In the lead-up to the grand final, we're bringing you stories about some of the characters who have shaped Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Today, Martin Flanagan tells some of his favourite stories from the 2016 grand final: the Bulldogs army's Joan of Arc; a special game-day experience for a fan who lost her father; why language was no barrier for a Tigers fan toasting the Bulldogs in Outer Mongolia; and what the premiership meant to one lonely expat.

Got a question about your club? Send it to realfootypod@theage.com.au for our hosts to answer. 

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

And if you value independent, quality journalism, please subscribe to The Age today.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to check out more great podcasts from The Age & SMH.

In the lead-up to the grand final, we're bringing you stories about some of the characters who have shaped Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Today, Martin Flanagan tells some of his favourite stories from the 2016 grand final: the Bulldogs army's Joan of Arc; a special game-day experience for a fan who lost her father; why language was no barrier for a Tigers fan toasting the Bulldogs in Outer Mongolia; and what the premiership meant to one lonely expat.
Got a question about your club? Send it to <a href="mailto:realfootypod@theage.com.au" data-stringify-link="mailto:realfootypod@theage.com.au" data-sk="tooltip_parent">realfootypod@theage.com.au</a> for our hosts to answer. 
Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/agerealfooty">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/agerealfooty/">Facebook.</a>
And if you value independent, quality journalism, please subscribe to <a href="https://subscribe.theage.com.au/">The Age</a> today.
Thanks for listening and don't forget to check out <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/artist/the-age-and-sydney-morning-herald/1458168652">more great podcasts from The Age &amp; SMH.</a>

The best footy writers from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald bring you the weekly lowdown on all things AFL.

If you like the pod, please take the time to rate & review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. We love to hear from you and it makes it easier for the rest of the podcast world to find us.

And, why not become a subscriber? Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

The best footy writers from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald bring you the weekly lowdown on all things AFL.
If you like the pod, please take the time to rate &amp; review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. We love to hear from you and it makes it easier for the rest of the podcast world to find us.
And, why not become a subscriber? Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe <a href="https://subscribe.theage.com.au/">https://subscribe.theage.com.au/</a> or <a href="https://subscribe.smh.com.au/">https://subscribe.smh.com.au/</a>

News, analysis and insight on the AFL from The Age sports team.