Background
The Lions had made it into their second consecutive Grand Final after finishing second on the AFL ladder behind Port Adelaide, and overcoming Adelaide and Port Adelaide in their early finals, shooting for back-to-back successes after their 2001 triumph over Essendon. Collingwood had reached the finals for the first time since 1994 and found their way into their first premiership decider since their 14th Premiership over the Bombers in the 1990 Grand Final. They finished fourth on the ladder, and not much was expected of them in the final month of the year. However, the Magpies upset minor premiers Port Adelaide by 13 points in a dramatic Qualifying Final at AAMI Stadium, earning a week's rest before beating an injury struck Adelaide side 13.13 (91) to 9.9 (63) in the Preliminary Final at the MCG.
Jason Cloke from Collingwood was suspended during the week after being charged for striking Tyson Edwards in the nose during their Preliminary final victory against Adelaide. This controversy dominated headlines during the week in the build up to the Grand Final. Also in the week leading up to the Grand Final, Brisbane's Simon Black was awarded the Brownlow Medal.
Read more about this topic: 2002 AFL Grand Final
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