In both the AFL grand final to be played in Melbourne today, and the NRL decider set down for Sydney tomorrow, it’s a case of NSW v. Victoria.

The Sydney Swans meet Hawthorn in the AFL grand final while the Canterbury Bulldogs take on the Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

For Bathurst’s Ryan Noakes, this afternoon’s AFL grand final will be another highlight in his 13-year stint as a Swans supporter.

The team won him over in 1999 at his first-ever Swans game, where he marvelled at legend Tony Lockett kicking his 1300th career goal.

Ryan believes Sydney can take home their second premiership flag this afternoon.

“In the past we’ve lacked a bit of defence,” he said.

“We haven’t had the squad to go all the way through the finals but this year – and probably next year as well – they’ve really strengthened across the board.”

Meanwhile, it will be all blue and white in Liz Arrow’s Bathurst home.

The Bulldogs fan will be proudly flying her team’s flag from her roof tomorrow as she cheers with her daughters Felicity, Chloe, Tiffany, Tarli and Hannah – all avid Canterbury supporters.

Liz attributes the Bulldogs’ success this season to the team as a whole, not just new coach Des Hasler.

“I just hope they don’t choke like they’ve done in previous years,” she said.

And 10-year-old Tiffany had some wise last words for the Bulldogs ahead of the big game, advising them to “have fun, but you have to win”.