The 2023 Canterbury AFL season will culminate this weekend with the Grand Final to be played between the Blues FC and the Christchurch Bulldogs AFC. It will the Blues’ 4th consecutive grand final, whilst the Bulldogs will appear in the final game of the season for the first time since 2019, after defeating the Mid Canterbury Eagles in last weekend’s Semi Final.
It will also be the second consecutive year in which the game has been live-streamed, with an ability to not only watch the game on the day, but also in the days/weeks/years following via YouTube. Canterbury AFL is proud to have the ability to live-stream their Grand Final, being the only NZ domestic league to do so, kindly sponsored by Kyaw Kyaw Aung’s Language Services.
The Blues have been undefeated throughout the 2023 season, with only game being decided by less than a goal, their Rd 6 clash with the Eagles. They are the reigning premiers and are looking to keep their unblemished record for 2023 in tact with another Grand Final win.
The Bulldogs on the other hand, being a dominant GF force and regular participant throughout the period 2010 – 2019, have risen from the wooden spoon in 2022 to pose a serious threat to the Blues’ desire for a season without a loss. They accounted for the Eagles in the semi final, with a strong final quarter coming after a closely fought first three terms, and have been building throughout the season to peak at the right time.
Both teams have match winners across the park, with the Blues possibly having the edge of experience in big game whilst the Bulldogs have the youthful exuberance of their teenage and early twenties brigade who will undoubtedly be excited for their first foray to the “big dance”.
QE2 Park at New Brighton is the venue for what is likely to be a thriller of a game, with the first bounce being slated for 1.00pm.