2021 AFL Grand Final Tactical Preview

We preview the 2021 AFL Grand Final between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs, looking at the tactical battles and key match ups that could decide the match.
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Created by Andreas and Zachary Baruhas
Music:
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"Creamy Soda" by Mona Wonderlick - bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
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[@modalsoulmedia]

Such an unreal amount of effort put into this video given you've had less than 2 weeks to work on it. Really great stuff. Also love the detail on libbas simpsons tats. My heart and head both say Melbourne in this game but something tells me the Bulldogs are going to make a statement and transition into being the leagues next most hated team. For the Norm Smith i'm gonna back in Fritsch to kick a bag of 6

[@FootyA2Z]

Cheers mate, its always a hectic week before the GF for us but the bye sure helped this year! Bulldogs to transition from most loved to most hated team is great call to hahaha

[@andrewrobinson5837]

Well you were right about Fritsch kicking 6!

[@georgie6597]

Can’t wait to use all this insight to be the ultimate couch expert on Saturday

[@FootyA2Z]

may you appear fiercely knowledgeable to all!

[@rafiwerdiger]

Same here lol

[@CaptainStraya]

On paper Melbourne seem to have a more balanced list around the ground, but the Bulldogs have impressed me with their teamwork and gut running. When they are hunting in packs they make their opposition look foolish

[@darce7096]

bro bont, treloar, dunkley, macrae, libba, lachie hunter, baz is way better on paper

[@finn8544]

@@darce7096 😂😂😂

[@abeparsons7914]

@@darce7096 deeper midfield, but that’s it

[@cadenmt6905]

I think your right

[@jedipaperplane1486]

@@darce7096 lever may gawn trak Oliver fritch Salem all in at least the all Australian squad most in the team not to mention Langdon who is a beast on the wing Jackson the rising star kozzy picket one of the most dangerous small forwards Ben brown who is in incredible form and many more

[@dyslxeic]

I'm a Lions supporter so I'd be happy with either team winning. I just want it to be a close game like the dogs vs lions game and not the runaway game that was dees vs lions :D

[@ultimategamingpersonality8912]

Tbh i hope the dogs get belted by 100 points

[@ajdynon]

Essendon supporter here, for the first time I can remember I would be equally happy if either team won. I have a soft spot for the doggies (I supported them in AFLW, although now Essendon’s in), but it’s so long since Melbourne won. Even my uncle, who can remember the Essendon-Melbourne rivalry in the 50s, says he can’t hate the Dees anymore.

[@Ngreaves]

@guavacado couldn't agree more

[@horforn686]

are you kidding! the dogs robbed you guys, you 100% deserved to win that game. They don't deserve to be there in my opinion.

[@tims3817]

@@horforn686 Against who?

[@brandongardiner7588]

He’s done it again! Impressive to get this out so quickly!

[@FootyA2Z]

The bye helped hahaha, cheers mate

[@RajveerSingh-zw5wi]

Well I am a Saints supporter but lived in Melbourne for two years. So yeah Go Melbourne. Love for footy 😀 all the way from India.

[@MasterofMayhem1394]

Amazing video, watching it to get hyped for the game. Really glad you guys had an extra week to perfect this, clearly a lot of work went into it!

[@CAPTN-JACOB]

Just stumbled upon the channel! Absolutely love it, the direction and artistic style! Keep up the good work!

[@FootyA2Z]

Cheers and welcome aboard :)

[@chrismackie-wright768]

CARN THE DOGS! HERE HOPING TO CAP OFF A MAGNIFICENT SEASON. Great work for you, Footy A2Z, as usual.

[@mateoh.potato]

Your videos are so entertaining and well put together definitely one of the best AFL channels ever

[@FootyA2Z]

Thank you! very kind of you to say

[@Dingy113]

good vid man! keep up the work.

[@toddlovett5848]

I've only just discovered your channel and am loving the vids. The graphics are on point and I love the stat's driven content

[@FootyA2Z]

Welcome to the community :) cheers mate

[@TrueFootyAFL]

Great preview, and congrats on two years!

[@FootyA2Z]

Cheers mate! that went by fast!

[@davidchong1006]

great video mate!

[@joshuagiuliani3619]

This vid is getting me pumped for the game.

[@koki9244]

How goods this video!! Great job mate 👏👏

[@FootyA2Z]

Cheers!

