Guy McKenna

For the first time a non-Victorian team lined up in the season decider determined to end the reign of one of the greatest sides in history. Too old? Too slow? The flag-festooned Hawks were out to prove the old dog still had enough bite to silence the young upstart Eagles from the west.

Bryan Strauchan - Collingwood's last pick in the 2004 AFL national draft and yet to play a senior game, has captured the hearts of football fans across the country. His daily struggle to make his debut has been graphically depicted , warts and all, with the cameras gaining unprecedented access to Collingwood's inner sanctum.

For more than 100 years, Australian Rules Football has generated a passionate followinf amungst millions of supporters. Those of us wh have been fortunate enough to play the game at the highest level, contuniue to remain the focus of this obsession. For decades we have been loved, hated, worshiped, and abused. It's for this reason, that players past and present representing each of the 16 AFL Clubs, have probided a unique insight into the journey of playing senior football. From the exhilaration of playing that first game, to the heartache of being told your time is up. This is our story.