2channel Anime Saimoe 2012: Third Round, Group B

2channel Anime Saimoe 2012: Third Round, Group A

2channel Anime Saimoe 2012: First Four IN!

BoBA 2012 ISML Predictions: Tiara Match Day 4

ARENA 01: [Tachibana Kanade] Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) by .<=1000
Over/Under: 12000
Over

ARENA 02: [Misaka Mikoto] Aisaka Taiga by >=1500
Over/Under: 12000
Over

ARENA 03: Isanami Rias Gremory [Shirakiin Ririchiyo] by .<=2000

Over/Under: 12000

Over

ARENA 04: Henrietta de Tristain Tachibana Miya [Yamano Lemon] by .<=2000

Over/Under: 12000

Over

ARENA 05: [Araragi Tsukihi] Sonya Tanamachi Kaoru by .<=2000

Over/Under: 12000

Over

ARENA 06: Akazawa Izumi Mishima Nana [Tōjō Koneko] by .<=2000

Over/Under: 12000

Under

ARENA 07: Urabe Mikoto Xiao-Mei [Yoshida Yuki] by .<=2000

Over/Under: 12000

Over

ARENA 08: Coco Eureka [Sanka Rea] by .<=2000

Over/Under: 12000

Over

ARENA 09: [Kanoe Yūko] SG550 Tokura Misaki by .<=2000

Over/Under: 12000

Under

ARENA 10: Furuya Mero [Ibara Mayaka] Satō Masaki by .<=2000

Over/Under: 12000

Over

Hitagi Senjougahara, 2012 Anizone Best Moe Champion

Good early morning, Seoul. I must remind all of you that while I celebrate this victory with you on this cool October evening, you all have jobs to take care of, families to raise, mouth to feed, and a nation that is in need of your care and loyalty. Citizens of the Republic of Korea, thank you for being here.

This decade has seen so much progress for a country that is still at war with its brothers across the border. I am ready to continue that progress and I need your help.

Over this course of this past weekend, the Korean people have spoken. They have affirmed our course. They have told us to be staple stable. Korea has told every one of us, loud and clear, that it is time to put aside old rivalries, join together, and get the job done for the future of this peninsula.

Again, as I will say to you all, we have made so much progress under the leadership of Ms. Homura Akemi. But in our schools, our families, our workplaces, our communities, and the places we go that help us enjoy the life we love...our journey is far from done.

I would like to say a special word of thanks to Ms. Kurisu Makise and her contributions to the field of neuroscience and finding new ways to help prolong the lives of Korean citizens and men and women all over the world. She ran a good race, and I wish her all the best and congratulate her on her efforts.

I want to thank my loving husband, Koyomi Araragi, for his tireless efforts and love and support. Dearest one, you mean everything to me. You mean the world to me, and you helped me get over my darkest days and I lived to tell about it, and I want to thank you.

To the rest of my circle: Nadeko Sengoku, Suruga Kanbaru, Tsubasa Hanekawa, Mayoi Hachikuji, Shinobo Oshino and her brother Meme, and Karen and Tsukihi Araragi, thank you for your support and solidarity in my cause and my plan to help move this country forward. Though we come from different walks of life, our dream is shared, and a new dawn of leadership in Korea is at hand.

This was a year that was highlighted by Expo 2012, an International Exposition that took place in the city of Yeosu. The theme of the Expo was “The Living Ocean and Coast” with subthemes of “Preservation and Sustainable Development of the Ocean and Coast,” “New Resources Technology,” and “Creative Marine Activities.” Over 100 countries participated in this event, and over 8 million visitors from around the world took part in the festivities.

This year, we addressed global issues like climate change and the protection of the oceans: the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian and the Arctic. Indeed, the demon that possessed me took the form of a stone crab and when I visited this exposition in Yeosu, I am reminded of my origins and why I am who I am right now.

Finally, our country, under the leadership of Ms. Akemi, returned to the black, recording a current-account surplus as the result of an easing global financial climate. Of course, the Republic of Korea is one of the leading economies in the world: a leader in electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding and steel production.

