Twelve months ago the football fraternity made two predictions that everyone was sure would become true. One, that Collingwood would be unstoppable, and that they would go back-to-back. With their premiership their names were to be inked as greats of the game.

The second prediction was that Geelong was done, having lost their Brownlow Medal winning star, and their premiership coach. Their record over four seasons - 74 wins from 88 games - mattered not; it seemed impossible to come back from that.

In 2007 their premiership win was a pure annihilation, humbling Port Adelaide. In fact, the margin of 119 points was the greatest in a grand final. In 2008, despite dominating all year, it was their turn to be humbled at the hands of Hawthorn. Everyone knew they would be back, and sure enough, the revenge they sought was delivered against St Kilda in 2009.

Last year it was a convincing preliminary final loss to Collingwood, compounded by speculation around the upcoming defections of both Gary Ablett and Mark Thompson that was supposed to be the beginning of the end.

Chris Scott was told how the script would play out; all the talking heads made sure he knew. But he did not care for their prophecies of doom. His first press conference was as optimistic as it was ballsy - the team he was inheriting would not only fail to sail away quietly into the night, but that he would challenge for a premiership, he insisted.

And today is not the day Collingwood rejoices as entrants into the team hall of fame as they were supposed to. After two flags and two missed opportunities in four years, this was Geelong's chance. With this grand final, they could turn themselves from a great team into a dynasty.

Three premierships in five years is an incredible feat, and will undoubtedly be compared to other great football empires - Melbourne in the late 1950s, both Carlton and Hawthorn of the late 1970s and 1980s, and Brisbane of the early 2000s come to mind. How they stack up will continue to be debated, but I would rate them above Brisbane and on par with the others.

There is also little reason to believe they can't continue. Cameron Mooney has already announced his retirement, and you would expect Darren Milburn to make the same decision, too, especially considering he missed out today. Skipper Cameron Ling could also end on a high.

They are big losses, but it's not as if there is a shortage of players waiting to step up. Joel Selwood is only 23 but is already an elite midfielder. Daniel Menzel was a revelation this year, and while he'll be out all of next year recovering from a torn ACL, is a champion in the making. Allen Christensen, too, is only 20 years old and has huge potential. With his effort today, Tom Hawkins could finally be playing up to his potential.

The future is all that awaits Geelong now. With their list, their coach, and the belief they have in themselves, they could become even greater. Three premierships in five years could be just the beginning; their destiny, and an even greater dynasty awaits.