AFL finals fever is sweeping through Melbourne but the city’s infamous up-and-down weather is treating footy fans with contempt.
Over 90,000 passionate supporters are expected to descend upon the MCG tonight for the blockbuster qualifying final between Collingwood and Melbourne.
It was pleasant 22C day on Thursday but 7NEWS meteorologist Jane Bunn has a grim warning.
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“Now Melbourne loves rollercoaster weather … but the timing couldn’t be more terrible for footy,” Bunn told 7NEWS.
“Don’t be fooled by the warmth and sunshine during the day …. by Thursday night it is cold, wet and it is windy.”
So the question is, will that advantage anyone?
Speaking on Talking Finals, Richmond great Trent Cotchin believed the rain could work in Collingwood’s advantage.
“I think if it’s wet, Collingwood win, but if it’s not, the Dees get ‘em,” Cotchin said.
Essendon legend and Channel 7 commentator Tim Watson said: “I’m with him.”
And former Geelong captain Joel Selwood also thought the Magpies could get get it done.
The game is predicted to be close, however, with bookmakers having the Pies marginally ahead in sports betting.
On Friday night, Carlton and the Sydney Swans will battle it out in an elimination final, also at the MCG.
But if fans were expecting the bleak weather to improve, Bunn says think again. In fact, it is going to get worse.
“That (rain) will continue for Friday night as well,” Bunn says.
“However, we add some wintry hail into that too.”
The expected top on Friday is a chilly 12C, with a 95 per cent chance of rain, and 45km/h winds.
In an action-packed weekend for Australia’s sporting capital, the MCG is hosting a third game in as many days on Saturday.
In this one, St Kilda will go head to head with the GWS Giants in another cut-throat battle.
In this game, bookmakers have the Giants as favourites, despite the fact they are on the road.
The elimination final begins at 3.20pm, and the sun is expected to poke out a little bit, but it will be only a top 15C.
Bunn said: “(Rain) should all ease a bit on Saturday so the Saints game is looking a bit better.”
But nowhere near as good as the forecast for Brisbane, where the Lions will take on Port Adelaide.
That game at the Gabba starts at 7.25pm and the day will be full of sunshine and a peachy 24C.
How to watch the AFL finals
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
AFL qualifying final: Collingwood v Melbourne
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane 7pm live on Channel 7
Adelaide 6.30pm live on 7mate, 6.50pm live on Channel 7
Perth 5pm live on 7mate
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
AFL elimination final: Carlton v Sydney
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane 7pm live on 7mate, 7.30pm live on Channel 7
Adelaide 6.30pm live on 7mate, 7pm live on Channel 7
Perth 5pm live on 7mate
Armchair Experts
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane 11pm live on 7mate and 7plus
Adelaide 10.30pm live on Channel 7 and 7plus
Perth 11pm on 7mate and 7plus
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
AFL elimination final: St Kilda v GWS Giants
Pre-game
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane 2.30pm live on Channel 7
Adelaide 2pm live on Channel 7
Perth 12.30pm live on Channel 7
AFL qualifying final: Brisbane v Port Adelaide
Pre-game show
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane 6pm live on 7mate, 7pm live on Channel 7
Adelaide 5.30pm live on 7mate, 6.30pm live on Channel 7
Perth 4pm live on Channel 7, 5pm live on 7mate
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