We have worked hard to turn this country around in the light of the economic recession, and now we ask ourselves this question: what are we going to do to make Korea better in the future?

Tonight, we proclaim that the vital Korean center—this city, Seoul—is alive and well. This is the common ground on which we have made our progress. Our economy is stronger, our streets our safer, our environment is cleaner, the world is more secure and our nation is committed to being united with its brothers and sisters to the North.

My last name, in Japanese, means "battle field." Indeed, the Korean peninsula remains a battlefield, divided between the industrialized South and the undeveloped, cult-driven North. But through your heart, through your will and through your determination, we are committed to becoming one united Korea. To do this, we must make our democracy stronger by enacting real, multi-partisan campaign finance reforms. Talk is cheap. It is not enough. It is time to hit the ground running, ASAP. And the Korean people will watch the leaders of parties represented in the Moe National Assemble to see who is willing, not just to talk, but to act. I am willing to act, and I ask others in the Moe National Assembly to join me in doing so.

And we must keep the Republic of Korea's status as one of the world's most indispensible nations. We will do this by approaching threats to our nation's security through terrorism and the proliferation of dangerous weapons, and seizing these extraordinary opportunities to extend our values of peace and democracy and prosperity. These are important issues I plan to tackle with confidence and resolve as your new Moe President of Korea.

Also, not too far from this special night, one of the national treasures, Sungnyemun, will rise from the ashes and be restored to its mighty grandeur. A pure symbol of this country, I will be there to witness its rebirth, and I implore each and every one of you to join me in witnessing this historic occasion.

Every Korean tonight, no matter which side of the peninsula you are on, and every Korean within in the sound of my voice can take pride in the fact that for the past decade on, a majority of human beings living on this Earth live under democracies where the people rule.

The challenges we face are not Monogatari challenges or Steins;Gate challenges or challenges by fans of other shows. They are Korean challenges. What we have known from the infighting of the past several years and from the remarkable success of the last few weeks of this Moe National Assembly is the lesson we have learned for many centuries, going all the way back to the days of antiquity: what we have achieved as Koreans of lasting good, we have achieved by working together. So let me say to the fans of all the shows that have your favorite moe character or characters, it's time to put country ahead of series.

We know this for sure, as people who love the moe: the races are close and competitive. The Korean people have been closely divided. The Assembly, no matter what happens from this point onward, will be closely divided.

But at the same time, they are sending us a message: Work together. Meet our challenges. Put aside the politics of division and build the communities of our great nation together.

What we need to do is do the work of Korea, the way we seek to do the work of raising our children and doing our work and supporting our religious institutions, our community institutions and any institution we choose to be a patron of.

If would we simply be Korea, the way we seek to live in all of our other roles, there is no stopping Korea. Our best days are still ahead.

So I say to you, when we look into our hearts and minds and simply ask ourselves what is right for the Korean people and the future of our children, when we set aside our differences and build on our shared values of family, duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity; when we roll up our sleeves and work together as a team, Korea always wins.

I got here to this arena of champions tonight, my dear Koreans, because Korea gave me a chance. That is what all the children of Korea deserve. Our people and our ancestors have to give our children the tools to give them not a guarantee, but that real chance to live up to their potential, to be the best they can be.

And so I ask you to join me in that commitment. Every child in this country deserves the main chance that I was given. Every child deserves to overcome the challenges I went through in my lifetime to be successful.

Let us resolve to run this country the way we try to run our lives. Whether you are a fan of Steins;Gate, or a fan of Monogatari or a fan of Hyouka or a fan of Accel World, whether you support a show of the past, or a series that will air soon on your television set and will be released on DVD soon after, whether your buy the merchandise in-store or online, whether you are a fan of anime or not, remember that we all belong to one of the greatest countries in the world and in our history.

To us, much has been given and much is still expected. We must rise to the challenge of continuing the progress we made. Tonight is a night of joy, not just for us here, but for all Koreans, and for all fans of moe from around the world.

For the seventh time in our history, our people have made their quiet and deliberate decision. They have come together with their powerful voice and expressed their will.

