Both teams started the next season with two losses …2022 & 2023 GF similarities
The phrase “sweet sixteen” was applied in the coverage of both victories - Geelong for their consecutive wins and Collingwood for their cup count.
For the first time in seventy years both teams won their first flag outside the odd/even numbering they had become accustomed to. Since 1952 the Cat flags were in 1963, 2007, 2009 and 2011 and Collingwood’s since 1953 were in 1958, 1990 and 2010.
Both victories were against relocated/merged foundation VFL teams.
Edit:
More connections.
Both coaches were Brisbane players.
Norm Smith winner was an import. Also both recent arrivals: Smith in his second season for Geelong and Hill in his first for Collingwood.
With Stengle and Hill both teams had their highest scorer kick four goals and they were also players in their first season at their club.
The two players who wore #46 (Blicavs and Cox) had very unorthodox pathways to the AFL.