The drawn 2010 AFL Grand Final match between the Collingwood and St Kilda Football Clubs is arguably one of the most dramatic moments in AFL history.
This powerful tale delves deep into the emotions of St Kilda favourite Lenny Hayes, Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt, Magpie star Scott Pendlebury, the rare laconic musings of Ben Johnson, Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell, the superstitions of Brendon Goddard and how that cruel bounce still haunts Stephen Milne.
Coaches Ross Lyon and Mick Malthouse deliver some raw insights, as all those involved tell their contrasting story with pride, humour and despair, including tragic fanatics like Molly Meldrum.
The questions surrounding the Grand Final match-up of whether the Saints could find redemption after losing the 2009 Premiership match, or could the Magpies finally break a 20-year premiership drought mounted leading into that one day in September.
It was a match that didn’t provide answers to those questions, but rather a rollercoaster of emotions for players, coaches, fans and the Australian sporting public alike.
Introduced by Bruce McAvaney and airing on Channel 7 and 7mate in AFL Grand Final Week, The Final Draw, is an AFL produced documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Peter Dickson.
In this film, Dickson tells the story of how the 2010 AFL Grand Final unfolded and the lasting effects it had on all those involved.
Taking a unique and at times emotional look back at this remarkable day with raw insight from all the main players, Dickson said the process took over eight months.
“For a long while now, I’ve been wanting to tell the story of what is now the last ever drawn Grand Final,” Mr Dickson said.
“I’m very appreciative to the AFL and to Channel 7 for the opportunity to apply my documentary style to this story.
“I’m so grateful to both coaches, Ross (Lyon) and Mick (Malthouse) and all those who took part, for giving their time and being so honest.
“Everyone offered up such tremendous insight into the match day, the moments following the final siren, the week leading into the decider and those years since.
“I know how difficult it was, especially for the St Kilda guys, to delve back into it considering the result a week later.
“But I feel this is as much of a film that honours St Kilda as it does Collingwood, and the legacy both playing groups have left for their clubs and the game.
“I have made this in a way that I hope appeals to all sporting lovers and also all fans of AFL footy, as it was truly an epic day in our sporting story.
“To get the opportunity to tell this story, it has been one of the best experiences I have had as a documentary filmmaker,” he said.
The Final Draw features interviews and behind the scenes access with the following people involved in the 2010 AFL Grand Final: Ross Lyon, Mick Malthouse, Eddie McGuire, Michael Nettlefold, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Stephen Milne, Ben Johnson, Luke Ball, Scott Pendlebury, Nick Maxwell, Brendon Goddard, Andrew Demetriou and Lenny Hayes.
The Final Draw was written, produced and directed by Peter Dickson from the AFL.
The Final Draw – Sunday September 25
VIC 10pm on Channel 7
SA 10pm on Channel 7
WA 10pm on Channel 7
The Final Draw encore – Friday September 30
VIC 7.30pm on 7mate
SA 7.30pm on 7mate
WA 7.30pm on 7mate
NSW 5.30pm on 7mate
QLD 5.30pm on 7mate
