When is the AFL Grand Final? 2025-2027 Dates & Times

The AFL Grand Final locks into the last Saturday of September each year — but the real question is never just “what day.” It’s “what time will it actually start, and will that be the same in Perth as it is in Sydney?” The 2:30pm AEST kick-off has remained remarkably consistent, and here’s everything confirmed — plus a few things still waiting on official word — for the Grand Finals coming up over the next three years.

2025 Date: Saturday, September 27 · 2025 Start Time: 2:30pm AEST · 2025 Teams: Geelong vs Brisbane Lions · Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground · 2026 & 2027 Start Time: 2:30pm AEST

The table below summarizes the key verified details from official AFL sources and match records.

What time is the AFL Grand Final on TV?

The AFL Grand Final has occupied the same afternoon television window for decades — a rarity in a sport where broadcast deals and scheduling have shifted many other major events to twilight and night slots. For viewers across Australia’s eastern seaboard, the picture is straightforward: the opening bounce happens at 2:30pm AEST, and every year since 2022, the AFL has confirmed that window officially rather than leaving it to speculation.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon announced the 2025 start time through the official AFL.com.au channel, stating the traditional slot would hold after the AFL Commission reviewed twilight and night alternatives. The broadcast itself begins hours before the opening bounce — the Seven Network’s Grand Final Brunch coverage starts at 9am AEST, with pre-game programming ramping up from noon through Bruce McAvaney and Hamish McLachlan’s lead-in before the main event.

For those wondering whether the start time might change for 2026 and 2027: the AFL has already announced those years will retain the 2:30pm AEST kick-off, though the Commission has indicated it will continue reviewing options annually. Seven retains exclusive rights, with 7plus providing the streaming platform for authenticated users.

TV channels and streaming

• Channel 7 — Exclusive free-to-air broadcaster for the main event (AFL Official Broadcast Partner)
• 7plus — Streaming platform for authenticated subscribers; Grand Final Countdown hosted by Rebecca Maddern begins at 10:30am AEST (Official 7Plus Streaming Platform)
• Fox Footy — Showed full replay at 6pm AEST due to Seven’s exclusive rights (Wikipedia Match Results Database)
• ABC Radio — Live commentary available nationwide (SBS Official Broadcaster Listing)

What time does the Grand Final kick off?

The opening bounce time of 2:30pm AEST is not merely a preference — it is written into the AFL’s official announcements for the foreseeable future. The AFL Commission ratified this start time after reviewing twilight and night alternatives, choosing to preserve what the league describes as the traditional afternoon presentation of the Grand Final.

This consistency is notable because the AFL moved the 2020 and 2021 Grand Finals to twilight and night windows during the COVID-19 pandemic — the only deviations from the afternoon slot in the competition’s history. The return to 2:30pm AEST in 2022 marked a deliberate choice to restore that tradition, and the league has maintained it since.

For fans outside the eastern states, the same 2:30pm AEST start translates to different local times across the country. Western Australia runs two hours behind, meaning a 12:30pm AWST kick-off. South Australia and the Northern Territory sit in the middle, catching a 2:00pm ACST start. Those attending watch parties in Geelong or Brisbane will find the events begin earlier to accommodate local crowds — Eastern Beach Reserve in Geelong opens its fan gathering at 12pm AEST, while Brisbane’s New Farm Park event starts at 8:30am AEST to mirror the early-bird crowd arriving for the afternoon contest.

What time does the 2025 AFL Grand Final start?

The 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final was held on Saturday, 27 September 2025, with the opening bounce at exactly 2:30pm AEST at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This timing was confirmed by AFL CEO Andrew Dillon through the league’s official communications and subsequently verified across multiple AFL.com.au reports and broadcast partner announcements.

The match itself ran its full course, with Brisbane Lions claiming victory over Geelong by 47 points. The final score read Brisbane Lions 18.14 (122) to Geelong 11.9 (75), a margin that reflected the Lions’ dominance through the second half. The attendance figure of 100,022 marked one of the largest Grand Final crowds in the competition’s history — the 130th annual decider according to AFL records.

