Finals footy is here. That means many things, including the fact that tipping comps around the country have come to a close.

I’m here to provide the final update on TDA’s office footy tipping. Orla, our content production manager, won the comp by a whopping 12 points.

Her winning formula: Always tip the favourites.

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The consecutive number of world titles Australia’s top cyclists have won in the mixed team relay at the UCI Road World Championships. Michael Matthews, Jay Vine and Lucas Plapp set up a 33-second buffer on the opening lap before Amanda Spratt, Brodie Chapman and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden held on up the final climb to win gold in 54 minutes 30 seconds. France finished five seconds back, with Switzerland claiming bronze a further five seconds behind.

"I couldn't give a rats about what people say about me… there's nothing left they can say more about me because it's already been said."
Cronulla Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes speaking to AAP ahead of tomorrow evening’s preliminary final, where his side will face the Melbourne Storm. The Sharks have already defied expectations in this year’s finals, beating the minor premiership-winning Canberra Raiders last week to earn their place in the penultimate round of the season. They face an equally tough challenge against the Storm, who have won their last four finals matches at AAMI Park in Melbourne, where the match is being played. The other preliminary final will see the Brisbane Broncos host the Penrith Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

In 2024, Dartmouth student Bond Almand cycled the entire 14,000-mile Pan-American route, from Alaska’s Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego, in just 75 days. He broke the previous record by nine days. More recently, the 21-year-old completed the fastest north to south cycle across the U.S, riding from Florida to the Canadian border in 8 days, 5 hours, 56 minutes, and 17 seconds. 

🏏 India are the first team through to the men’s cricket Asia Cup final after a 41-run win over Bangladesh in Dubai. Abhishek Sharma smashed 75 from 37 balls to set up India’s total of 168, with Hardik Pandya adding 38. Bangladesh opener Saif Hassan fought hard with 69, but Kuldeep Yadav’s 3-18 ensured they were bowled out for 127. India, who have not been beaten all tournament, now wait to see whether Pakistan or Bangladesh will join them in Sunday’s final.

⚽ Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest were denied a famous win on their return to the Europa League, drawing 2–2 with Real Betis in Seville. Igor Jesus struck twice in the first half to put Forest ahead, but a late equaliser from former Manchester United winger Antony spoiled the night. Despite the setback, it was Forest’s most promising display yet under Postecoglou, who is still chasing his first win since taking charge. Forest’s next match is a Premier League fixture against Sunderland on Sunday morning (AEST). 

🏉 Veteran Wallabies prop James Slipper will become the third player to reach the milestone of 150 international Test caps after being selected to start against the All Blacks this weekend. The only two players to have achieved the feat are Wales’s Alun Wyn Jones (170) and New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock (153), who are both now retired. Other notable selections include Tate McDermott starting at halfback, with Ryan Lonergan set to make his Wallabies debut off the bench in the same position, and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto starting at lock in his first Wallabies Test this year. Kick-off is at 5:05pm on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland.

Peak performance doesn’t just come from training hard

It also comes from what’s happening behind the scenes – like making sure your body’s getting the nutrients it needs. 

You need B12 and iron for energy, zinc for immunity, and antioxidants to help your body bounce back.

Enter: Blackmores’ Rapi-Melts Range.

They’re quick, tasty melts you can take anytime – no water, no hassle. Whether it’s pre-game, post-gym, or mid-commute, they’re an easy way to stay on top of your health without overthinking it.

Supports general health and wellbeing. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

Australia has struck gold twice at the World Para Swimming Championships, with Alexa Leary and Callum Simpson both topping the podium in Singapore. 

Here’s what to know. 

Leary dominated the women’s 100m freestyle S9, touching almost three seconds clear of her rivals in 59.19 seconds. While just shy of her own world record, the Queenslander said winning gold was her main goal. She added: "I've still got more left in the tank and now I'm even more determined to beat my 50m world record later this week, just you wait." 

Leary will swim the heats of the women’s 50m freestyle S9 on Saturday with the final scheduled for that evening. 

Earlier in the night, Simpson set an Oceania record of 57.15 seconds to claim gold in the men’s 100m freestyle S8. The 22-year-old held off a fast-finishing field with Italy’s Alberto Amodeo finishing second and Ukraine’s Eduard Horodianyn rounding out the podium.

Simpson said: "To put in a race like that against such good competitors and see my hard work pay off, it means the world."

You can watch the World Para Swimming Championships via the Paralympics YouTube live stream. Tonight’s finals start at 7:30pm (AEST).

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The first bounce of the AFL Grand Final is at 2:30pm on Saturday. It’s one of the biggest days of the year in Victoria (big enough for a public holiday tomorrow) and will see the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions face off in the season decider for the first time. 

Let’s have a look at how these teams line up. 

The last time the Cats played in a grand final was 2022, when they beat the Sydney Swans by 81 points. The club has plenty of finals experience, having played in the grand final in seven of the last 19 seasons. 

The Cats are on an eight-match win streak and have looked unstoppable in finals, beating the Lions 112-74 in the qualifying final and dominating Hawthorn 115-85 in last week’s preliminary final. 

The Cats will be without key defender Tom Stewart, who was concussed in last week’s match. According to reports, he will be replaced by either Jed Bews or Zach Guthrie. 

The Lions are playing in their third consecutive grand final. In 2023, they lost to Collingwood by four points and in 2024, they thrashed the Sydney Swans to win their first premiership since 2003. 

The Lions finished third on the AFL ladder this year and while they have looked shaky at times, pundits have pointed to them as the top team in the competition when they’re at their best.

Two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale has raced the clock since he injured his calf in the qualifying final three weeks ago. It’s unclear whether he will be fit for Saturday. Also in doubt is midfielder Jarrod Berry, who dislocated his shoulder against Collingwood last week. 

Before the Cats' victory over the Lions in the qualifying final just three weeks ago, the Lions had won their previous three encounters. 

The two times they met during the regular season this year, the Lions beat the Cats 70-61 in Round 3 and 92-51 in Round 15. The Lions’ victory in Round 15 was their first at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong since 2003. 

There is one stat that suggests history is in favour of the Lions. Of the five times this century that two teams have played each other in a qualifying final and the grand final in the same year, the loser of the qualifying final has won the grand final four times. 

American rapper Snoop Dogg will headline entertainment on Saturday. His appearance comes after some debate over the AFL’s choice of headliner, given his previous comments regarding LGBTQIA+ people.

In an on-stage interview today, Snoop said: "I've been coming to this country for years and I understand what this game is and what it means. I know that it's not just a sport, it's a way of life. I know it's not just a team or club, it's part of your DNA, so I understand what is at stake.”

The entertainment lineup also includes Australian artist Vera Blue, Tash Sultana, Baker Boy, and footy anthems man Mike Brady.

You can watch the AFL Grand Final on Channel 7, Foxtel, and Kayo.