How true the preview proved to be.
17,000 Manly fans, plus 200 Easts' supporters daring to dream, on a beautiful winter's night at Sydney's best football ground. Here is where the best football is played, and every fan gets to 'smell' the atmosphere, hear the impact of the tackles, and scream themselves hoarse.
Imagine how insipid the atmosphere would be for 17,000 fans had the match been played at the concrete canyon that is ANZ Stadium?
And the best team, from the finest NRL club, prevailed.
Indeed, another memorable night.