To celebrate week two of the 2020 AFL Finals Series, At the ‘G podcast host Anthony Hudson recounts his top three Preliminary Final moments.
1. 1994 Preliminary Final: North Melbourne 14.19 (103) defeated by Geelong 16.13 (109)
Maybe I’m a little biased but I’m not sure there’s been too many better matches than this one which was so much more than just the after-the-siren finish. In an aggressive, fast-paced game Wayne Carey was at his absolute best kicking six goals to lead an inspirational comeback for the Roos.
But the enduring image is the ball tumbling off Leigh Tudor’s boot and over the hapless North Melbourne full back Mick Martyn into the waiting arms of aging Geelong superstar Gary Ablett who kicked the match-winner from the top of the goal-square.
2. 1999 Preliminary Final: Carlton 16.8 (104) defeated Essendon 14.19 (103)
I’m not sure there’s a match that stirs the passions as much as this one.
Carlton didn’t win the premiership that year but they did cause a monumental upset to knock off the highly-fancied Bombers in the Preliminary Final which had the ‘G at fever pitch.
Perhaps it’s an indication of their lack of success since but you can understand why Blues fans still revel in the Fraser Brown rundown tackle and the fact that they inflicted such a defeat on their arch-rivals
3. 1997 Preliminary Final: Western Bulldogs 13.13 (91) defeated by Adelaide 12.21 (93)
Darren Jarman. It’s a name that haunts not only St Kilda supporters from the 1997 Grand Final, but also Bulldogs fans from the Preliminary Final the week before.
Of course the Dogs blew countless chances and thought Tony Liberatore had sealed it, but the genius of Jarman was on display in his three goals.
Time seemed to stop as he went back to take the final set shot which sent the Crows into their first and ultimately successful Grand Final.
Stay tuned for Huddo’s favourite Grand Finals moments next week, and make sure you listen to the latest At The ‘G podcast episode now about the 2006 AFL Grand Final and the rivalry between the Sydney Swans and West Coast Eagles.