The excitement is building ahead of this year’s Big Dance, here’s your mate Joe Fortune with my ultimate guide, to give you a rundown on everything you need to know about the AFL Grand Final 2024 including how/where to watch, and who this year’s competing teams are.

 

When and Where Does the AFL Grand Final Take Place?

This year’s Aussie Rules showpiece will be played on Saturday, September 28, 2024, and will of course be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a venue known for hosting some of the most memorable moments in AFL history. For fans in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart and Canberra the game is set to get underway at 2:30pm AEST. For those in Adelaide, it will begin at 2:00pm ACST, while in Perth, the match will begin at 12:30pm AWST and in Darwin, it will commence at 1:00pm ACST.

For the growing number of international viewers and Aussies overseas, the match will begin at 5:30am BST in the UK, 12:30am EDT in the US Eastern Time Zone, and 9:30pm PDT (on September 27) in the US Pacific Time Zone. If you are wanting to view the match in Asia, the game has a start time of 1:30pm SGT.

 

AFL Grand Final 2023 Rewind

Here’s a reminder from last year. Let’s hope we’re in for another classic this time around… The 2023 AFL Grand Final saw Collingwood claim a thrilling victory over Brisbane. The match was a nail-biter, with the Magpies securing the win by a narrow margin of just 4 points. The game was a showcase of bloody intense, high-quality footy, with both teams putting on a game for the ages in front of over 100,000 supporters. Whilst it was sheer agony for the Lions’ fans, the Magpies’ triumph was its first premiership since 2010, and the victory was celebrated long into the night and the next morning by its passionate supporters.

 

Joe’s AFL Grand Final 2024 Stats & Tips

If you’re wanting to have a bet on a team in the 2024 AFL Grand Final, then your mate Joe Fortune has a few stats to help you decide where you might drop a few bucks.

• The Brisbane Lions have a 6-1 winning record over the Sydney Swans in the teams’ last 7 competitive matches, with the Swans only victory coming in 2021.
• In the most recent match between the sides in July it was Brisbane who came out on top 79-77.
• Sydney has lost its last three appearances in the AFL Grand Final while the Lions have lost its last two so one of the sides is sure to break its losing streak.
• The Lions have shown that in its last two matches there is no such thing as a lost cause as it has come back from 44 points and 28 points both times to ensure it is playing at the Big Dance for a second year in a row.

This season the Swans have not always been scoring heavily in the first quarter so it might start off by being a low scoring game. With the total points being offered presently at 170.5 my tip is to bet on the total score being under that number. And while I think that it will be a close game I reckon the Lions will just miss out again this year and Sydney will hold on and defeat Brisbane by 4 points, just like last year, in another thriller.

 

Breaking Down The Teams: Who Will Win the 2024 AFL Grand Final?

 

Ahead of the AFL Grand Final 2024 Joe Fortune brings you a quick preview on what we can expect ahead of the big game and provides some form analysis of the two teams, highlighting the key players from each side along with a couple of suggested picks for all your punters out there.

 

The 2024 AFL Grand Final Teams

Here we go… the end of September is fast approaching, and we are down to two teams left heading to the Big Dance and neither of them will be from Victoria for the first time since 2006! Sydney has been on top of the ladder for most of the season and after defeating GWS in its qualifying final, certainly deserves its place at the MCG after a comprehensive win over Port Adelaide. The Brisbane Lions have shown that they are desperate to make up for last year’s defeat with two stunning fightback victories in their last two games, first over GWS and then against the Cats. We’re all set for what should be a ripper at the MCG.

Sydney Swans

Swans’ head coach John Longmire has come close on three occasions since his side last won the flag back in 2012. With his current crop of players, he won’t have many better chances to add a second AFL Grand Final victory to his resume.

Even for those of you who don’t follow AFL closely you will have seen the names of Isaac Heeney and Tom Papley across social media and newspapers for their performances this season. Since the retirement of Buddy Franklin these two Swans players have been critical in the team reaching this year’s Grand Final and you can expect them both to play a starring role giving Sydney a cracking chance in winning the flag this year.

