited to present today’s entertainment celebrating Australia’s top music talent.
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The Grand Final might not be at its traditional home again this year. But, like 2020, it will have millions of homes in spirit. Around Australia, and the world. Wherever we happen to be watching, at the ground, on the couch, with the family or alone, let’s celebrate footy’s day of days together. We might support different teams, sure, but we’re all still on the same side. Especially in tough times. Four’N Twenty are privileged to play our small part, as always, cupped in the hand of every diehard fan. Savour every moment. And may the better team win.
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Any bonus items and/or cashback promotions are via redemption from the manufacturer unless stated otherwise. All offers are available at the time of printing but stocks are limited and may not be on display at all stores. Some images may be representative only. Bing Lee reserves the right to correct any typographical or pricing errors.* Promotion available on purchases made between 23/09/21 to 06/10/21 or while stocks last. The discount is based on the Ticket Price. Ticket Price is the most recent Bing Lee ticketed/advertised price of the product immediately before this discount offer. The product may have previously been sold by Bing Lee below the Ticket Price. Discount offer subject to availability of stock and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Personal shoppers only. Not applicable to commercial orders. ~ Promotion available on purchases made between 09/09/21 to 30/09/21 or while stocks last. The discount is based on the Ticket Price. Ticket Price is the most recent Bing Lee ticketed/advertised price of the product immediately before this discount offer. The product may have previously been sold by Bing Lee below the Ticket Price. Discount offer subject to availability of stock and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Personal shoppers only. Not applicable to commercial orders. ^^ BONUS $1000 BING LEE GIFT CARD. Purchase a selected Samsung TV (QA85Q70AAWXXY) from a Bing Lee bricks and mortar retail store or online at www.binglee.com.au and receive a $1000 Bing Lee Bonus Gift Card (“Bonus Gift Card”). Promotion available on purchases made between 23/09/21 to 26/09/21 or while stocks last. Bonus Gift Card must be redeemed at a Bing Lee retail store or online at www.binglee.com.au within 3 months of qualifying purchase. With the exception of using the Bonus Gift Card to purchase a Back Up Plan, Bonus Gift Card can only be used for future purchases. Bonus Gift Card is not refundable and not redeemable for cash, credit or the purchase of any Gift Card. If Customer cancels or returns a purchase associated with the Bonus Gift Card promotion, Customer must either return the unused Bonus Gift Card to Bing Lee or the value of the Bonus Gift Card will be deducted from any refund provided to the Customer as a result of the cancelled transaction. Promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer (including but not limited to Bing Lee’s Competitor’s Pricing Policy). #FREE DELIVERY ON ALL LG OLED TVS. Purchase an LG OLED TV from Bing Lee bricks and mortar retail store or online at www.binglee.com.au and receive Free Drop Off Delivery Service (Monday to Friday Only). Promotion available on qualifying purchases made between 29/08/21 to 29/09/21 or while stocks last (“Promotion Period”). This offer is only available in selected Sydney and Melbourne metropolitan areas (for online purchases, qualifying areas will be confirmed at checkout), ACT and limited areas within 40kms from Bing Lee Regional Store locations (both within NSW and Interstate). Personal Shoppers only. Conditions apply. Visit www.binglee.com.au/help/delivery-services for additional terms and conditions.
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2021 TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 126TH GRAND FINAL
80
FEATURES AFL Media photographers present their portfolio of the best football images of 2021.
PERFECT 10
28
TOUGH MUDDER
38
LIONS’ DYNASTY
48
SUPER SUB
58
ASHLEY BROWNE has covered 30 Grand Finals and watched another 20. He rates the best 10 performances he’s seen.
SNAP HAPPY: Michael Willson has been covering AFL Grand Finals since 2007, capturing some of football’s finest moments – see page 80.
It was 30 seconds of magic ASHLEY BROWNE ON THE EAGLES’ COAST-TO-COAST GOAL, EVENTUALLY KICKED BY DOM SHEED, THAT SECURED THE 2018 FLAG – PAGE 28
14
PICK OF THE PICS
Hawthorn premiership star Brendan Edwards was a man before his time with his approach to fitness and preparation. ASHLEY BROWNE reports.
