Only hours away from the first bounce of the 2017 AFL Grand Final, here are the stories that made up the Tigers and Crows 2017 seasons.
One of Adelaide’s most improved players in 2017, Rory Atkins also made headlines for his choice of hair colour during the season. We sat down with the man they call ‘The Rat’ to discuss his role in the side and what he’s like outside of the game.
The Tigers have found a few hidden gems along the way to the AFL Grand Final and none flew under the radar more than Nathan Broad. The former Swan Districts player thought his chance at the big time had passed him before Richmond came knocking and is now one of the stories of the season.
Rising from code-hopper to genuine AFL player, Hugh Greenwood made his debut in Round 9 and has held his spot since. The Crows love his pressure around the ball but he also adds a bit of x-factor. We learnt a bit more about Greenwood’s journey and what makes him tick away from the field.
Dustin Martin has claimed every award in season 2017 and coinciding with the dynamic midfielder taking out the AFLPA MVP, teammate and close friend Shaun Grigg penned a column explaining the real Dusty.
Not many know persistence like Andy Otten. The Adelaide swingman had to wait 960 days between his 79th and 80th AFL match due to chronic knee injuries. Just after he made his triumphant return in Round 1, 2017, Otten penned a column explaining his battles along the way.
Richmond’s Jacob Townsend is the definition of a player who has taken his chance. Six goals in his first AFL game for the year in Round 22 followed by five a week later, Townsend could well be a premiership player after thinking his career was finished.
How Shane Ellen became a Grand Final hero
Nearly 20 years ago to the day, Shane Ellen rose from a battling half-back to household name after booting five goals after the shock move to full forward. He tells us how it all came about two decades later.
Hadley’s Grand Final experience
On Saturday, Richmond youngster Jack Graham will play in a Grand Final in just his fifth AFL game. One man who knows what it’s like to be so inexperienced heading into the biggest game of the year is Brisbane’s Richard Hadley. He writes a column about the situation.
From the VFL reserves to an AFL Grand Final
Kyle Hartigan battled his way through the Werribee reserves all the way to the Adelaide Crows. The stoic defender is now on the cusp of an AFL premiership and we learnt a bit more about his journey.
He won’t be out there on Saturday but Ivan Maric will be watching the two sides he represented across his AFL journey go to battle on the last day in September. The retiring Tiger shares his thoughts on the game and his ties to both clubs in an AFL Players’ column.