Tonight, we celebrate the miracle of Korea. Soon, we greet the dawn and begin our work anew. I am even more grateful than I can say, and I am excited at our opportunity to help continue our path to success as a nation. You have given me this opportunity and a responsibility that comes to only a few people.

I will do my best. I will never let you down. And together we will move Korea forward in the 21st Century. Thank you, good night, God bless you all, and may the gods bless Korea.

Hankook Manse.

-Hitagi Senjougahara

Seventh Moe President, Republic of Korea

8 October 2012

Jamsil Arena

Seoul Special City, Republic of Korea

Anizone Best Moe 2012: Results, Final

Hitagi Senjougahara wins Korean Moe Presidency
Landslide victory over Kurisu Makise

By JR Salazar
October 8, 2012

A packed crowd at the Jamsil Arena in Seoul Special City celebrated a momentous victory for supporters of the Monogatari Party. Hitagi Senjougahara was elected as the seventh Moe President of the Republic of Korea, defeating Kurisu Makise of the Steins;Gate Party by a landslide, 266-132.

Crab plushies were lifted and waved in the air, as were flags of the Monogatari Party's logo and colors. Banners and signs of encouragement were held with messages such as "Redemption!", "Staple Stable!", "Hitagi, No. 1 in Korea!", "I Love You", "This Is Our Night!", "Gahara Is Korea!" and "OPPAN GAHARA STYLE!"

The crowd were chanting her nickname, "Gahara! Gahara! Gahara!" numerous times during the rally.

Three hours prior to the event, Senjougahara received a phone call from Makise indicating that she had conceded the race. Later in the hour, she also received a phone call from the current Moe President, Homura Akemi. Akemi will transfer power to Senjougahara on New Year's Day 2013. The duration of this term lasts the entire calendar year.

"I am very proud of Hitagi," said her husband, Koyomi Araragi, "and I am happy beyond belief. I love her to death and I support everything she does. I am confident that she will lead Korea to untold success."

"I suppose this is a way for the voters to allow her a second chance and give her the ascendancy after her heartbreaking defeat to Mio Akiyama two years ago," Akemi said at a press conference at Blue House. "This is her time, and she is ready."

"As soon as she defeated Snow Black in the semifinals I knew the race was decided," said Hiroko Funakubo, an observer representing the Saki Party. "The general election was going to be a formality because of the circumstances surrounding her failed bid in 2010.

"Destiny would not abandon Ms. Senjougahara this time."

It is not known how this will affect her efforts in Japan. Senjougahara is facing Saki Party heavyweight Nodoka Haramura in Round 3 and this victory could damage her hopes of progressing in the Moe Prime Minister of Japan race. However, securing the East Asian Double is not unprecedented, as Suiseiseki (2006) and Taiga Aisaka (2009) have been successful in securing this honor.

Korean entertainer Park Jae-Sang, also known as PSY and a supporter of Senjougahara, fired up the crowd with a number of songs, including Right Now, Champion, and his signature hit, Gangnam Style. At 12:30 a.m. KST, Senjougahara entered the Jamsil Arena, escorted by Araragi and his two sisters Karen and Tsukihi; Meme Oshino and his sister Shinobu; Mayoi Hachikuji; Suruga Kanbaru; Nadeko Sengoku and Tsubasa Hanekawa.

Following her victory speech, Senjougahara performed, for the final time, her campaign anthem, "Staple Stable."

ISML 2012: All In For The Division Finals

ISML 2012: All In For The Division Finals

By JR Salazar
October 5, 2012

The 2012 International Saimoe League Division Finals are now officially set. Kanade Tachibana and Ruri Gokou will be facing each other in the Nova Division Final, while defending champion Mikoto Misaka is facing Taiga Aisaka in the Stella Division Final.

Tachibana sliced and diced Yui 7005-2849, while in the closest match of the night, a single vote separated Gokou from Eucliwood Hellscythe, 5062-5061. Misaka electrocuted Yuki Nagato 5984-4044, while Aisaka roared past Saber 6524-3648.