 

Brisbane Lions

After reaching four Grand Finals in a row and winning 3 consecutively between 2001-2003 there was a long wait for the Lions to return to the showpiece final. Last year Brisbane fell agonizingly short in being defeated by the Magpies 90-86. After a slow start to its campaign this time around with a few key players injured, the team has picked up form and is showing signs that it will avenge last year’s painful loss. Players such as Cam Rayner, Kai Lohmann and Dayne Zorko will be crucial to the Lions in the final having played an important role in the comeback win over Geelong. The Cats players were repeatedly forced to turn the ball over due to the pressure applied by Brisbane, and you can expect to see more of the same form the trio in the Grand Final.

AFL Grand Final Form Guide

After one of the best starts to a season that the Swans could have hoped for, its campaign appeared to be coming to a sudden stop as it lost 5 out of 6 matches including a narrow defeat to Brisbane. However, since then the Swans have bounced back to form and gone undefeated including a thrilling narrow win in the finals over local rivals GWS.  But Sydney is up against a team which boasts incredible recent form with 13 wins from its last 15 matches. Brisbane has shown enormous spirit coming back from heavy deficits in its last two games, but you must wonder if those two recent efforts and the pressure of going one better than last year will be too much for the Lions…

Joe’s Best Bet for the AFL Grand Final 2024

If the last match between these two sides is anything to go by then you can expect another close encounter. My best bet for the game is a Same Game Multi with Brisbane on the line bet, which is currently +5.5 and I would also be going under 170.5 total game points too. If you chuck these into a SGM it is paying about $3.25 but keep an eye on the odds and lines as they can change as we get closer to the Grand Final.

How to Watch the 2024 AFL Grand Final in Australia

 

Excitement is ramping up as we edge towards the AFL Grand Final 2024 which takes place at the MCG on Saturday, September 28, 2024. So here’s your easy to follow rundown from Joe Fortune with all the TV & streaming info you need to know to be able to watch the Big Dance from home. As well as a few ideas on some pubs and clubs where you can also view the big game across the major cities of Australia.

 

How to Watch the AFL Grand Final Build Up

In the week leading up to the AFL Grand Final, channel7, 7mate and 7Plus will have you covered with the most thorough insights and expert opinions along with a few laughs on the tv show The Front Bar, which features Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher.

Fox Footy and KAYO, also brings extensive and fair dinkum build up too, on these services you will also be able to enjoy the 2024 AFL Grand Final Parade which starts at 10:30am local time on Friday, September 27. Then on Saturday, September 28 you can view all the coverage from the Grand Final Breakfast which starts around 7/7:30am.

It’s also worth checking out the AFL App which has plenty of expert write-ups, stats, records and interviews before and after the Grand Final.

AFL Grand Final 2024 Live Streaming and TV Channels

The pre-game entertainment featuring Katy Perry is due to get underway sometime between 1/1:30pm AEST with the 2024 AFL Grand Final starting at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday, September 28. To view the match live and free then it’s nice and easy, as if you’re watching on TV, the final is exclusively live on channel 7. If you’re wanting to watch on your mobile or tablet then the 7plus online platform is your best AFL streaming option.

 

Where to Watch the AFL Grand Final in Perth

Couple of recommendations in Perth, first up is The Victoria Park Hotel which is a deadset sports fan’s go-to spot. It shows nearly every sport imaginable, so come AFL Grand Final Day with its four big screens out in the back and an upstairs area too, this place has got you covered. Then there’s the Royal Sports Bar in East Perth, here you can enjoy an unbeatable atmosphere due to its nine screens. With waterfront views and plenty of great food this is one place to consider heading to on September 28.

 

Where to Watch the AFL Grand Final in Darwin

Why not give The Sportsbar at Mindil Beach Casino Resort a go for this year’s AFL Grand Final… this is a ripper of a sporting entertainment venue in the NT. Here you can watch all the best of world’s greatest sporting matches live and loud on a massive screen, all while enjoying the air-conditioned comfort of this NT venue. With loads of screens, TAB facilities, and NT Keno, there’s plenty to keep you busy before and after the game has finished.