[@joshandrews168]

These videos are elite, should have 500k subs, keep it up legends

[@FootyA2Z]

One day!

[@brettduffin8412]

Brilliant video

[@anomatic1792]

Awesome analysis

[@FidgetMDCCLXIV]

Very godly content!

[@jackpiggott6594]

I thinks it’s pretty good that the 2 times that the grand final has been played outside of Victoria, it’s been Geelong Richmond Melbourne and Footscray. All vic clubs.

[@FootyA2Z]

its a tad ironic huh

[@q8gyj26s]

Fancy that, most of the teams are from VIC. Ever heard of probability.

[@jackpiggott6594]

@@q8gyj26s yeah actually fair point, forgot about that. Although it’s was a pretty even finals series, vic and non vic

[@brettduffin8412]

@@q8gyj26s have you looked at the last 20 years, vic teams versus non vic teams in the gf? Only 6 times in 20 years has the gf been all victorian. Probability now?

[@q8gyj26s]

@@brettduffin8412 Yeah because there are too many shit VIC team. Time for one to move to tassie

[@Hello-qd3uy]

Always great boys

[@FootyA2Z]

cheers mate, always nice to see you in the comments

[@Hello-qd3uy]

@@FootyA2Z Fuck, you're making me feel good!

[@alecmackinnon4723]

I love your videos mate

[@FootyA2Z]

Thanks Mate :)

[@lukevacca1537]

Don't know why, but have a feeling it could be a losing player winning the norm smith this year

[@harrybaruhas5576]

great insights on the video lads. As a richmond supporter, sitting this one out. Whilst I can clearly see the majority rightly tipping the DEES, however, my tip is for the UNDER DOGGIES, richmond supporter as a kid, BONT, for Norm Smith, unless pipped at the post by Bailey Smith.

[@FootyA2Z]

Reckon Smith's got a bit of dusty-factor about him??

[@harrybaruhas5576]

@@FootyA2Z have to wait an see, too early to call, but a norm smith will be a good start, to begin with.

[@ryanfarrar9185]

@@FootyA2Z way too early to tell. people said that about cam rayner two or three years ago, and he's faded since

[@Dingy113]

@@ryanfarrar9185 he got injured

[@StupidRobotFightingLeague]

This rules!

[@Artini_Breww]

Everything is looking towards the Demons but Doggies play best when they seem to have the disadvantages. Hoping for a exciting and close game

[@wrangwrangisme1475]

This video was noice

[@anthony-we7lr]

Ayo nice 👍!!!

[@ttma11]

I think a potential tactic that you missed or glossed over was the dees small forwards. Spargo, ANB and kozzie are dangerous at ground level tackling and kicking goals, while dale and Daniel are more rebound defenders and the doggies need good match ups for those 3 players, but could see ANB tag of dale and Daniel to stop their run.

[@cjg5307]

NICE HUNGER GAMES WIN MATE!

[@anappropriatehandle]

I love this tactics side of the game but I want both coaches to let their teams play freely

[@richardworsley7470]

Given what happened in 2018 to led to Eagles scoring the winning goal, there is still so much freedom and chaos out of the coaching staff's control. It's gonna be good.

[@curtis6618]

Nice video

[@mcdonalds5972]

First half and sixteen minutes: Spirited contest Remaining forty-five minutes: *STOP! STOP! HE'S ALREADY DEAD!*

[@watchesinthewild6264]

You nailed it

[@lenza69]

Congrats on the hunger games win!

[@jackaspley3283]

The Bulldogs really need to win in the midfield. If they lose there, Melbourne's forwards will get more and higher quality supply, and I think the Bulldogs' defence (their weakest part of the ground) could struggle. Conversely, if the Bulldogs win in the midfield, Melbourne have the defensive quality with Lever and May in particular to withstand the pressure and strike on the counterattack. The relative strength of the two defences gives Melbourne the edge in my opinion.

[@thebontisback8971]

I do agree with this, bevo always has something up his sleeve though

[@dragonkiller5822]

@@thebontisback8971 what ever he had up his sleeve didn't work 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@francydancy24]

@@dragonkiller5822 It did for one half though. I was dying inside when watching it.