Six other exhibition matches also took place on Day 3 of the postseason. Charlotte Orleans, a.k.a. Tabitha, defeated Marika Katou 4685-2333. Madoka Kyouna was a disappointing third with 1747 votes. Yuka Hanaki won her exhibition, defeated Kanata Shinonome 3889-2663. Serika Itou was third with 1174 votes.

In the third exhibitiom, Miu Takanashi did just enough to silence Tsukasa Ayatsuji, 3826-3092. Cordelia Glauca was third with 2010 votes. Nyaruko, a.k.a. Nyarlathotep, proved that she will be a threat in the Nova with a 5921-1977 whipping of koko Hekmatyar. Tamaki Kasuga was third with 1305 votes.

Riding on the coattails of another good campaign for Bakemonogatari, Tsubasa Hanekawa flexed her muscles against Zessica Wong, 55141-1601. Taki Tooru was third with 1512 votes. Toki Onjouji, already an established threat for Saki in the 2channel Anime Saimoe Tournament, defeated Maiya Hisau to win her exhibition 4091-2513. Sasaki was third with 1048 votes.

The Division Finals wrap up with Day 4 of the 2012 International Saimoe League postseason, scheduled for October 7, 2012. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

2channel Anime Saimoe 2012: Odds, Third Round

October 7, 2012
Saki Miyanaga 2-1
Kobato Hasegawa 5-1
Prediction: Saki Miyanaga by <=100
Over/Under: 500
Over

Akari Akaza EVEN
Mei Misaki 6-1
Prediction: Akari Akaza by >=100
Over/Under: 500
Over

October 8, 2012
Yuuki Kataoka 5-1
Koromo Amae EVEN
Prediction: Koromo Amae by >=75
Over/Under: 550
Under

Iori Minase 9-1
Toki Onjouji 1-5
Prediction: Toki Onjouji by >=150
Over/Under: 550
Under

October 9, 2012
Cthugha 2-1
Hisa Takei 5-1
Prediction: Cthugha by <=70
Over/Under: 500
Over

Nagi Sanzen'in EVEN
Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere 5-1
Prediction: Nagi Sanzen'in by <=75
Over/Under: 500
Over

October 10, 2012
Astarotte Ygvar 5-1
Yayoi Kise 2-1
Prediction: Yayoi Kise by <=50
Over/Under: 525
Under

Chihaya Kiraragi 4-1
Hinata Hakamada EVEN
Prediction: Hinata Hakamada by >=50
Over/Under: 525
Under

October 11, 2012
Sakuno Uryuu 10-1
Sanya V. Litvyak 1-6
Prediction: Sanya V. Litvyak by >=150
Over/Under: 530
Over

Kuro Matsumi EVEN
Ririchiyo Shirakiin 3-1
Prediction: Kuro Matsumi by <=100
Over/Under: 530
Over

October 12, 2012
Charlotte Dunois 15-1
Yuu Matsumi 1-4
Prediction: Yuu Matsumi by >=150
Over/Under: 500
Over

Yui Funami 7-1
Kirame Hanada 2-1
Prediction: Kirame Hanada by <=80
Over/Under: 500
Over

October 13, 2012
Nodoka Haramura EVEN
Hitagi Senjougahara 3-1
Prediction: Nodoka Haramura by <=50
Over/Under: 540
Over

Mio Akiyama EVEN
Sena Kashiwazaki 3-1
Prediction: Mio Akiyama by <=60
Over/Under: 540
Over

October 14, 2012
Tsukihi Araragi 20-1
Ako Atarashi 1-5
Prediction: Ako Atarashi by >=150
Over/Under: 530
Under

Airi Kashii 25-1
Shana EVEN
Prediction: Shana by >=150
Over/Under: 530
Under

2channel Anime Saimoe 2012: Second Round, Group H

2channel Anime Saimoe 2012: Second Round, Group G

BoBA 2012 ISML Predictions: Tiara Match Day 3

ARENA 01: [Tachibana Kanade] Yui by >=1500
Over/Under: 9000
Over

ARENA 02: [Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko)] Eucliwood Hellscythe by <=1000
Over/Under: 9000
Over

