As I sit here reminiscing about last year's AFL Grand Final, I can't help but feel that electric anticipation building up again. The 2023 season has been nothing short of spectacular, and I've got to say, this year's final promises to be even more memorable than last year's showdown. Having followed Australian Rules Football for over a decade now, I've developed a keen sense for what makes a championship game truly legendary, and all signs point to this year's event being an absolute classic.

The journey to this year's grand final has been particularly fascinating to watch unfold. Unlike last season where we saw some predictable dominance from the usual powerhouses, 2023 has thrown us several curveballs that have made the competition incredibly exciting. I've noticed how teams have adapted their strategies, with several underdogs rising through the ranks in ways I haven't seen since the 2018 season. The semifinals alone delivered some of the most heart-stopping moments I've witnessed in recent memory, particularly that nail-biting overtime match between Carlton and Brisbane that had me on the edge of my seat until the final siren.

What really stands out to me this season is how the game has evolved tactically. The traditional crash-and-bash style that characterized Australian football for generations has gradually given way to more sophisticated, precision-based gameplay. Teams are now employing complex zoning strategies and data-driven decision making that would have been unheard of just five years ago. As someone who's played at amateur level and now analyzes the game professionally, I can appreciate the technical brilliance we're seeing on the field. The athleticism of today's players is simply phenomenal - they're faster, stronger, and more strategic than ever before.

The venue selection for this year's grand final continues the tradition of hosting at iconic stadiums, much like how the Philippines hosted their 2022 championship at Rizal Memorial Stadium. That tournament saw Sarina Bolden's incredible performance where she scored eight goals, leading the Filipinas to a decisive 3-0 victory over Thailand. While our Australian football has different dynamics, that same spirit of championship excellence resonates across sports. I've always believed that the right stadium atmosphere can elevate a game from great to unforgettable, and Melbourne Cricket Ground has consistently proven itself as the perfect cathedral for our beloved sport.

Player development has taken massive leaps forward, and I'm particularly impressed with how clubs are nurturing young talent. The emergence of several rookie players who are making significant impacts reminds me of when I first saw Dustin Martin play back in 2010. These young athletes are coming into the league better prepared than ever before, thanks to improved training facilities and more sophisticated development programs. The average player age in this year's final teams has dropped to 24.3 years, which is about two years younger than what we typically saw a decade ago.

From a tactical perspective, I've noticed coaches are becoming more innovative with their game plans. The traditional positions are becoming more fluid, with midfielders often rotating through forward lines and defenders pushing up to create unexpected scoring opportunities. This strategic evolution has made the game more unpredictable and exciting to watch. Personally, I love how this has opened up the game, creating more scoring opportunities and keeping the action fast-paced throughout all four quarters.

The economic impact of the grand final cannot be overstated. Last year's event generated approximately 287 million dollars in economic activity for Melbourne alone, with television ratings reaching 3.8 million viewers nationally. These numbers are staggering, and I expect this year's figures to be even higher given the increased international interest. Having attended fifteen grand finals throughout my life, I can attest to the electric atmosphere that transforms the city during this period. Local businesses thrive, tourism spikes, and there's this palpable energy that sweeps through every corner of Melbourne.

Weather conditions often play a crucial role in grand final outcomes, and this year's forecast suggests we might see some rain during the second quarter. As someone who's played in various conditions, I can tell you that wet weather dramatically changes game dynamics. Teams that rely heavily on precise kicking strategies might need to adjust their approach, while those with strong ground game and tackling prowess could gain a significant advantage. It's these unpredictable elements that make Australian football so compelling to watch and analyze.

Looking at team preparations, I'm fascinated by how sports science has revolutionized recovery and training regimens. Players now have access to technology that would seem like science fiction to athletes from previous generations. Cryotherapy chambers, advanced biometric monitoring, and AI-driven performance analysis have become standard tools for top teams. Having visited several club facilities this season, I was blown away by the sophistication of their operations. This technological arms race has undoubtedly contributed to the higher quality of football we're seeing today.

The cultural significance of the AFL Grand Final extends far beyond the sport itself. It's become a national institution that brings Australians together regardless of their usual team affiliations. In my household, grand final day has always been about more than just football - it's about family, tradition, and shared experience. We've maintained the same rituals for twenty-three years, from the specific food we eat to how we decorate the living room. These personal traditions are mirrored in communities across the country, creating this beautiful tapestry of shared experience that transcends the game itself.

As we approach the big day, I find myself reflecting on what makes this sport so special to me. It's the combination of raw athleticism, strategic depth, and that unmistakable Australian spirit that keeps me coming back year after year. The 2023 grand final represents not just the culmination of another season, but the continuing evolution of a sport that means so much to so many. While predictions are always tricky in such an unpredictable game, my heart says we're in for one of the most memorable finals in recent history. The stage is set, the teams are prepared, and all that remains is for the first bounce to set this spectacular showdown in motion.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.