Melbourne burst into colour and song today as the St Kilda and Collingwood teams went on public display ahead of tomorrow’s AFL decider.

The Grand Final parade through the city streets attracted a near record number of fans.

Dominique Wiehahn reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

Up to one-hundred-thousand fans lined the streets of Melbourne’s CBD for the parade.

Black and white dominated the crowd, almost overshadowing the red, white and black of the Saints.

The players were convoyed through the sea of excited fans.

Signs and brass instruments were there to welcome them.

Earlier today, around fifteen thousand fans flocked to Collingwood’s last training session.

When the final player list was announced.

Simon Prestigiacomo and Leon Davis were named to replace Nathan Brown and Tyson Goldsack.

Davis’ goal talent motivated this decision.

Michael Malthouse, Collingwood Senior Coach: “He does provide an X-factor. He’s a recognised goal kicker and the freakish goals.”

And St Kilda’s lineup included disappointment for Ben McEvoy.

He’s been replaced by Steven Baker, his first game since round thirteen.

Ross Lyon, St Kilda Coach: “We felt we needed the run, we needed the flexibility, it certainly helps our midfield and back half with Baker coming in.”

Last year’s grand final loss is the driving force behind the team.

Ross Lyon, St Kilda Coach: “It certainly drove us throughout the year when things weren’t going our way, our ability to persevere and persist and be incredibly resilient at times.”

The game gets underway at the MCG at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon.

Dominique Wiehahn, QUT News.