The letter read: “This coming Saturday is the AFL grand final, Australia vs Collingwood, and I do believe the favourite on the lunch menu will be cold pies.”

Some argue the best thing about Collingwood making the grand final is the number of jokes you can share about the team people love to hate.

The Magpies have the chance to make history on Saturday.

If they win they will join Carlton and Essendon with 16 premiership wins (AFL and VFL). 

A fact for the non-pie supporters. The black and white also hold the record for the most grand finals lost – 26.

For traditionalists supporting a non-Victorian team in the grand final is a tough choice.

What we do know is that any West Australians making the journey across to the MCG will be paying a considerable amount in airfares.

Flights are usually about $800-900 return, but are now selling for about $1200 return for the Friday before grand final day.

There will also be many people who won’t care about the grand final, but the tradition of a party continues.

The party pies, beer and half-time kick in the street are compulsory for most Australians on that last Saturday in September.

Many accident and emergency departments around the country, including Launceston, have commented in the past that grand final is up there as one of the busiest days alongside Australia Day and New Year’s Eve.

While we all know AFL is more than a game, Tasmania Police and medical professionals would much rather a quiet shift than one complete with shenanigans and avoidable incidents.

So do yourself – and others, who are more interested in seeing which footballer will join Jimmy Barnes on stage after the match –  and party or commiserate responsibly.

Good luck and may the best team win.