Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has admitted that the Western Bulldogs will be sentimental favourites heading into Saturday afternoon's AFL grand final against the Sydney Swans.
Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten both attended the North Melbourne Grand Final Breakfast at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre ahead of the much-awaited clash set for kick off at 2.30pm (AEST).
Speaking at the event, the PM said the Bulldog's status as sentimental favourites wouldn't stop him barracking for the Swans, adding that the fixture could have been worse for Melburnians.
"Having a Sydney team in the grand final is never universally popular here in Melbourne, but I say to all Victorians it could have been worse ... but for late goals to Jack Macrae and Marcus Bontempelli it could have been an all Sydney affair," he quipped, referring to GWS just missing out on a grand final berth.
Turnbull is a vocal Swans supporter, although he "butchered" the club's song on the radio this week.
The Western Bulldogs are making a bid to end a 62-year premiership drought, and thousands of fans have already entered the MCG, with the gates officially opening at 8am.
For the Swans, they'll be looking to follow up their 2012 premiership win with another AFL title.