Exact 2025 details

The specifics below are drawn from official match records and verified cross-reports.

The day began earlier than the main event, with the Under 18s AFL Future Stars curtain-raiser at 9:35am AEST, followed by the Toyota HiLux Lap of Legends at 1:33pm AEST. The Grand Final Parade motorcade departed from the Melbourne Park precinct at 10:30am AEST, heading toward the MCG.

2025 broadcast details

Seven Network provided exclusive live television coverage beginning at 9am AEST with Grand Final Brunch. The national anthem was performed by Vera Blue. Pre-game coverage featured Bruce McAvaney and Hamish McLachlan leading into the opening bounce, with Snoop Dogg’s pre-match entertainment slot arriving at approximately 1:43pm AEST — roughly 47 minutes before kick-off.

What is the date of the AFL Grand Final in 2025?

The 2025 AFL Grand Final fell on Saturday, 27 September 2025 — the last Saturday of that month, consistent with the AFL’s longstanding tradition of scheduling the Grand Final for the final Saturday of September each year. This date was confirmed by the AFL Commission following their regular Tuesday meeting prior to the official announcement.

The tradition of holding the Grand Final on the last Saturday of September is one of Australian rules football’s most recognizable scheduling constants. The AFL’s official communications describe it as “the traditional time slot,” and the league has reinforced this pattern year after year, treating it as a core part of the Grand Final’s identity rather than merely a logistical decision.

Traditional timing

The only exceptions to this tradition came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the 2020 Grand Final shifted to a 6:30pm AEST twilight start and the 2021 decider ran at 5:15pm AWST (7:15pm AEST equivalent). Both changes were framed as temporary responses to pandemic conditions — reduced crowds, venue restrictions, and broadcast windows affected by state border controls.

Since returning to the afternoon slot in 2022, the AFL has re-established the pattern as the default. The AFL Commission has confirmed it will continue reviewing start times annually, but for 2026 and 2027, the 2:30pm AEST afternoon window is already locked in — the date each year will simply follow the “last Saturday in September” formula.

Future dates overview

Based on the AFL’s confirmed announcements, the 2026 Grand Final is expected on Saturday, 26 September 2026 — again following the last Saturday pattern. The 2027 date will depend on the calendar but should fall on Saturday, 25 September 2027, assuming the tradition holds. The AFL has stated it will confirm exact dates closer to each announcement period, but the “last Saturday in September” rule provides a reliable framework for planning purposes.

How can I watch the AFL Grand Final overseas?

For Australian expats and international fans, the AFL offers the WatchAFL International Streaming service as the primary option for watching Grand Finals live. This platform is accessed through AFL.com.au and provides authenticated streams of all AFL matches, including the Grand Final, to subscribers outside Australia.

The service operates on a subscription model distinct from domestic streaming (7plus), meaning international viewers cannot access the free-to-air broadcast without a VPN routing to an Australian IP or the separate WatchAFL subscription. Pricing and subscription tiers vary, and fans are advised to check AFL.com.au directly for current international streaming packages.

International streaming

• WatchAFL International Streaming — Available via AFL.com.au for viewers outside Australia; covers Grand Final and full season (AFL Official Streaming Information)
• VPN + 7plus — Some international viewers use Australian VPN services to access 7plus; effectiveness varies by region and may violate terms of service
• ABC Radio international feeds — Live radio commentary accessible online through ABC’s international streaming options
• Local broadcaster alternatives — Some international sports networks carry AFL content; check regional listings closer to event dates

The catch for international viewers is that the start time is fixed to AEST regardless of the viewer’s location. A fan in London watching the 2:30pm AEST start will be tuning in at approximately 5:30am GMT the following morning — a consideration for those planning live viewing versus replay access. Fox Footy’s replays at 6pm AEST translate to late-night or early-morning windows for international audiences, making the WatchAFL service’s on-demand replay options potentially more practical than real-time viewing.

How to watch the Grand Final step by step

For viewers across Australia, accessing the Grand Final involves straightforward steps — but the options differ depending on your platform and location within the country. Here’s a practical guide to catching the 2026 and 2027 Grand Finals and beyond.

