However it was on this day that the nation’s previous Olympic city, Melbourne, continued to play host to the AFL (Australian Football League) Grand Final between Essendon and Melbourne.
It would be the first time Essendon would reach the final game of the season since claiming the 1993 Premiership while Melbourne was in search of its first flag since 1964.
Appearing in his first Grand Final before 96,249 was Adam Ramanauskas, a talented 19-year-old of Lithuanian descent.
As expected, Ramanauskas would line up on Australian International representative Adem Yze (of Albanian descent) who had collected 14 votes in the league’s prestigious Brownlow medal that year.
However it would be the Bombers day as the teenager held Yze goalless, allowing his team to celebrate its 16th Premiership (equal record amount) to the tune of 50-points.
Though legendary coach Kevin Sheedy would keep Ramanauskas and his other young stars on the bench for the final few minutes, he would become the first player of Lithuanian descent to take out the game’s ultimate prize.
Adam Ramanauskas’ collected 11 disposals (9 kicks & 2 handballs), 2 marks and 2 tackles on this day in sport.
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