Welcome to the best weekend in footy!
Sure, everyone wants to be in the 'big dance', but it's often the preliminary finals that seem better than the main event. It's not hard to see why, as the desperation to get to that last Saturday in September can be felt around the country.
Each season's pair of prelim's seem to appeal a larger portion of real fans and are contrasted by the far more corporate feel of Grand Final Day.
As this penultimate weekend so often produces contests that live long in the memory, we have decided to look at some that still live in the memories of fans everywhere.
9. GWS vs. Collingwood (2019)
A year after the Pies shocked the footy world and dismantled the reigning champs Richmond, they found themselves in another prelim'. Only this time they faced a talented and aggressive Giants outfit.
A dour and low scoring first half gave way to an electric second half, with the Pies clawing back much of the Giants' lead in front of a packed house.
With their rabid fans urging them on with five-minutes remaining, the Pies were within a kick. Both sides willed themselves into contest after contest and if not for a Chris Mayne shot being touched on the line and a Taylor Adams shot on goal hitting the post, the Woods would have secured back-to-back Grand Final appearances.
As it was, the Giants booked their maiden Grand Final berth in a memorable contest.