ARENA 03: [Misaka Mikoto] Nagato Yuki by <=1000
Over/Under: 9000
Over

ARENA 04: [Aisaka Taiga] Saber by <=800
Over/Under: 9000
Over

ARENA 05: Charlotte Orléans (Tabitha) Katō Marika [Kyōno Madoka] by >=500

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 06: Ayatsuji Tsukasa Cordelia Glauca [Takanashi Miu] by >=500

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 07: [Hanekawa Tsubasa] Tōru Taki Zessica Wong by >=500

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 08: [Hanaki Yuka] Itō Serika Shinonome Kanata by >=500

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 09: Kasuga Tamaki Koko Hekmatyar [Nyarlathotep] by >=500

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 10: Hisau Maiya [Onjōji Toki] Sasako by >=500

Over/Under: 9000

Over

Anizone Best Moe 2012: Odds, Final

Hitagi Senjougahara 1-9
Kurisu Makise 3-1
Prediction: Hitagi Senjougahara by <=100
Over/Under: 300
Over

Anizone Best Moe 2012: Results, Semifinal 2

ISML 2012: Division Semis now set!

ISML 2012: Division Semis now set!

By JR Salazar (Bongaboi)
October 3, 2012

Prime time once again in the 2012 International Saimoe League as the Division Final rolled on. The semis are now set, as the race for the Sapphire and Diamond Circlets pass the halfway point.

In the Nova Division, Sapphire favorite Kanade Tachibana sliced and diced Kobato Hasegawa 5827-4001, Yui rocked Yuri Nakamura 4807-4657, Ruri Gokou prevailed over Kirino Kousaka 5048-4423 and Eucliwood Hellscythe silenced Sena Kashiwazaki 6117-3451.

In the Stella Division, defending champion Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Haruhi Suzumioya 5705-4018, Yuki Nagato defeated Mio Akiyama 5045-4806, Taiga Aisaka roared past Azusa Nakano 5222-4748 and Saber upset Shana 5029-4818.

In the first of two exhibitions, Karen Araragi finished first with an overwhelming 5371 votes. Yayoi Kise was second with 1592 votes and Chris Yukine was third with 1511 votes. The second exhibition was a complete farce in terms of being competitive. Eru Chitanda, who trying to stay alive against Kurisu Makise in Korea, won 7492 votes. Ritsuko Mukae was a distant second with 790 votes and Nonoha Itou was third with 750 votes.

Day 3 of the 2012 International Saimoe League postseason is scheduled for October 3, 2012. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

Anizone Best Moe 2012: Results, Semifinal 1

BoBA 2012 ISML Predictions: Tiara Match Day 2

ARENA 01: [Tachibana Kanade] Hasegawa Kobato by >=1500
Over/Under: 9000
Over

ARENA 02: Nakamura Yuri [Yui]  by >=12500

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 03: Kōsaka Kirino [Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko)]  by >=1400

Over/Under: 9000

Over\

ARENA 04: Kashiwazaki Sena [Eucliwood Hellscythe]  by >=1700

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 05: [Misaka Mikoto] Suzumiya Haruhi  by >=1200

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 06: Nagato Yuki [Akiyama Mio]  by <>=1500

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 07: Nakano Azusa [Aisaka Taiga]  by <=1200

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 08: Saber [Shana]  by <=1200

Over/Under: 9000

Over

ARENA 09: [Araragi Karen] Kise Yayoi Yukine Chris  by <=1500

Over/Under: 9500

Under

ARENA 10: [Chitanda Eru] Itō Nonoha Mukae Ritsuko  by <=1500

Over/Under: 9500

Under

2channel Anime Saimoe 2012: Second Round, Group F

2channel Anime Saimoe 2012: Second Round, Group E

ISML 2012: Tickets punched to the Tiara

ISML 2012: Tickets punched to the Tiara

By JR Salazar
October 1, 2012

Tickets were punched to the second phase of the 2012 International Saimoe League Tiara postseason as the 2channel Anime Saimoe Tournament continues and the Anizone Best Moe Tournament began to wrap up with the semis. The winners of the Nova and Stella Division Finals win the Sapphire and Diamond Circlets, respectively.

