SYDNEY—It's not just politics that divides Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd. Footy does too.
Australia's two biggest football codes have their grand finals this weekend and the two men - who face their own grand final later this year - are backing opposing teams.
The prime minister has tipped Geelong to take the AFL flag against Port Adelaide at the MCG tomorrow.
However, Mr Rudd has followed the advice of his Adelaide-born wife, Therese Rein, and is going for the Power, Port Adelaide. He even has a tie in Port's club colours of teal and purple.
It's the same story in the NRL, which will be played at Telstra Stadium on Sunday.
Mr Howard is sticking with the Sydney team, Manly, while Brisbane-based Mr Rudd is going for the Melbourne Storm.
Mr Howard and Mr Rudd will be attending both grand finals.
Meanwhile, Victorian Premier John Brumby will also have a busy weekend and has laid bets with his South Australian and NSW counterparts.
If Geelong wins, SA Premier Mike Rann will be forced to toast the victory with a glass of Victoria red.
If Port is victorious, Mr Brumby will wrap a Port scarf around his neck at his first official function after the grand final.
And if Melbourne wins the NRL, NSW Premier Morris Iemma will allow the Victorian flag to fly off the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
If Manly triumphs, the NSW flag will take pride of place outside the Victoria government offices at 1 Treasury Place in Melbourne.
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