World Footy News

Bright sunshine and a chill wind met the players from Hawthorn and Sydney this morning as they awoke for the biggest day of Australian Football's year. After the Grand Final Parade yesterday was soaked with rain, a clear night a strong breeze and a very expensive drainage system should ensure that the venue for the match - the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be in great condition for today's match.

Across Australia and around the world, Australians and footy lovers of many nationalities and races will be tuning in to see a great game of football. The bright sunshine may give way to showers during the match but this will hopefully add to what is expected to be a tight contest and provide a great spectacle for one and all.

Football clubs overseas use the day to raise much needed funds to run the club and to assist in the financial burdens of long distance travel to compete. Many playing overseas have found our game at such functions or on the TV thousands of kilometres (or miles) from the MCG. Long may that continue.

We wish luck to both teams but in particular to Mike Pyke who should take his place in the team, despite many commentators yesterday suggesting the Swans might switch him out before today's start so that the Swans don't go in top heavy. Irishman Tommy Walsh is listed as an emergency for today for the Swans but his limited opportunities at senior level so far make it seem unlikely he will be playing today.

 Hawthorn of course have their own international flavours but in particular in Shane Savage the NZ born Hawk who has showed great form this season and may start as the substitute today - he will be hoping to join the efforts of Trent Croad in 2008 in being able to take home a premiership medallion.

Wherever you are around the world, have a great day!