[@dragonkiller5822]

@@francydancy24 where did you come from I wasn't talking to you 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@francydancy24]

@@dragonkiller5822 Oh sorry that’s my backup account sorry I forgot

[@danielspigeons6570]

I'm refraining from picking a winner for this grand final. I can understand why people are tipping Melbourne, and considering they have been the best team all year, they deserve favouritism. But in grand finals, none of that stuff matters. It's all about what happens on the day. I have a strong hunch that the Bulldogs will do it. I haven't tipped against them in this finals series, not even against Port, but I did not expect them to win as convincingly as they did. Normal logic would say Melbourne, but if you pointed a gun to my head, I think I would honestly say the Bulldogs. But regardless, the ultimate hope is for a classic grand final. These two teams are so evenly-matched, I hope this game does not disappoint

[@imdead.imaghostletstalk.8261]

Gotta love the cartoon cados lol.

[@CARDMAN22]

Congrats on the hunger games win mate!

[@FootyA2Z]

I thought we died from a sword?!

[@CARDMAN22]

You won in a different round haha

[@flossybear6960]

This is so good? Do you do all the art?

[@randomsam7648]

Great vid! Cmon Dees please 🔴🔵

[@lukethmpsn]

I think the key matchup is the rucks. Dogs like winning stoppages but both our rucks are mobile and can win ground balls making that very difficult for the dogs.

[@tomnguyen4673]

Mate I just realised you’re that guy who goes on true footy podcast Hahaha didn’t realised I’ve been following you the whole time

[@williamchristopher5653]

GREAT video mate. But If Melbourne play their best they win easily. If they don't or choke under pressure, Dogs are a chance

[@markwarne-smith4560]

Nice work, not enough emphasis though on the back 6, it is more than May and Lever, Rivers and Bowey and Max dropping back is why we have closed teams down, Love May and Lever but is not all about them. It is the pressure on the HB line that will crush the dogs.

[@AJHornet1]

The forward pressure for the Dees is also massively understated. It makes centre clearances even more important for the dogs. If Melbourne get on top there, it will be a long day for the dogs.

[@Rizzlete03]

Best footy vids of all time how are you not working for fox

[@jackaspley3283]

Shhh I enjoy them doing their own thing on KZbin :)

[@FootyA2Z]

hahah maybe one day... nothing in the dm's yet

[@TheKriterion]

Libbas tatts get me everytime

[@FootyA2Z]

they were fun to draw!

[@newsgetsold]

I want the Dogs to win but the Dees poise and ball movement will probably get them a win by 2 goals. Bontempelli to win the Norm Smith.

[@harrypeacock4051]

god i fucking love this channel

[@DM-hc3sb]

Can you guys do a post match review?

[@dillon321]

I have a strong hunch on Libba for the norm

[@ethanweston7528]

Got to be Maxy Gawn. He’s on fire atm.

[@AceOfBass-pk1go]

@@ethanweston7528 so is Bailey Smith to be fair

[@ethanweston7528]

@@AceOfBass-pk1go yeah, he’s been unbelievable

[@StupidRobotFightingLeague]

I reckon Leyton Dowman will win the Norm Smith. He's been outstanding all year.

[@herbernater]

Either dees by 20 or dogs by 70

[@Acemanveryspecial]

That's my prediction. Dogs will absolutely blast them, or Melbourne wins by a small margin.

[@mitchellscott5969]

This is so stupid haaha Melbourne are the best defence in the league, they won't get smashed.

[@dragonkiller5822]

@@Acemanveryspecial 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 well that didn't happen

[@anguseverist4178]

Quite literally the opposite.

[@chook2870]

Got a feeling Demons will win easily. Best team by far all year

[@imdead.imaghostletstalk.8261]

Who does the cartoon/character art in your videos?

[@FootyA2Z]

one of us draws them in Illustrator and one of us animates them all together

[@imdead.imaghostletstalk.8261]

@@FootyA2Z 👍

[@TheDirge69]

Dees for the win by 20pts, Petracca for the Norm Smith...

[@MarvinMakesVideos]

Melbourne's forward line doesn't seem like a premiership forward line to me. As a neutral I think the Bulldogs will win.

[@MarvinMakesVideos]

and my tip for Norm Smith is Bailey Smith.

[@lukethmpsn]

Really? We score big numbers most weeks.

[@dragonkiller5822]

@@MarvinMakesVideos demons forward line was to good hahaha 🤣

[@dragonkiller5822]

Marvin still waiting for your reply

[@Unkown_E]

I’m just hoping for a close game

[@The.Talent]

I think Dees by 30 and Gawn for Norm Smith, but it could easily be very different to that.

