Every childโs dream is to play on that one day in September.
The bubbling desire for glory is the petrol that fuels all teams and players.
Players like 426-game Hawthorn star Michael Tuck have been fortunate enough to win seven premierships, while other players like St Kilda Legend Trevor Barker, didnโt even get to run out in a final across his 230-game career.
*Editor's note: This article was originally written the week before the 2021 AFL Grand Final.
The Nathan Jones story is a particularly heart-breaking one. Captain for six-years, three-time Keith โBlueyโ Truscott Medallist, 302 games, 198 losses and one admirable decision to fly home back to Melbourne and be with his wife for the birth of twins. A choice that is likely to leave a lump in the throat of any footy lover.
As a man who did so much for a club when they needed a leader, Jones now wonโt be able to join in the potential success of breaking the 57-year drought he worked his backside to topple.
Sport is unquestionably hard, and that is why we love it.
Only a matter of days before one club tastes September glory, we are looking at some of the unluckiest grand final stories in history, and the players behind them.
11. Neville Crowe - Richmond (1957-1967)
In one of the most controversial finals incidents of all time, Neville Crowe was suspended for a clip to Carlton Legend John Nicholls in the 1967 semi final.
Former captain Crowe, who won three club champion awards at the Tigers, was suspended after a right-handed slap that missed John Nicholls by inches. Nicholls, whose subsequent dive which remains heavily scrutinised even now, stated he didnโt remember the incident.
To make matters worse, the field umpires back was turned, and Crowe was reported by the boundary umpire.
The suspension stood, and Crowe announced his retirement in November.