 

Where to Watch the AFL Grand Final in Brisbane 

Giving a shout out to The Fat Angel which has nine screens… Reckon that on AFL Grand Final day there will be only one sport on the screens! As well as enjoying the match you can also have a few cold ones along with a selection of their top-class burgers, nachos and fries.

You’ve also got to check out the Winghaus which is the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts. With 20 screens broadcasting live sports, you’ll certainly not miss the AFL Grand Final! The place has a banging atmosphere, and the number of screens is only surpassed by the 40 beer taps to choose from… with plenty of great finger food, including wings, this really is a place for all AFL fans.

 

Where to Watch the AFL Grand Final in Sydney

The Coogee Bay Hotel is on the list as one of the top pubs to go to in Sydney as it’s the ultimate destination for AFL fans. The venue has over 14 screens, which means even when the big fella in front of you stands up, you’ll still be able to see the AFL Grand Final!

West HQ’s Sports Bar gives sports fans amazing coverage of Australian and overseas sports. So if you’re looking to enjoy a couple of cold ones whilst watching the AFL Grand Final this year you can’t go wrong popping into this joint with all its large screens.

 

Where to Watch the AFL Grand Final in Canberra 

If you’re looking for a more relaxing time to watch the AFL Grand Final, then in the heart of Belconnen on Chandler Street is the Canberra Labor Club. A cracking spot to catch up with mates and enjoy the game. It’s a casual spot with about 5 or 6 screens showing sport so you just need to find yourself a decent chair and settle back.

Where to Watch the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne

If you’re not at the G, then Melbourne CBD is the place to be to enjoy the buzz of AFL Grand Final Day. If you’re looking to be in the heart of the action, then give the Transport Hotel a try this year. It will be showing the game in its ground-floor Public Bar as well as on its Rooftop Bar. Best of all no bookings are required so you can drop by anytime from 9am onwards to start your day with a few snags.

If you fancy a pub with a bit of history, then The Duke on Flinders Street is the spot for you. It was founded in the 1850s, making it the oldest licensed pub in Melbourne. The pub has nearly as long a relationship with Aussie Rules, so where better to enjoy the 2024 AFL Grand Final….  It has had a recent freshen up to how it looks inside, and you’ll not be disappointed with the pub food either.

 

Where to Watch the AFL Grand Final in Hobart 

This AFL Grand Final Day, why not watch the Big Dance at The Telegraph… Enjoy the live action with a bit of style on Level 1 or if you’re looking for a livelier time then head to the Ground Floor or Rooftop. Whatever you choose, be sure to stick around after the final siren for live music and continue to party into the evening at the Tele.

 

Where to Watch the AFL Grand Final in Adelaide 

The Hampstead Hotel looks a ripper to watch the AFL Grand Final at. It is one of the oldest hotels in Adelaide and with its enormous sports bar filled with loads of plasma screens you can’t go wrong spending the day here. Plus, there’s a TAB and pool tables so plenty to keep you going throughout the day. There is also a good restaurant serving up pub classics along with an impressive gaming room too.

On AFL Grand Final Day, The Ark is another perfect destination for a cracking experience. Here you can catch every moment of the game on big screens in Sportys. It goes without saying you’ll get all the commentary and a top atmosphere too. With delicious food and drinks at the restaurant along with live performances after the final siren you’ll have a top day here.

 

How to Attend the AFL Grand Final 2024: Tickets, Travel, and Tips

 

The 2024 AFL Grand Final 2024 is at the MCG on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Here’s your mate Joe Fortune helping you out with his guide on how to attend and navigate through the busy streets of Melbourne over the AFL Grand Final weekend.

How to Get AFL Grand Final Tickets

To snag tickets for the AFL Grand Final, start by checking the official AFL website for all the ticket info and sales. The AFL usually sells tickets through their site or a ticketing partner. If you’re keen, consider joining an AFL membership or your club’s membership program, as they often come with priority access. Keep an eye out for general ticket sales, which kicked off a few weeks ago.

