TEXAN footy nut Bobby Leath reckons the safe money is on a Bulldogs flag and we'll see the Norm Smith Medal hanging from Marcus Bontempelli's neck come Saturday night.
Like countless others across the globe, Leath, from Austin, Texas, will bunker down to follow every kick and ride every bump on the back of the Bulldogs bandwagon come 2:30pm Melbourne time on Saturday.
But how the footy fan now swept up in 'Footscray fever' became a dyed-in-the-wool Kangaroos supporter is a story in itself, a story that has its roots on a hot night in the middle of a Texan summer.
"It was August 9th, 2014, late on a Friday night and I was bored flipping channels on the TV. Not sure why I remember that date," Leath told AFL.com.au from his home this week.
"Anyways, I stumbled across North Melbourne versus GWS on a sports channel. Although I had no idea what was going on, I couldn't stop watching. The game was too exciting even though it was a blowout. Drew Petrie kicked five that day.
"The following week I decided to watch another game and this time it was Fremantle versus Hawthorn. Good match, but something in my gut said to be a North supporter."
Leath ordered a copy of Jim Main's Aussie Rules For Dummies, found the AFL website, purchased a Watch AFL Global Pass and from there, quickly became a rusted on fan.
The 43-year-old wrangled in some friends to share his new passion.
"My buddy Greg picked the Bulldogs to support so he's pretty happy this week. My friends don't watch every week like I do, but they do follow scores on the AFL app," he said.
"I never miss a North game, but I do watch other teams quite a bit as well. The "nice time slot" here means 10pm. I'll typically watch that game regardless of who is playing. I like to know about players on other teams. AFL Fantasy also helps with that.
"That's what's great about the Watch AFL Global Pass."
North Melbourne sent the Texan a signed jumper and other club memorabilia after seeing a photograph of Leath in Lance Armstrong's Austin bike shop on social media.
"On North game days, I always wear my Kangas socks and one of my Kangas t-shirts. Then right before the game starts, I throw on the autographed Drew Petrie guernsey the club so kindly sent me," he said.
"I don't think I've ever woken up my wife from yelling at the TV, but maybe she's just being nice and hasn't told me yet."
Come the first bounce at 11:30pm, Friday Austin time, there will be a distinct red, white and blue, Bulldog through-and-through flavour when he and a group of friends watch the action.
"First and foremost a Bulldogs win would be exciting. But I do love all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with Grand Final day prior to the game. I can only imagine how great it'd be in person."
Want to watch the game outside Australia? Grab your Watch AFL Global Pass here.