NOVA DIVISION

In the Nova Division, Sapphire favorite Kanade Tachibana sliced and diced Haruna 6578-2036, Kobato Hasegawa pounded Inori Yuzuriha 4274-3958, Yuri Nakamura gunned down Mato Kuroi 5351-3141, and Yui rocked Erio Touwa 5306-3149.

Kirino Kousaka cruised past Aria Holmes Kanzaki 4704-3626, Ruri Gokou rolled past Victorique de Blois 5162-3102, Sena Kashiwazaki defeated Charlotte Dunois 4299-3764 and Eucliwood Hellscythe silenced Yozora Mikazuki 5615-2661.

STELLA DIVISION

In the Stella Division, defending champion Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Tomoyo Sakagami 5256-3290, Haruhi Suzumiya dominated Hinagiku Katsura 4664-3818, Yuki Nagato stormed past Nadeko Sengoku 4992-3409 and Mio Akiyama boomed past Shinobu Oshino 4998-3403.

Azusa Nakano romped past Yui Hirasawa 5193-2703, Taiga Aisaka roared past Rin Tosaka 5572-2972, Saber slashed past Hitagi Senjougahara 4804-3504 and Shana torched Illyasviel von Einzbern 5404-3108.

Match Day 2 of the 2012 International Saimoe League postseason takes place on October 2, 2012. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

Anizone Best Moe 2012: Odds, Semifinals

Semifinal 1
Kuroyukihime 2-1
Hitagi Senjougahara 4-1
Prediction: Kuroyukihime by <=50
Over/Under: 200
Over

Semifinal 2
Kurisu Makise 10-1
Eru Chitanda EVEN
Prediction: Eru Chitanda by >=40
Over/Under: 200
Over

BoBA 2012 ISML Predictions: Tiara Match Day 1

ARENA 01: [Tachibana Kanade] Haruna by >=1000
Over/Under: 11000
Over

ARENA 02: [Hasegawa Kobato] Yuzuriha Inori by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 03: [Nakamura Yuri] Kuroi Mato by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 04: [Yui] Tōwa Erio by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 05: [Kōsaka Kirino] Kanzaki H. Aria by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 06: [Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko)] Victorique de Blois by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 07: Kashiwazaki Sena [Charlotte Dunois] by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 08: [Eucliwood Hellscythe] Mikazuki Yozora by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 09: [Misaka Mikoto] Sakagami Tomoyo by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 10: [Suzumiya Haruhi] Katsura Hinagiku by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 11: [Nagato Yuki] Sengoku Nadeko by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 12: [Akiyama Mio] Oshino Shinobu by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 13: [Nakano Azusa] Hirasawa Yui by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 14: [Aisaka Taiga] Tōsaka Rin by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 15: [Saber] Senjōgahara Hitagi by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

ARENA 16: [Shana] Illyasviel von Einzbern by >=1000

Over/Under: 11000

Over

Melbourne Storm - 2012 NRL Premiers

MELBOURNE 14 (R Hoffman J O'Neill B Slater tries C Smith goal) bt BULLDOGS 4 (S Perrett try) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Tony Archer, Ben Cummins. Crowd: 82,976.

FINALLY, Melbourne have won a premiership no-one can question. The Storm can party like they did in 1999.

Two years after the salary-cap scandal saw them stripped of their 2007 and 2009 premierships, the Storm clinched a title on bona fide terms with a 14-4 defeat of Canterbury in a grand final epic at ANZ Stadium.

Match centre: Game details and stats, plus vote for man of the match

But the Storm's first legitimate title win in 13 years before 82,976 fans was riven with drama after Bulldogs prop James Graham was reported for sensationally biting the ear of Melbourne fullback Billy Slater.

In one of the most vicious acts in grand-final history, TV replays showed Graham attack Slater after he collided with Sam Perrett as the Bulldogs winger scored in the 26th minute, sparking an all-in brawl.

Taste of defeat: More on Graham's bite

When the dust settled, Slater formalised the biting allegation with referee Tony Archer, who then told Graham and Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis: "Can you see the blood on his (Slater's) ear?"

