From the first bounce to the final siren - small business lessons from the AFL Grand Final
- Written by Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand
The AFL Grand Final is one of the most anticipated days on the sporting calendar. This Saturday, the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions will battle it out at the MCG, with millions of fans tuned in across the country. For small business owners, the parallels are striking. Running a business often feels like a grand final that never ends - every day brings high stakes, tough calls and the need for a clear game plan.
Preparation sets the tone
No premiership is won without months of hard work before the first bounce. Pre-season drills, strength training and tactical sessions build the foundations for success. Small business is no different. The preparation phase, from shaping a business plan and setting up systems, to building customer connections, determines how ready you are when the competition heats up.
The unexpected always arrives
Grand finals are rarely predictable. Momentum can swing in seconds and injuries or unexpected weather can upend even the best game plan. In business, the challenges arrive in the same way - a sudden change in customer demand, a dip in the market or a new competitor breaking through. The difference between surviving and thriving lies in adaptability, just as in football: adjusting your structures mid-game, changing match-ups when needed and keeping composure when the pressure is at its highest.
Resilience comes from the team
Star players can turn a game, however, championships are won through collective effort. In business, resilience grows when staff, partners, suppliers, customers and software solutions are all aligned. The best operators know how to draw strength from their team, ensure everyone plays to their strengths and keep energy levels up when the pressure builds.
Keeping an eye on the next season
A grand final win is celebrated, however, the most successful clubs are already planning for the next season. Business is the same. Wins today are important, however, sustainability comes from looking ahead - building and using software solutions that free up time, refining what works and learning from what didn’t.
The scoreboard that really matters
At the end of the siren, the true measure is not only the score on the board but also the ability to walk off the ground knowing you have built something that can go again, stronger. For small business, that means creating the kind of momentum, culture and resilience that allows growth to continue season after season.
