Why some footy fans are convinced this photo proves which team is going to win the AFL grand final

If superstitions are any guide, Brisbane Lions fans can start celebrating – your team is poised to win the AFL grand final on Saturday at the MCG.

It follows skipper Lachie Neale ensuring he kept his hand on the premiership trophy slightly longer than his opposite Dane Rampe during the grand final parade in Melbourne on Friday.

Not that the Swans defender was worried, declaring he doesn’t believe in old wives’ tales.

But some footy fans are adamant whoever holds the silverware last will be the one hoisting it this weekend.

Almost 12 months ago to the day, Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews lifted the trophy with Collingwood rival Darcy Moore – and the Magpies skipper made sure he won the mental battle.

After Collingwood won last year’s epic decider by four points, the moment in time rattled Andrews.

‘It’s haunted me all off-season, to be honest,’ he said in March. 

‘Collingwood made a big deal about holding the cup, being the last one to let go at the grand final parade. It was a little awkward up on the stage because we’re sort of both standing there and I’m not really sure what’s happening.’

It follows Lachie Neale ensuring he kept his hand on the premiership trophy slightly longer than his opposite Dane Rampe (pictured, during Friday’s Grand Final parade)

Swans fans made their voices heard at the 2024 AFL Grand Final Parade on Friday in Melbourne (pictured)

It was perhaps why Andrews didn’t hesitate to let teammate Neale take on the role this time around.

Meanwhile, Lions coach Chris Fagan is claiming ‘equal-dogs’ status ahead of the AFL grand final, saying his team and Sydney are 50-50 for the premiership.

It comes despite the Swans finishing the regular season as minor premiers – while the Lions were fifth.

‘I think we are the equal-dogs….we both go into the game with high hopes,’ Fagan said.

‘There’s two really in-form teams coming into the grand final. ‘A real 50-50 battle, is how I see it.’ 

Rampe, who will captain the Bloods after Callum Mills was ruled out on Wednesday with a hamstring injury, has played in three previous losing grand finals. 

He isn’t even contemplating a similar outcome on Saturday.

‘What I’ve learned over the losses I’ve had, is no-one cares about your story, really,’ Rampe said.

‘It would be great for us to get back and win after [the Geelong defeat of] ’22. 

It would [also] be great for Brisbane to get back and make amends for last year.

‘But they don’t care about our story and we don’t care about theirs. That’s the way it is – we have to go out there and make it happen ourselves.’