The 2025 AFL Grand Final is set to take place on September 27, 2025, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), marking a historic matchup between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions. This is the first time these two teams have faced each other in a grand final since the inception of the Victorian Football League (VFL), now known as the Australian Football League (AFL). With nearly 100,000 fans expected to attend, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
In their recent encounters, Geelong emerged victorious in a qualifying final just three weeks ago, defeating Brisbane at the MCG. They continued their strong performance by besting Hawthorn to secure their place in the grand final. On the other hand, the Lions had a more challenging path after losing their first final but rebounded with impressive wins against Gold Coast and Collingwood in the preliminary rounds.
Game Details and Viewing Options
The grand final is scheduled to kick off at 14:30 AEST. The weather forecast indicates partly cloudy conditions, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 18 degrees Celsius. Fans traveling to the MCG can find transportation information on the venue’s official website.
For those unable to attend, the game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and its streaming services. Additionally, ABC Sport will provide live blogging and commentary accessible through their website and local radio stations.
Entertainment and Pre-Game Festivities
This year’s grand final entertainment features Snoop Dogg, who will headline the pre-game show, starting at 13:30 AEST. Known for hits such as “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Gin and Juice”, Snoop Dogg’s performance has generated mixed reactions, but AFL chief executive Andrew Dillion has defended the choice. He will share the stage with a lineup of Australian artists, including Baker Boy, Tash Sultana, and First Nations performers Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn. Australian singer-songwriter Vera Blue will perform the national anthem, while Mike Brady will deliver the traditional “Up There Cazaly” during the AFL retiree motorcade.
For fans in Queensland and Geelong unable to make it to Melbourne, live viewing sites will be available. In Geelong, fans can gather at Eastern Beach Reserve starting from 12:00, while Brisbane supporters can enjoy a watch party at New Farm Park from 08:30 to 18:00. Melbourne locals without tickets can also watch the game at Federation Square from 12:00.
The grand final parade will take place the day before the match, on September 26, starting at 10:00 AEST. This traditional event will begin at Melbourne Park Oval, culminating in presentations on the Macca’s Footy Fest main stage around midday.
Both teams have rich histories in the AFL. The Geelong Cats last won the grand final in 2022 against the Sydney Swans, while the Brisbane Lions claimed victory in the 2024 grand final, also against Sydney. If the Lions triumph again this year, they will be the first team to achieve back-to-back premierships since Richmond in 2019-2020.
As excitement builds for this unprecedented clash, fans around Australia and beyond will be eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling showdown in Melbourne.
