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The AFL Grand Final is more than just a game — it’s the most anticipated sporting event in Australia. Each year, millions of Aussies tune in from home, at pubs, or inside the iconic MCG to witness the two best AFL teams battle for the ultimate prize. In fact, the 2024 AFL Grand Final attracted 6.09 million viewers on channel 7, making it the most-watched TV event in Australia that year. It’s a cultural institution steeped in tradition, passion, and fierce competition — and for many, it’s a weekend that’s circled on the calendar the moment footy season begins.
From the opening bounce to the final siren, the AFL Grand Final delivers drama, unforgettable plays, and moments that become part of Australian sporting folklore. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who just gets around the hype once a year, this guide has everything you need to know — from what time is the AFL Grand Final to how to watch it and where to find the best watch parties.
The AFL Grand Final is the championship match of the Australian Football League — the final showdown of the season that determines who will be crowned premiers. It’s the culmination of a 24-round regular season and a month-long finals series that sees the top eight teams duke it out for a spot in the big match.
Typically held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) — unless otherwise required — the Grand Final is attended by over 100,000 fans and watched by millions more around the world. It’s the Aussie equivalent of the Super Bowl in terms of cultural significance, complete with massive pre-game performances, national anthems, and post-match presentations.
The energy on Grand Final Day is electric — especially in Melbourne. The city buzzes with excitement all week, culminating in the iconic Grand Final Parade held the day before. On game day, pubs open early, families fire up the barbie, and households argue over who’s going to win.
At the stadium, pre-match entertainment is broadcast nationally and usually features iconic Australian artists. Once the game starts, it’s all business: four quarters of high-stakes footy, where legends are made and club histories rewritten. After the final siren, the winning team is awarded the Premiership Cup, players receive gold medals, and one standout player is crowned with the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground.
The origins of the Grand Final date back to 1898, when the VFL introduced a finals series to decide the champion team. That first Grand Final was played between Fitzroy and Essendon — a far cry from the modern-day spectacle we see now.
Over time, the league grew, and in 1990 the VFL officially became the AFL to reflect the inclusion of interstate teams. Clubs like West Coast, Adelaide, and Brisbane began to dominate eras, and the game’s popularity exploded nationally. The Grand Final remained a mostly Victorian affair until the 2000s, when teams from other states regularly began reaching (and winning) the final match.
The AFL has long kept the tradition of staging the Grand Final on the last Saturday in September, a ritual that resonates with generations of fans. This year, the 2025 AFL Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, 27 September 2025.
The AFL Grand Final traditionally begins at 2:30 PM AEST, a start time that’s synonymous with spring afternoons and backyard gatherings across Australia.
While there have been some twilight and night-time experiments, the AFL returned to the 2:30 PM slot in recent years due to strong fan preference.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 27 September |
| 2026 | 26 September |
| 2027 | 25 September |
| 2028 | 30 September |
| 2029 | 29 September |
Yes — at least in Victoria. The Friday before the Grand Final is officially recognised as a public holiday, introduced in 2015 to replace Melbourne’s traditional public holiday for the Melbourne Cup Parade.
Only Victoria currently observes this public holiday. Other states and territories do not currently have this as a public holiday, although many still embrace Grand Final fever in other ways — like early work knockoffs and workplace tipping comps.
| Year | Premiers | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Brisbane Lions | Sydney Swans |
| 2023 | Collingwood | Brisbane Lions |
| 2022 | Geelong Cats | Sydney Swans |
| 2021 | Melbourne | Western Bulldogs |
| 2020 | Richmond | Geelong Cats |
Most premierships by a club:
You don’t need to be at the MCG to enjoy the Grand Final. It’s streamed and broadcast nationwide for free.
From rooftops in Melbourne to sunny pubs in Brisbane, AFL Grand Final watch parties are held all across Australia. Check out:
The AFL Grand Final is a celebration of everything Aussie: sport, mateship, and good food. Whether you’re at the MCG or on the couch, it’s a day to get loud, cheer hard, and make memories. If you're looking to host an AFL Grand Final watch party, get AFL themed dessert boxes delivered to your house so you can focus on your match! We offer same day delivery in Melbourne and next day delivery available Australia-wide if you need AFL Grand Final party snacks last minute. Turn your party into a real celebration with a confetti explosion to your box so it bursts confetti when opened! Get your crew together — and may the best team win!