The AFL grand final is scheduled for this Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), featuring a contest between the Brisbane Lions and the Fremantle Dockers. Because neither team is based in Victoria, the event presents a unique dynamic for local fans who are accustomed to having a home-state representative in the final match.

This year's final is being framed by some observers as a significant moment for the AFL as it seeks to maintain its national footprint against the growing influence of the NRL, which has been expanding its reach into Western Australia and other regions. The match serves as a reminder of the AFL's status as a major national sport, despite the absence of a Victorian club in the decider.

For casual viewers and those who do not follow the sport closely throughout the year, the lead-up to the game has centered on which team might be more appealing to support. The narrative surrounding the two clubs varies, with some focusing on the perceived 'likeability' of the Brisbane Lions, while others lean into the 'fairytale' nature of Fremantle’s journey to the final. As the bounce approaches, the focus remains on how these two teams will capture the attention of a national audience that is currently split between the two codes of football.