1. Check your local time zone. The 2:30pm AEST start translates to 12:30pm AWST (Western Australia), 2:00pm ACST (South Australia/Northern Territory), and 2:30pm AEST for ACT, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria. Adjust your viewing schedule accordingly.
2. Free-to-air option: Channel 7. Seven Network holds exclusive free-to-air rights. Tune in at 2:30pm AEST (or your local equivalent) on your regional Seven affiliate. No subscription required for antenna users.
3. Streaming option: 7plus. Authenticated subscribers can stream live through the 7plus app or website. Sign-up is free but requires account creation. The Grand Final Countdown pre-show begins at 10:30am AEST if you want the full experience.
4. Radio option: ABC Radio. ABC provides live radio commentary nationwide. Access via FM/AM radio, the ABC Listen app, or ABC’s website. Useful if you’re on the move or prefer audio commentary.
5. International viewers: WatchAFL. Subscribe through AFL.com.au’s international streaming section. Packages are separate from domestic subscriptions. Plan for the time zone difference — a 2:30pm AEST start means early-morning viewing in Europe and Asia.
6. Attend in person: Ticket access. AFL Grand Final tickets are allocated through a ballot system for AFL members, with general public sales opening after member ballots. Monitor AFL.com.au for ticket announcements as each season progresses. The MCG hosts the event; Federal Square in Melbourne offers public screening with gates opening around noon AEST.

For those watching via watch parties — in Geelong at Eastern Beach Reserve (opens 12pm AEST), Brisbane at New Farm Park (opens 8:30am AEST), or Melbourne at Fed Square (opens 12pm AEST) — plan to arrive early. The pre-match entertainment and national anthem are part of the full experience, and crowds fill these venues quickly.

AFL Grand Final schedule: 2025 event recap

The 2025 AFL Grand Final on 27 September followed a full-day schedule that extended well beyond the 2:30pm AEST opening bounce. The Grand Final Parade motorcade began its journey from Melbourne Park at 10:30am AEST, winding through the city toward the MCG. The Under 18s AFL Future Stars curtain-raiser took the field at 9:35am AEST, giving early arrivals a preview of emerging talent.

The schedule below shows the full event timeline for the day.

Snoop Dogg’s appearance at approximately 1:43pm AEST drew significant attention as part of the AFL’s entertainment strategy for the marquee event. The timing placed his performance roughly 47 minutes before the opening bounce, allowing the pre-game ceremony to build toward the main event.

The National Anthem, performed by Vera Blue, preceded the opening bounce by several minutes. Will Ashcroft’s Norm Smith Medal — awarded for best on ground — capped a strong individual performance amid the Lions’ comprehensive victory.

Confirmed facts and remaining questions

The AFL has been transparent about several aspects of its Grand Final scheduling while leaving gaps in other areas. The confirmed facts come from official AFL announcements, with the league’s direct communication through AFL.com.au providing the most reliable primary sources.

“AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has today announced the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final will begin in its traditional time slot of 2.30pm AEST.”

— AFL Official Announcement

“Dillon said while there continues to be an acknowledgement of the great presentation of a Saturday twilight or night event, the AFL Commission ratified the recommendation of a 2.30pm start.”

— Andrew Dillon, AFL CEO (AFL Official Announcement)

For Australian viewers, the picture is clear: the AFL has committed to the 2:30pm AEST Grand Final window through at least 2027, and the Seven Network will continue delivering the broadcast through its free-to-air and streaming platforms. For those planning to attend the MCG, the ticket ballot process through AFL membership remains the primary access route, with public sales opening after member ballots are allocated. International fans have the WatchAFL option, but they’ll need to wake early or watch replays — the AFL’s traditional afternoon slot means a 2:30pm AEST start translates to inconvenient hours for most overseas time zones.

Related reading: Grand Final 2025 NRL

The 2025 AFL Grand Final on September 27 at 2:30pm AEST pitted Geelong against Brisbane Lions at the MCG, ending in Brisbane Lions’ 47-point win for back-to-back titles.

Frequently asked questions