The Brisbane Lions started one of the great eras of modern football 20 years ago. ASHLEY BROWNE reports.
As we unveil medi-subs for the first time in a Grand Final, a former premiership sub recalls when it was his time to shine. ANDREW SLEVISON reports.
THIS WEEK’S SPECCY LEGEND IS... Congratulations, you took our Local Legends Mark of the Week. You’ve won 250 Four’N Twenty pies for your club and Local Legend status forever.
Know a Local Legend? To enter, post your photo or video by 12 noon (AEST) every Wednesday on Instagram @Fourntwenty #FNTmarkoftheweek and hashtag your club. T&Cs apply. Sharni-Leigh Kittow, Collegians Australian Football Club, C1 Women’s, Perth Football League Photo Credit: @atthefooty
AFL.com.au AFL RECORD 7
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AFL RECORD CONTENTS
FEATURES
MEDAL MAN
66
Jimmy Bartel was a big-game specialist and the former Cats champion turned it on in the 2011 Grand Final. LAURENCE ROSEN reports.
72
LOVING FOOTY
All it takes is a fair degree of passion, a pen and paper and you have a love letter to footy. BOB MURPHY has written one.
JUST GRAND
78
It’s the lead-up, it’s the day, it’s the drama ... it’s the vibe. You just can’t beat Grand Final week and Grand Final day. SAM EDMUND reports.
80
HAPPY SNAPPER
AFL chief photographer MICHAEL WILLSON has been covering Grand Finals since 2007. He’s got the best seat in the house and we join him.
IN GOOD HANDS
REGULARS AFL CEO welcome Match Centre One Week At A Time Farewells Season review Your club in 2021 Footy quiz Every Grand Final
11 105 159 192 213 228 250 253
It’s definitely hard to say goodbye RETIRING FREMANTLE STAR STEPHEN HILL – PAGE 202
Relive the glorious day in 2016 when the Western Bulldogs came from the clouds to win their first flag since 1954.
AFL Record Editor Michael Lovett Production Editor Gary Hancock Senior Writer Ashley Browne Columnist Sam Edmund Writers Ben Collins, Hugh Fitzpatrick, David Flegg, Lachlan Geleit, Nathan John, Sebastian Mottram, Bob Murphy, Nic Negrepontis, Stephen Rodgers, Laurence Rosen, Andrew Slevison, Alex Zaia Statisticians Col Hutchinson, Mark Genge Lachlan Essing Art Director Rohan Voigt Graphic Designers Alex Levonis, Craig Poore Production Manager Amahl Weereratne Photo Editors Rohan Voigt, Natalie Boccasini Photography Michael Willson, Dylan Burns aflphotos.com.au Photos Manager Celia Drummond CEO – BallPark, Rainmaker & Publishing Richard Simkiss
160
Publications Commercial Manager, SEN Dean McBeth
Optus Stadium CEO Mike McKenna knows all about managing and overseeing big sporting events. ASHLEY BROWNE reports.
TOG DOGS OF 2016
Owned and produced by Sports Entertainment Network
Traffic Coordinator Tilli Carter Printed By Ovato Address correspondence to The Editor, AFL Record, Level 5, 111 Coventry St, Southbank, Victoria, 3006. (03) 8825 6600 Email: Michael.Lovett@sen. com.au
168 The first football match at Optus Stadium DID YOU played was between Fremantle’s KNOW? AFLW team and its Collingwood counterpart on February 10, 2018. The 2021 Grand Final will be the 90th AFL game played at Perth’s showpiece venue.
AFL Record, Vol. 110, Grand Final, 2021 Copyright. ACN No. 004 155 211. ISBN 978-0-6484651-3-3 Print Post approved PP320258/00109
SUPPORTING FOOTY
since 2002
SUPPORTING FOOTY SINCE 2002
We’re supporting footy at all levels – from NAB AFL Auskick, through the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program and the NAB AFL Women’s competition. For the past years we’ve been behind the game that brings out the best in all of us.
nab.com.au/afl
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8 AFL RECORD
SEN.com.au
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