The British-born bookend faces a lengthy ban, but the ice-cool Storm overcame the saga to bury the Bulldogs and give master coach Craig Bellamy his first untainted premiership.

"What do you say at moments like this?" said Storm skipper Cameron Smith.

"There was a part of the season where people a lot of people were writing us off, but we stuck strong. We just got back to our basics at training and on the field and it happened.

"It happened for us tonight and we played against a quality opposition. We got the job done.

"I've been asked a few times if we won would this be sweeter than the others. There is a small spot that says yes."

"We were gutted a few years ago, morale wasn't at its highest, but we built this club back up and made it count."

A Bulldogs title would have turned Belmore into Crazy Town. Instead, the Storm were too hungry and too clinical, driven to victory by a magnificent performance from Cooper Cronk, who won the Clive Churchill Medal.

Cronk set up tries for Slater (32nd minute) and Justin O'Neill (39th minute) to give his side a 14-4 half-time lead - and the Storm hung on in the second stanza to break the Bulldogs' hearts.

The match began in glorious conditions, a far cry from the partly moist and overcast conditions that greeted the Manly-Warriors NRL decider 12 months previous.

The death-or-glory clash started at a high-octane pace and it took just five minutes for Bulldogs centre Krisnan Inu to thump Cronk. The Storm halfback hit the turf like a sack of spuds. Boom. Crash. Pachang. It was one of the hits of the NRL season.

Undeterred, the Storm were on the board within 60 seconds, Ryan Hoffman reaching out to score after a scintillating ball from Gareth Widdop to give the visitors a 4-0 lead.

After a frenetic opening, Graham turned the melodrama up a notch when he chomped hard on Slater's ear amid a flurry of pushes and punches. But nothing would deter the Storm. The juggernaut simply rolled on.

Five minutes later, Slater exacted revenge, slicing through after a sublime double-pump from Cronk. And when O'Neill soared high to score from a Cronk cross-kick 60 seconds before half-time to give his side a 14-4 lead, the Storm had one hand on the trophy.

They weren't about to let go.

"Lost for words. Gutted," said Michael Ennis.

"It’s been such an enjoyable year and to go out like this is just devastating.

"Take the emotion out of it, I’m just so proud of our boys and where they’ve come from. They can really hold their heads up high.

"They really turned the corner at this club and we’re going to be around for a few more years yet.

"Our defensive was brilliant in the first half, but there were too many unforced errors that just allowed a good side like Melbourne into the game.

"I thought 10 points at half-time was a credit to our defence and honestly I thought we were a chance to come back there.

"Full credit to Melbourne. They’re a good side and they deserve it."

Sydney Swans - 2012 AFL Premiers

BLOODS, SWEAT & CHEERS IN GRAND FINALE

The Sydney Swans have beaten Hawthorn by 10 points in an epic 2012 Grand Final

Adam Goodes falls to his knees as Josh Kennedy runs to celebrate with him after the final siren

By Adam McNicol | 29/09/2012 5:13 PM

THE SYDNEY Swans have won an extraordinary rollercoaster of a Grand Final, defeating Hawthorn by 10 points in wintry conditions at the MCG on Saturday.

With 99,683 people watching on, the Swans were 28 points up early in the third quarter, fell 12 points behind during the final term, then prevailed 14.7 (91) to 11.15 (81).

Ryan O'Keefe, who collected 28 possessions, laid 15 tackles and won seven clearances, was awarded the Norm Smith Medal after a dominant performance for the Swans in the midfield.

Watch the eight big plays from the Grand Final

In a nail-biting finish, David Hale put Hawthorn 11 points up early in the last quarter, before a shot from Lance Franklin extended the margin to 12.

But the Swans, who went into the game as rank outsiders, refused to be beaten.

Five Talking Points: Hawthorn v Sydney Swans

Three late goals from Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack and Adam Goodes handed John Longmire's team a seven-point advantage with seven minutes to go.

Hawthorn did much of the late attacking, but Jack Gunston and Brad Sewell missed three shots between them in the dying moments of what was an enthralling contest.

