And the winner of the 2016 AFL Premiership is...

I have a theory.

Whether it's in business, career, sport or life in general, teams and individuals that achieve their dreams have almost always tasted heartbreaking defeat first. 

Defeat toughens people who got so close only to miss out. The experience burns inside and if that burn can be harnessed, is often the catalyst for not letting it happen again the next time.

Think about an experience in your life where you fell short of the mark. Did the disappointment and pain stay with you? Do you think it drove you to success the next chance you got?

Let's turn this to sport where this week debate has raged as to who will win the AFL Grand Final. Will it be the fairy tale finish for the Bulldogs? Or will it be a calculated, well executed finish to the season by the Swans?

The Bulldogs have had an amazing journey and they've surprised everyone to will themselves into the last game of the year. But have they tasted the bitterness and heartbreak of losing when they got so close to the prize?

Only two years ago the Swans were beaten by Hawthorn and the sting of that loss would still be there. For that reason, the Swans will want to harness that burn and my tip is that they will be AFL premiers for 2016.