There was no calm before the storm as tens of thousands of fans flocked to Melbourne Park Oval for this year’s annual grand final parade.
Players and coaches from Geelong and Brisbane were the centre of attention ahead of the blockbuster decider at the MCG on Saturday, soaking in the atmosphere on a sunny Melbourne day.
A pubic holiday in Victoria, there were seas of navy blue and white as well as maroon and yellow as fans for both teams tried to get a glimpse of their footballing heroes.
Cats superstar Bailey Smith showed his softer side, sitting in the back of a Toyota alongside captain Patrick Dangerfield as well as his three kids George, Flic and Winnie.
Geelong coach Chris Scott also had his daughter Leila in the next seat to him instead of the skipper, as he looks to become a three-time premiership coach.
For Brisbane, brothers Will and Levi Ashcroft were all smiles as they also had a special experience as they look to win a premiership together.
“I can’t believe it mate. It’s so surreal to be here 12 months later and I am so pumped to get into it,” Levi Ashcroft told FoxFooty.
Once the parade came to a close it was all about the premiership cup.
Mike Brady sung “Up There Cazaly”, before Richmond three-time premiership forward Jack Riewoldt brought the ultimate prize onto the stage.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale addressed the crowd before Dangerfield did, then holding up the cup to the jubilation of the supporters who are anticipating the big game.
In a tense moment, Neale was the last to take his hand of the trophy and watched as Dangerfield let it go and walked away.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/afl-grand-final-thousands-of-supporters-flock-to-parade-ahead-of-geelong-brisbane-decider-c-20147627