Nick Malceski then snapped the winning goal with 38 seconds left on the clock, as the Swans won their fifth VFL/AFL premiership, but just their second since 1933.

Click here for all the best match pics

O'Keefe, Hannebery (29 possessions) and Josh Kennedy (26 touches) and Jarrad McVeigh (21) played their hearts out in the midfield for the winners.

Malceski, Jack, Kennedy, McVeigh and Mitch Morton all kicked two goals.

Lewis Roberts-Thomson, who took marks and laid big tackles at both ends of the ground, was another never-say-die performer for the Swans. 

"It's fantastic," coach John Longmire said after the game. 

"I was lucky enough to play in one in my last game and now as a coach to see the 22 players experience it, some for the second time, but many for the first time, is one of the great experiences I've had.

"To see the joy on their faces and get reward for what's been a fantastic season was great."

It was a devastating result for Hawthorn, which had 26 scoring shots to 21 and dominated in many areas on the stats sheet.

The Hawks won the inside-50 count 61-43 and the clearance count 58-35, yet they were unable to win their 11th VFL/AFL flag.

"When you come to the big dance at the end of September, you're not going to win them all the time," Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said.

"Allan Jeans came here on nine occasions and won four. So we just need to keep turning up.

"Along the way there is going to be some heartbreak, whether that's in prelims or whether that's in Grand Finals.

"But along the way there'll also be some joy. 

"We didn't get that today, but we're hopeful that if we learn from our season, we'll get another chance to have another crack at it in the not-too-distant future."

Franklin, who outplayed Swans defender Ted Richards for much of the afternoon, was one of many stars on the losing team.

Richards v Franklin

The gun forward sparked the Hawks' revival by kicking two extraordinary goals in the third quarter, including a 60m bomb from close to the boundary line, and he finished the game with 3.4 and 24 possessions.

Midfielders Sewell (33 disposals and 11 clearances) and Sam Mitchell (24 touches, 10 clearances) were among the other star performers.

It is the first time Hawthorn has been defeated in a Grand Final since it lost the 1987 decider to Carlton.

It was just 10 degrees when the ball was bounced, yet the Hawks made a hot start.

By quarter-time the inside-50 count was 18-7 in their favour and they led by 19 points.

Yet Longmire's men piled on the next eight goals - without a miss - and if Kennedy's snap had not hit the post, 10 minutes into the third term, they would have been 33 points up. 

Franklin then spearheaded Hawthorn's comeback, as the Hawks kicked five answered majors in all and snatched the lead.


Jarrad McVeigh (r) celebrates as the Swans seal their fifth VFL/AFL premiership. Picture: AFL Media 

Still, the Swans were able to take a one-point lead into the final change after Mitchell threw the ball over McVeigh's head following a free kick.

McVeigh made the most of the ensuing 50m penalty by putting the Swans back in front.

However, Hawthorn was far from finished. The Hawks regained the lead 57 seconds into the last quarter, then established a two-goal buffer.

But they couldn't hold on, as the Swans fought back to score a famous win.

HAWTHORN                4.5    4.6    9.10   11.15   (81)                 
SYDNEY SWANS         1.4     7.4   10.5    14.7    (91)          
GOALS
Hawthorn: Franklin 3, Breust 2, Gunston 2, Hale 2, Ellis, Smith
Sydney Swans: Jack 2, Kennedy 2, Malceski 2, McVeigh 2, Morton 2, Goodes, Hannebery, Reid, Roberts-Thomson

BEST
Hawthorn: Franklin, Sewell, Burgoyne, Mitchell, Breust, Hale
Sydney Swans: Hannebery, O'Keefe, Kennedy, McVeigh, Jetta, Goodes
 
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Ellis (calf), Hodge (head)

Sydney Swans: Goodes (knee), Johnson (wrist)
 
SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Xavier Ellis (calf) replaced by Shane Savage in the third quarter
Sydney Swans: Shane Mumford replaced by Luke Parker in the fourth quarter
 
Reports: Nil
 
Umpires: Rosebury, Stevic, Meredith
 
Official crowd: 99,683 at the MCG

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs