A gloomy weather forecast has failed to dampen the mood of Saturday's AFL grand finalists as their presidents attended the traditional breakfast to kick off the big day.

Geelong president Frank Costa said last year's grand final disappointment was not far from the side's mind, and he was quietly confident the Cats could win.

"I feel the preparation has been pretty good," Costa said.

"All of our players are back fit again at the right time of year."

St Kilda president Greg Westaway promised a good contest.

"We're very excited about today and confident if we bring our best game we will get up," Westaway said.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said he tipped Geelong to win by nine points, but he would happy if either side took the flag.

One fan who admitted to unbearable nerves before the game was St Kilda supporter and music guru Ian "Molly" Meldrum.

"I have been to the loo 220 times since I got back from London last night," Meldrum said.

"It's a big day. It's like a dream come true that we're in the grand final."

In a touching moment during the opening of the grand final day breakfast, hosted by the North Melbourne club, Collingwood legend Lou Richards received a standing ovation as the 86-year-old arrived in a wheelchair pushed by his grandson.

It is St Kilda's first grand final appearance since 1997. Their only taste of grand final victory was in 1966, when they beat Collingwood by a point.

Meanwhile, Geelong desperately wants to cap three years of excellence with a second premiership.

The weather tipped for the day is hail and possible thunder in the afternoon, with a maximum of 14 degrees Celsius.

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