Ablett Jr decision overshadows the AFL rematch and UCI champs

The AFL season should be over but footy fever just continues to grow! Last week's Grand Final draw between Collingwood and St. Kilda (COL 9.14 (68) vs STK 10.8 (68)) means the teams and fans must prepare again for the rematch this Saturday at the MCG. Another packed house is expected as the two teams do battle again. The script was for the AFL Grand Final to be complete and to make way for the World Cycling Championships in Geelong. The UCI Road World Championships are the largest cycling competition Australia has ever hosted. The world's best cyclists have descended on Geelong, one hour south of Melbourne, for the five days of competition.

With the AFL Grand Final rematch on Saturday the UCI Championships have had some of their limelight taken away. However, The Age newspaper is reporting that Australian cycling champions Cadel Evans, Stuart O'Grady, Michael Rogers and Simon Gerrans have been invited to be part of the pre-AFL Grand Final show. The gesture would be a great promotion for the 262km Road Race from Melbourne to Geelong the next day.

Speaking of Geelong: Believe it or not, the lead up to the Grand Final rematch is being overshadowed by the news that Geelong champion, Gary Ablett Jr, will make the move to the new Gold Coast Suns AFL Club in a five-year deal. Ablett has been one of the superstars of the game, winning last years Brownlow Medal and second in votes this year. For the Geelong faithful, the year has revolved around two questions: Will the Cats win the flag and will Gary Jr stay. Geelong has lost both and will have to be consoled with two first-round draft picks for next season. The other blow to Geelong is the suggestion that Cats coach Mark Thompson is considering a future at Essendon F.C. Can the AFL Grand Final rematch on Saturday beat all this hype?