2010 Afl Grand Final Score

The 2010 AFL Grand Final: A Collingwood Triumph and a Record-Breaking Scoreline

The 2010 AFL Grand Final remains etched in the memories of Australian Rules Football fans, not only for its thrilling contest but also for its remarkable final scoreline. This article delves deep into the match, exploring the lead-up, the key moments, the individual performances, and the lasting impact of Collingwood's decisive victory over St Kilda, a game that shattered records and solidified its place in AFL history. We'll examine the statistics, analyze the strategic decisions, and unpack the emotional rollercoaster that defined this unforgettable grand final.

The Road to the Grand Final: A Season of Contrasts

The 2010 AFL season saw two titans emerge from contrasting journeys. Collingwood, under the astute leadership of coach Mick Malthouse, displayed relentless consistency throughout the home-and-away season, finishing top of the ladder. Their dominance was built on a powerful midfield, a stingy defense, and the consistent brilliance of players like Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, and Nick Maxwell. Their season was a testament to disciplined play and unwavering team spirit.

St Kilda, on the other hand, had a more turbulent path. They displayed periods of exceptional brilliance, showcasing their attacking flair and the prowess of players like Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes, and Leigh Montagna. However, inconsistency plagued them throughout the season. They clawed their way into the Grand Final, showcasing resilience and overcoming adversity in the finals series, demonstrating a fighting spirit that would prove crucial in the grand final itself.

The Grand Final Day: A Tense Atmosphere and a Record-Breaking Start

The MCG on Grand Final Day was electric. The atmosphere was palpable, with a sea of black and white (Collingwood) and red, white, and black (St Kilda) filling the stadium. The tension was palpable as both teams took the field, knowing the weight of history rested on their shoulders.

The game itself started in explosive fashion. Collingwood, fueled by their strong midfield dominance, kicked five goals in the first quarter alone, setting a new Grand Final record for goals kicked in an opening quarter. This early onslaught stunned St Kilda, who struggled to match Collingwood's intensity and precision in the early exchanges. The Saints, however, refused to be overwhelmed, fighting back with determination, their trademark attacking flair beginning to shine through in the second quarter.

A Tight Contest and a Momentum Shift

The second and third quarters saw a significant shift in momentum. St Kilda found their rhythm, their forward line finally finding some space and converting opportunities. The Saints’ relentless pressure forced turnovers and generated scoring chances, reducing Collingwood’s lead significantly. The game became a fiercely contested battle, a display of grit and determination from both sides. The MCG became a cauldron of noise, the roar of the crowd reflecting the ebb and flow of the game.

Collingwood's Final Surge: Securing a Historic Victory

While St Kilda fought valiantly, Collingwood's experience and superior midfield strength ultimately proved decisive. In the final quarter, Collingwood’s dominance in the clinches again shone through. They were able to control the tempo of the game, limiting St Kilda’s scoring opportunities, and converting their own chances with clinical precision. Their relentless pressure and impeccable teamwork were evident for all to see. The final siren sounded with Collingwood victorious, securing a historic victory and shattering several Grand Final records.

The Final Score and Record-Breaking Statistics

The final score of the 2010 AFL Grand Final was Collingwood 18.11 (119) defeated St Kilda 11.11 (77). This victory marked Collingwood's 15th premiership, and cemented their status as one of the AFL's most successful teams. But this Grand Final was memorable for more than just the winner. The scoreline itself set several records:

• Highest aggregate score: The combined score of 196 points was the highest ever recorded in an AFL Grand Final.
• Highest first-quarter score: Collingwood’s five goals in the first quarter was a new Grand Final record.
• Most goals kicked in a Grand Final: The 29 goals kicked in total also broke a previous Grand Final record.

Key Players and Their Contributions

Several players played pivotal roles in shaping the outcome of the Grand Final:

• Dane Swan (Collingwood): His performance in the midfield was outstanding, consistently winning contested possessions and driving Collingwood's forward thrusts. He was later awarded the Norm Smith Medal as the best player on the ground.
• Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood): His composure and precision in the midfield were critical in controlling the game's tempo.
• Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda): Despite the loss, Riewoldt's leadership and consistent effort were exemplary. He battled tirelessly against a strong Collingwood defense.
• Lenny Hayes (St Kilda): Hayes was a vital cog in St Kilda's midfield machine, working tirelessly to provide drive and support to the forward line.

Strategic Analysis: A Clash of Styles

The 2010 Grand Final represented a clash of styles. Collingwood's disciplined, structured approach contrasted with St Kilda’s more expansive and free-flowing style. Collingwood’s ability to effectively control the tempo of the game, especially in the crucial final quarter, proved to be a decisive factor. Their midfield dominance allowed them to dictate the terms of engagement, limiting St Kilda’s opportunities and maximizing their own scoring chances. St Kilda's inability to consistently match Collingwood's intensity and precision, especially in the contested ball, cost them dearly.

The Lasting Legacy: A Moment in AFL History

The 2010 AFL Grand Final remains a landmark event in the history of Australian Rules Football. The thrilling contest, the record-breaking scoreline, and the contrasting styles of the two teams combined to create a spectacle that continues to be discussed and analyzed by fans and experts alike. It serves as a testament to the captivating nature of AFL, and the unpredictable yet thrilling drama that is inherent in the game. It showcased the pinnacle of athleticism, teamwork, and strategic brilliance, forever securing its place in the annals of AFL Grand Final history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Who won the 2010 AFL Grand Final? Collingwood defeated St Kilda.

• What was the final score? Collingwood 18.11 (119) defeated St Kilda 11.11 (77).

• Who won the Norm Smith Medal? Dane Swan (Collingwood).

• What records were broken in the 2010 Grand Final? Several records were broken, including the highest aggregate score, the highest first-quarter score, and the most goals kicked in a Grand Final.

• What were the key factors in Collingwood's victory? Collingwood's midfield dominance, their disciplined approach, and their ability to control the tempo of the game in the final quarter were key factors.

Conclusion

The 2010 AFL Grand Final was more than just a game; it was a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and raw emotion. The record-breaking scoreline, the thrilling contest, and the contrasting styles of the two teams combined to create a truly unforgettable event. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Australian Rules Football and the enduring legacy of Collingwood's remarkable 2010 Premiership. The memory of this Grand Final will continue to resonate with AFL fans for years to come, a reminder of the electrifying power and enduring magic of the game.