It's finally that time of year. The AFL premiers are soon to be crowned at the 2023 Grand Final in front of 100,000-plus fans at the MCG.
Brisbane and Collingwood are deserved participants, finishing in the competition's top two before each surviving their own finals series nailbiters.
Collingwood vs Brisbane predictions - AFL Grand Final
The Sporting News' reporters pick their most important matchups, Norm Smith Medal fancies, and 2023 premiers.
1. Keys to the game
Undermanned Magpies attack
The Collingwood forward line will be without its leading finals goalscorer, Dan McStay, and reliable midfielder-forward Taylor Adams. Coach Craig McRae has confirmed already that tall Billy Frampton will come in, but it's been a considerable time since the 201cm Magpie last played in attack.
That leaves Brody Mihocek with a huge role in the decider. The key forward will likely match up with Darcy Gardiner and will be the club's main avenue of attack. Collingwood Fan-favourite Jamie Elliot also needs to step up, with one goal to his name in September.
Despite winning clearances 44-26 last week, the Magpies recorded one less scoring shot than GWS. The forward line puzzle only becomes more difficult with McStay out, and Brisbane's Harris Andrews waiting to intercept and rebound through the middle.
- Bryn Wakefield
Brisbane forward threat
Collingwood have got the job done in their two finals to date, but struggled through both and could have easily lost their spot in the last dance. There is no doubt that if the Magpies have similar down periods against the Lions, they could find themselves in deep trouble.
Brisbane's forward line has threats everywhere you look, with the twin towers of Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood, the devastating pace of Charlie Cameron, and the nous of small trio Cam Rayner, Lincoln McCarthy and Zac Bailey. It's going to take a committed defensive performance from the Magpies to shut out these threats.
Collingwood's midfield was lifted by Jordan De Goey last week, but has looked lean in general recently, with Adams out and Nick Daicos only returning last week. If De Goey plays a lone hand in the midfield like in the preliminary final, it will be tough for the Magpies to win.
- Kieran Francis
2. Norm Smith Medallist
Collingwood - Jordan De Goey
When Collingwood came so close to West Coast in the 2018 Grand Final, it was De Goey who kicked three stunning goals to inspire the Magpies. And, when the Magpies needed a midfield threat in the prelim, it was De Goey who left GWS with no answers in the centre.
In his ninth season, the 27-year-old has the explosiveness and tools to influence the outcome of a game like no other. If the Magpies win, De Goey will have a lot to do with it.
- Bryn Wakefield
Brisbane - Zac Bailey
We have seen the Norm Smith Medal won by plenty of impact players recently instead of midfield accumulators, such as Dustin Martin, Christian Petracca, Jason Johannisen and even back to Cyril Rioli.
This bodes well for Bailey, who is made to excel on the biggest stage with his explosive speed and finishing abilities.
Bailey hasn't had his best season but he will certainly present good value to win the medal for best-on-ground.
- Kieran Francis
3. Who wins?
Collingwood to win by 10 points
Brisbane and Collingwood are in the Grand Final for a reason. They've been the two best teams all year and it will be hard to split them when Saturday finally comes. If Brisbane can get on top in the midfield, it will be tough for the Magpies to win the key positions battles – Andrews and Daniher are no joke.
The speed and explosiveness around the ball are what can turn the odds in Collingwood's favour. Back in Nick Daicos and De Goey to have massive impact through the centre, and the MCG to be loudly in the Pies' corner.
- Bryn Wakefield
Brisbane to win by 15 points
Collingwood are narrow favourites to win the game, but I firmly believe the Lions are in better form and represent value head-to-head, despite the match being at the MCG.
The Magpies haven't been anywhere near the best form for a number of weeks and were lucky to beat both Melbourne and GWS.
Brisbane's star-studded forward line and midfield power will be overwhelming for Collingwood, who will struggle to generate scores with their own attack, especially if they let Brisbane get on top.
Collingwood's best chance is to keep the game close and pressurised, but the Lions will have too much power in the end.
- Kieran Francis