If your team makes it to the Grand Final, always check if your club has any tickets or packages for fans. You can also try out searching on reputable secondary ticketing sites but watch out for inflated prices and of course make sure you’re buying from a legit source. Sometimes, tickets are distributed via a ballot system, so if you get the chance, it is worth entering any official ballots and following the instructions. Be quick though the Grand Final is fast approaching, and tickets sell out in a flash.

 

AFL Grand Final Travel Tips

To get to the AFL Grand Final at the MCG, you’ve got a few good options. Starting with public transport, as no doubt you’ll want a couple of cold ones whilst you’re at the game. Whilst it gets busy, I suggest taking a train to Richmond or Jolimont station and or try trams on routes 48 and 75 as these will get you close, with just a short walk to the ground.

If you’re the designated driver, parking can be a bit of a hassle, so it’s best to arrive as early as possible as spots are limited and can be pricey. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Ola are also popular but you should expect heavy traffic, high demand and likely price surges the closer you get to the pre-match entertainment starting.

For those staying nearby, walking, e-scooters or even cycling are a great option, with plenty of bike racks and paths available. I would make sure to check for any transport updates leading up to the game on the PTV website or app, and of course try to get there early to beat the rush so you can soak up the atmosphere on the big day.

If you’re travelling interstate to get to Melbourne, then good luck… as in previous years the airlines don’t mind putting the prices of flights up, so I reckon you’re better off jumping in a Ute with a few mates and taking it in turns to sit behind the wheel and drive for a few days!

Public Holiday in Victoria

If you’re not from or living in Victoria it is worth noting that there is a public holiday for AFL Grand Final Day which usually falls on the Friday before the Grand Final, this year it’s on Friday, September 27. This holiday is there to allow fans to enjoy the game and the celebrations and activities surrounding it. It’s always a good idea to check the official Victoria government website or local announcements to confirm details and any implications it may have on travel and what venues or shops will be open.

 

Joe’s AFL Grand Final Accommodation Tips

During AFL Grand Final weekend, Melbourne has plenty of great options on where to stay and what type of accommodation suits each set of fans. Staying in the CBD puts you at the heart of the action, close to the MCG, shopping, dining, and finding secret bars and pubs! For those who want to stay in style the Crown Metropol and the Langham are highly recommended. Richmond is the ideal place to stay if you can find a place as you’re near the MCG and it has a bloody good pub and café scene.

Then there’s also Southbank, just across the river, which provides stunning views and easy access to the MCG. The Crown Complex offers luxurious stays and of course you’ll be very close to the casino, something that your mate Joe Fortune recommends!  A little further away the Docklands offers more modern hotels and other attractions. If you’re looking for a trendy vibe, Fitzroy has a great range of boutique hotels and a good café culture.

If you’ve got mates, family or work colleagues who live in or near Melbourne you could always turn up on their doorstep with a couple of slabs of beer and crash on their sofa… Regardless of where you choose, it’s best to book as early as possible, as accommodation fills up quickly.

 

AFL 2024 AFL Grand Final -Entertainment & Events

 

With this year’s AFL Grand Final fast approaching, here’s your mate Joe Fortune providing a quick guide on what to look forward to before the big ripper day in the AFL on Saturday, September 28.

 

The Parade

The 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade is planned for Friday, September 27, with a new fan-friendly route designed to make the experience even better. The festivities will start at Melbourne Park Oval at 9am local time. This will feature pre-parade entertainment including food and drinks carts, live music, Sherrin giveaways, and of course plenty of appearances by AFL legends. The parade itself should start at about 10:30am, but be patient it might run a few mins late!

The key to the parade is the Team Floats which, as you’d expect, features the participating AFL Grand Final teams. Each float is designed to showcase the team’s colours, mascots, and include current players who interact with the crowd, giving everyone there a few laughs and a good time.

