How a global pandemic forced the AFL Grand Final to break a century of tradition
In short: The 2020 AFL Grand Final was a historic anomaly, held outside Victoria for the first time in 123 years. Forced to the Gabba in Brisbane due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the match also introduced night play and reduced capacity, creating a unique atmosphere that challenged the sport's most sacred traditions.
The 2020 season was defined by uncertainty. Originally scheduled for the Melbourne Cricket Ground in September, the league faced a three-month suspension starting in March. When play resumed in June, the season was shortened to 17 matches per club. By August, rising virus cases in Melbourne necessitated a venue change, leading the league to select the Gabba in Brisbane. To maintain a symbolic link to the sport's home, a three-square-meter patch of turf from the Melbourne Cricket Ground was transplanted into the Queensland stadium.
The match itself, played on 24 October, was the latest in the calendar year in VFL/AFL history. It was also the first grand final held at night, a decision made to avoid clashing with major horse racing events. Attendance was capped at 30,000 due to health restrictions, resulting in a crowd of 29,707—the smallest grand final audience since 1917. Despite the damp conditions and a 22-point deficit in the second quarter, Richmond secured a 31-point victory over Geelong, claiming their third premiership in four years.
Individual brilliance defined the result, with Richmond's Dustin Martin delivering a masterclass. By unanimous vote, he secured his third Norm Smith Medal, a feat never before achieved by any player in the league's history. The game also marked the final appearance for Geelong veteran Gary Ablett Jr., who played through a broken shoulder. While the event was a logistical departure from the norm, it showcased the resilience of the league, with Richmond ultimately dominating the final stages to cement their status as a modern dynasty.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2020 AFL Grand Final
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