Geelong claimed its eighth premiership in the 113th season of the Australian Football League
In short: The 2009 AFL season was defined by intense competition, controversial rule changes, and high-stakes roster maneuvers. From the Geelong Football Club's dominant premiership victory to the dramatic final-round shifts in ladder positioning, the year remains a pivotal chapter in the history of Australia's highest-level senior rules football competition.
The 2009 season, the 113th in the history of the competition formerly known as the Victorian Football League, spanned from 26 March to 26 September. It featured sixteen clubs competing in a 22-game home-and-away series, followed by a finals bracket for the top eight teams. The Geelong Football Club secured its eighth premiership title by defeating St Kilda by twelve points in the Grand Final. St Kilda had previously earned the McClelland Trophy for finishing first on the ladder during the premiership season.
Off-field drama and tactical shifts marked the lead-up to the season. Richmond’s pursuit of former West Coast Eagles captain Ben Cousins became a focal point of the 2009 pre-season draft, held on 16 December 2008. Richmond unsuccessfully attempted to move Graham Polak to the rookie list to secure an additional draft selection, a request rejected by the AFL and rival clubs. Despite their stated conditions, Richmond ultimately drafted Cousins with their single available selection. Meanwhile, Hawthorn made history by becoming the first reigning premier to miss the finals since Adelaide in 1999.
The 2009 season also introduced significant rule changes to the game. Players were penalized with a free kick for deliberately rushing a behind when not under pressure, and tackles made after a player disposed of the ball resulted in a free kick and a 50-meter penalty. Umpire relations remained a point of contention, with fines issued for contact and public criticism, including a $5000 fine for Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett. Individual accolades were dominated by Geelong, with Gary Ablett, Jr. winning both the Brownlow Medal and the Leigh Matthews Trophy for the third consecutive year.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2009 AFL season
- Also: 2009 AFL season
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