The community involvement also plays a big part in the parade as it celebrates local heroes and organizations which highlights the wide-ranging appeal and cultural significance of the AFL.

This society engagement reflects Aussie Rules having a deep connection with the community and the role the sport plays in bringing people of all cultures together to celebrate the great game.

The route this year will progress through the Melbourne Park Precinct to Birrarung Marr, cross the walk bridge, and continue into the MCG Yarra Park Precinct. The parade will finish at the AFL’s free Footy Festival, where the Grand Final teams and the 2024 AFL Premiership Cup will be presented on the main stage at about midday. This revamped route aims to maximize what fans can see and is trying to limit disruption to public roads for local traffic.

 

Old Traditions

Let’s start with the Drink Wise North Melbourne Grand Final Breakfast which is an event held on the morning of the Grand Final, it normally starts around 7/730am. This year marks the 58^th edition of the AFL Grand Final Breakfast and will be hosted by venue partner the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

It tends to be a celebratory prelude to the main game, attracting a large and different crowd such as AFL players, coaches, officials, media personalities, and of course fans who are lucky enough to have got a ticket! The breakfast brings a festive atmosphere to start the day with themed decorations and live music all setting the right vibe for the big day. At the breakfast itself, there tends to be speeches from key figures in the AFL community, including league officials and past players, along with a panel of experts discussing the game.

Pre-Game Entertainment

The Grand Final Sprint is one of the highlights of the pre-match entertainment. It is a ripper of a 100-metre dash that features one player from each AFL club. The exact list of runners is usually announced closer to the Grand Final day as it depends on player availability and of course selections made by the clubs.

This tradition started in the late 1970s but then stopped between 1988 and 2001. But, except for 2020 it has now been part of the day’s traditions since 2001. Patrick Dangerfield was the last player to win twice in a row, the Adelaide midfield / forward winning 3 times between 2011-2013. Last year’s winner was Geelong’s Max Holmes.

The AFL has announced that music superstar and global icon Katy Perry will headline the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment at the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final. Her performance is likely to start at about 2:30pm local time and she is rumoured to be earning a cool $5million for her time!

 

National Anthem

This year Aussie singer turned swimmer, Cody Simpson, is to perform the National Anthem at the 2024 AFL Grand Final. Simpson, from the Gold Coast was born in January 1997 and during his music career, he has made and released four solo studio albums starting with Paradise in 2012, followed by Surfers Paradise and Free. He also won the first edition of The Masked Singer Australia in the disguise of a Robot.  In 2022, Cody joined the Aussie Swim Team after qualifying for the Commonwealth Games at the national team trials.

 

Half Time Show

Other stars performers to look out for on Grand Final day include Christine Anu who is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal heritage. She hails from Cairns and is well known for her contributions to the Australian music scene and promoting Indigenous culture. Also set to take to the stage is Zipporah Corser-Anu, her performances and entertainment is deeply rooted in her Torres Strait Islander heritage. Finally keep an ear and eye out for Mike Brady, the Australian singer and songwriter is best known for his iconic hit ‘Up There Cazaly’ which became a celebrated anthem for Aussie Rules.

Winners

The winning team collects The Premiership Cup along with the ‘Flag’, as well as this each player in the Grand Final winning side receives a medal. There are also several individual awards starting with the well-known Norm Smith Medal which goes to the best player on ground in the final as decided by a panel of experts. The Ron Barassi Medal will be awarded in 2024 to the winning team’s captain or co-captains. Then there is the Jock McHale Medal which is presented to the winning team’s coach and finally the Jack Collins Medal goes to the game’s leading goalkicker.

 

Joe’s Top Tips

If you can’t get to Melbourne for the parade or breakfast, then Fox Footy will give you all the build-up coverage live on its channels. This should give you the chance to enjoy all the excitement ahead of ‘The Big Dance’ either live in your living room or if you prefer, why not check with your local landlord or club manager and get them to put it on for you and your mates at your pub or RSL!

Either way be sure to stay tuned to the Fortune Feed for all the latest news as we build up to the big day in the AFL.