Defending premiers Richmond are set for a showdown with Geelong in the first AFL Grand Final to be played outside of Victoria in the competition’s history. Both sides have taken the hard road to the premiership as Richmond snuck past Port Adelaide in Adelaide and Geelong put Brisbane to the sword on their home ground in the preliminary final.

Geelong will take plenty of confidence into the game against the defending premiers; Geelong have won their past five matches comfortably at the Gabba in Brisbane. The Cats will be relying on the experience and guile of midfielder Gary Ablett. Ablett will line-up for his 357th AFL game, it what could potentially be his swansong. The veteran was back to his brilliant best in the 40-point win over Brisbane, with two second-half goals proving to be a turning point. Geelong will be relying on Patrick Dangerfield and Coleman Medal winner Tom Hawkins to take the pressure off Ablett.

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In their only meeting this season, these two sides met on the Gold Coast in Round 17. On that occasion, it was Richmond who blew Geelong off the park. The Cats were held to a single goal across the opening three-quarters of football. The 32-point win could have been greater for the Tigers if they had found some accuracy in front of goal.