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Where can I watch the AFL Grand Final?
Ultimate guide to 2025 AFL Grand Final: from Snoop Dogg to sausage rolls
Whether you’re heading to the Grand Final parade, the big game, or watching from the couch, here’s everything you need to know for the AFL Grand Final for 2025.
Global music icon Snoop Dogg is set to headline the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment at the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final at the MCG, making it a celebration of fun and footy.
After a thrilling season, on Saturday, 27 September 2025, two teams will battle it out for premiership glory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
AFL is ‘more than a game’ to Victorians, it's the culmination of 23 home and away matches over 25 rounds of football, plus elimination, semi and preliminary finals, so it’s understandable that there are several ways to celebrate that one day in September.
From parades to group viewings and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone during footy’s biggest weekend. And if the Grand Final isn’t your thing, you can always check out things to do over the long weekend.
For those emotionally invested, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 AFL Grand Final, Grand Final Parade and AFL Footy Festival in Victoria.
The RACV Club's Priority Pass offers RACV Club Members ballot access to the AFL Grand Final.
What you need to know about the 2025 AFL Grand Final
When is the 2025 AFL Grand Final?
The 2025 AFL Grand Final will take place on Saturday, 27 September at 2.30pm AEST, and should finish around 5pm, depending on quarter lengths and whether extra time is required.
Which teams are playing in the 2025 AFL Grand Final?
At the end of the AFL season, the top eight teams compete in the AFL Finals series to determine the premiers. Over four weeks, the teams are narrowed down to two for the grand final in the fourth week.
The top four teams need to win two finals to reach the grand final, while the bottom four need to win three. The two winning teams from the top four get a bye in the second week and play at home in the third week, while the two losing teams play at home in the second week.
The 2024 AFL grand final was won by the Brisbane Lions, with a 60-point victory over the Sydney Swans that gave them their first premiership in 21 years.
Where is the 2025 AFL Grand Final being held?
The MCG will play host to the 2025 AFL Grand Final. All tickets are allocated to clubs, members and corporates, with expensive packages the only option for members of the general public.
For those watching from home, it can be viewed live on Channel 7 and 7plus, or you can stream a replay on Kayo Sports.
Is there a public holiday for the 2025 AFL Grand Final?
The day before the Grand Final is a public holiday in Victoria. This year the public holiday is on Friday, 26 September 2025. It is not a public holiday in other parts of Australia.
Public transport will be busy on Grand Final day, so make sure you plan your journey ahead of time. Image: Matt Harvey
When and where is the AFL Footy Festival?
This year, the free AFL Footy Fest wil take over Yarra Park from Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 September 2025.
Held next to the MCG at Yarra Park, entry is free and there will be entertainment for all ages, including player appearances, giveaways, an AFL Play zone, music, food trucks and bars. The designated area will be open 10am-9pm, Wednesday to Friday, and 8am-10pm on the Saturday, although some offerings may open later in the day.
When and where is the AFL Grand Final Parade?
This year, the AFL Grand Final Parade will kick off around 9am on Friday, 26 September, 2025. It starts at Melbourne Park Oval, travels through the heart of Melbourne’s sporting precinct to Birrarung Marr, past the MCG and finishes at Yarra Park.
Typically, the two AFL teams vying for the premiership will be in attendance, along with iconic AFL legends, the Brownlow Medal winner, Coleman Medallist and Rising Star Award winner. The best viewing zones include Melbourne Park Oval, Birrarung Marr and Yarra Park, where the players will be introduced on stage after the parade.
Other attendees include Auskickers, mascots, and the holy grail – the Premiership Cup. It is advised that those wishing to attend arrive early to secure their spot along the trail.
American rapper Snoop Dogg will perform at the 2025 AFL Grand Final at the MCG. Image: AFL Media
Who is performing at the 2025 AFL Grand Final?
The AFL pre-game entertainment is almost as hotly anticipated as the match itself, with some of the best performances cementing their place in our collective memories.
The AFL has announced that American rapper, record producer, and actor Snoop Dogg will headline the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment at the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final at the MCG. From Gin and Juice to Drop It Like It’s Hot, Snoop has produced and featured in some of the most memorable hits of the past 30 years - blending West Coast hip-hop with a signature laid-back charisma that has earned him fans across generations.
“It’s an absolute honour to be hitting the stage at the AFL Grand Final — it’s one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar," Snoop Dogg said in an AFL press release. "Can’t wait to bring the energy and celebrate with the fans. Let’s make it unforgettable.”
How do I get to the MCG for the 2025 AFL Grand Final?
A crowd of more than 100,000 is expected to attend the MCG for the Grand Final, so plan your journey to the city ahead of time with the free Arevo journey planner app.
Public transport is the easiest way to get to the 2025 AFL Grand Final. Extra tram and train services are scheduled for the Grand Final Parade on Friday, September 26, 2025 and for the AFL Grand Final Day on September 27, 2025.
For the Grand Final, the two closest train stations are Jolimont, a five minute walk through Yarra Park, and Richmond, walking past the Punt Road Oval. The 48, 70, and 75 trams also run to the MCG.
Those taking a V-Line service to Southern Cross Station can hop on the Hurstbridge line to Jolimont station.
A number of bicycle loop and parking facilities are also available in Yarra Park, with extra facilities provided on Game Day.
If you’re driving to the game, limited paid on-street parking can be found around the Royal Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens. Download the RACV app to find nearby fuel stations and the best fuel prices. Parking at Yarra Park will have restricted, with access limited to those with accreditation or possessing a disability permit.
A plate of homemade sausage roll is the perfect fare for a Grand Final party with friends. Image: Getty
Where can I watch the AFL Grand Final?
If you couldn’t score tickets to the big game, don’t fret, as there are still plenty of places to get in on the crowd atmosphere in the city and surrounds. Along with screenings at pubs and bars across Melbourne and regional Victoria, the game will be broadcast live and free in Federation Square in Melbourne's CBD.
How to host the ultimate AFL Grand Final party
If you’re not among the fortunate few to score a ticket to the game, why not invite your friends and family over for a Grand Final party?
Whether you’re looking to fire up the barbecue and serve the perfect chicken parma, steaks and sausages, or rustling up a batch of crowd-pleasing sausage rolls from the RACV Club kitchen, make sure you’ve got a good seat to catch all the action on the field.
How to enjoy the MCG at other times of year
Sports fans should not miss out on a visit to the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG. See Australia’s largest collection of sporting memorabilia at this ever-changing museum. The immersive exhibits and galleries include cricket, AFL, the Olympics, Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Victorian Racing Gallery and the reimagined Game On! interactive space.
For the best view of the MCG, experience Melbourne Skydeck, which has spectacular panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Thrillseekers have the option of the Ultimate Skydeck attraction, with entry to the Skydeck, the Edge, VR Plank and Voyager Theater. The Edge is a transparent glass cube that projects out from Melbourne Skydeck, leaving daring guests suspended nearly 300m above the streets of Melbourne.
If you're after an exclusive experience, RACV Club Members have access to the RACV Club Suite at the MCG for AFL games, cricket matches, and music concerts. RACV Club Members are also eligible to join Priority Pass, which offers ballot access to the AFL Grand Final, The Ashes, and British and Irish Lions tour.