[@nba2k23mc5]

I think Melbourne will win by under a kick and Clayton Oliver with win norm smith with 40 disposals 1 goal it should be a great game of football in Perth and I just subbed

[@reubengoh502]

Go Bulldogs, Let's beat those demons

[@anguseverist4178]

...

[@KhawOfficial]

Melbourne's forward 50 pressure will be too strong for the Bulldog's slow defenders. Wouldn't be suprised if spargo and kozzi kick 5 between them

[@luckyilagged2424]

Surely you tell us your pick on the winner, how much by and who wins norm

[@toddgunther8272]

Bulldogs or Demons win. Petracca, Gawn, Oliver, Salem, Lever, May, Langdon, Pickett, Brown, Bont, Libba, Daniel, Macrae, Naughton, Treloar, Johannisen or someone named Bailey for the Norm Smith. You read it here first!

[@FootyA2Z]

hahaha we're just gonna enjoy the spectacle!

[@blondejesus6647]

Btw Melbourne’s last premier win was 1964 not 1954

[@mercenxry5756]

He said their last meeting in a Grand final since 1954.

[@shortymcshort1375]

Melbourne win grand final, Bailey smith has norm smith with 3-4 goals and 25-30 disposals along with a number of score involvements, tackles, clearances ect 😂

[@jackrobertson2128]

Honestly how could you pick a winner with any confidence, especially after that analysis

[@Dingy113]

ikr

[@archieshanahan714]

What is that

[@sebastianliggieri8411]

7:05 "meth gawn" 🤣

[@AussieGunzel]

Hope Melbourne wins, hope it's like 2005 all over again

[@MozartificeR]

Dogs by 45 points. And Bontinpelli for norm smith.

[@dragonkiller5822]

Demons by 74 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BigFellaGames]

I "feel" as though Melbourne are already celebrating the victory before actually playing the game, and the doggies don't have the discipline to keep up with Melbourne.

[@finndavis8008]

So Melbourne are celebrating too early which is undisciplined yet the doggies are undisciplined.

[@BigFellaGames]

@@finndavis8008 Focus and discipline are 2 different things in my opinion. But fair point.

[@dragonkiller5822]

@@BigFellaGames who was the club drinking after the preliminary final against port Adelaide demons have been discipline all year what are you talking about 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@abeparsons7914]

Go dees

[@erictheviking6773]

baz smith norm smith

[@ethanmason2001]

Jake Bowey wins the norm smith

[@AJHornet1]

Carn the Dees!

[@everythingcool101]

why is mcdonald so tan in this hahaha

[@FootyA2Z]

It's an excellent question

[@FootyA2Z]

Other admin here, I accidentally drew him in night mode so everything was tan 😂 will fix him one day

[@everythingcool101]

@@FootyA2Z haha fk thats funny

[@everythingcool101]

@@FootyA2Z caught me off guard a little

[@alihussein-lq1rn]

Its too close to call. I can see it go both ways

[@AxelPierre713]

Charlie Spargo is a lock for the Norm Smith imo

[@FootyA2Z]

has to be

[@darrenwestlow7809]

Being a passionate Demon member, I say this: If we start like we did against the Cats, we will be hard to stop. I think Max will monster the rucks and give good service to Tracca, Clarry and Viney. I honestly believe it is our year and we will win, but the Doggies will make us earn it. Demons by 5 points. Tracca Norm Smith medal. GO DEES!

[@bohdipage8977]

Go dees!

[@AceOfBass-pk1go]

Doggies started deadly last week as well, should be a great game

[@darrenwestlow7809]

Without dampening anything.... Comparing both games, I have different outlooks. The Dogs were amazing without a doubt and took advantage of their opportunities. With us mauling the Cats, we had complete control from the get go. The Dogs however were getting a lot of possession from sloppy play by the Power and were able to capitalise. That all matters not though. It is who shows up on the day. Like I said, I think they will make us earn it, but I can tell you as the days close I am getting more nervous. Going to be an amazing grand final, hopefully better than 2005 GF.

[@Tomboy-zq3bp]

Demons on paper seem to lose by 99999999999

[@AceRememberTheDude]

first

[@thesupplantor]

"to see if their premiership in 2016 was just a flash in the pan." Aka. gift.

[@crimsonvipor]

Winning 4 in a row against the best of the year is no gift. Flash is more accurate

[@sig2407]

Tifo AFL lol