Background
This was Essendon's first appearance in a Grand Final since winning the 1993 AFL Grand Final, whilst it was Melbourne's first since losing the 1988 VFL Grand Final. Essendon had completed the best home and away season in modern history, winning 21 of 22 matches, an AFL record (which would be equaled by Geelong in the 2008 season), winning their second successive McClelland Trophy. Melbourne finished the home and away season third with 14 wins and 8 losses.
In the previous week's Preliminary Finals, Essendon defeated an injury depleted Carlton who were missing Craig Bradley, Stephen Silvagni, and Anthony Koutoufides by 45 points, while Melbourne defeated North Melbourne by 50 points. The following Monday saw Melbourne's Shane Woewodin awarded the Brownlow Medal with 24 votes, ahead of Western Bulldogs midfielder Scott West and Adelaide midfielder Andrew McLeod.
Read more about this topic: 2000 AFL Grand Final
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