Who would have thought that when the 2020 fixture was released that this was how the year would have ended up?

You would have been laughed across the Murray River if you were to suggest to the fervent footballing public of Victoria that many of them would not see a single game live this season.

A straight jacket would have been tailored to your measurements should you have suggested that the Grand Final would be played under lights at the Gabba in October.

However, due to arrival of an unforeseen and, as of yet, untameable virus, the game, like the rest of the world, was forced to make compromises.

With these changes came a fresh batch of terms to enter the footy lexicon, as well as the array of previously unthought of headlines that appeared on mastheads everywhere.

So despite a season that provided challenges for everyone involved in the game, it has also supplied many moments (both good and bad) that will live long in our memories.

Here are the top 10 headlines from a season unlike any before it.

2. Lights. Camera. Action. Gabba.

By the end of such an unconventional season, footballing purists were no doubt blue in the face. The only thing separating their chests from defibrillator paddles was the hope of a red ball Grand Final.

Desires were dashed and heart rates flatlined on September 1 when Gillon McLachlan announced that this season's decider would be played under lights at the Gabba.

In a year where conventions were traded for constraints, it made sense for the league to act out their fantasy of an end of season extravaganza under lights.

Although the game itself lived up to all expectations, social media was a storm with differing views on the timeslot, the entertainment, and the spectacle.

For what it's worth, it wasn't for me.

Whichever side of the fence you sat on, the event rated well for the AFL and the Seven network, with a peak television audience of 4.283 million viewers. Cynics may suggest that the Victorian lockdown played a part in this, and although they wouldn't be wrong, you can be sure that the aforementioned groups will classify the altered timeslot a success.

With this in mind, any remaining purists may have to grin and bear future nighttime Grand Finals, as what the league wants, it eventually gets.
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