AFL Grand Final 2025 Time Confirmed – Full Guide to Kick-Off, Schedule, and Latest AFL News
The stage is set for one of the biggest sporting events in Australia, with the AFL Grand Final 2025 time confirmed and anticipation building across the country. The Melbourne Cricket Ground will once again host the showdown, with Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions preparing for a historic battle. From the confirmed kick-off details to the full schedule of entertainment and team updates, here is everything fans need to know.
AFL Grand Final 2025 time
The first bounce of the AFL Grand Final 2025 is locked in for 2:30 pm AEST on Saturday, 27 September 2025. Fans in other time zones will also need to take note:
| Location | Time |
|---|---|
| Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane (AEST) | 2:30 pm |
| Adelaide, Darwin (ACST) | 2:00 pm |
| Perth (AWST) | 12:30 pm |
Crowds are expected to arrive early, with MCC Members’ Reserve gates opening from 8:00 am and general public entry from 9:30 am.
AFL GF schedule and full day program
The AFL GF schedule is packed with entertainment and traditions leading up to the match itself.
Key events before kick-off
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10:30 am AEST: Grand Final Parade begins at Melbourne Park Oval.
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11:30 am: Parade arrives at TCL Main Stage in Yarra Park.
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12:00 pm: Teams and premiership cup presentation.
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12:38 pm: Grand Final Sprint heats begin.
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1:30 pm: Pre-game entertainment headlined by Snoop Dogg, with additional performances by Baker Boy, Tash Sultana, and Vera Blue for the national anthem.
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2:13 pm: Teams enter the MCG with Welcome to Country and formalities.
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2:30 pm: First bounce of the AFL Grand Final 2025.
Where to watch the AFL Grand Final 2025
The blockbuster will be shown live across Australia on Channel 7 and 7Plus, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment. For international viewers, WatchAFL provides coverage, while replays and streaming options are available on Kayo Sports. Nearly 100,000 fans will also fill the MCG, with all tickets officially sold out.
Geelong vs Brisbane 2025 team news
This year’s decider is the first-ever AFL Grand Final between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions, adding a fresh layer of excitement. Both teams have faced setbacks in the build-up:
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Brisbane Lions: Jarrod Berry is likely to miss after a shoulder injury, while Lachie Neale has declared himself fit following a calf issue, though his role remains under discussion.
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Geelong Cats: Tom Stewart has been ruled out with concussion, paving the way for Rhys Stanley to step in and potentially shift the Cats’ defensive setup.
AFL Grand Final parade highlights
The parade is a fan-favourite tradition, bringing players closer to supporters in the heart of Melbourne. In 2025, the parade follows a route through Birrarung Marr, over William Barak Bridge, and into Yarra Park outside the MCG. Fan zones will be open from 9:00 am, featuring music, entertainment, and a chance to celebrate before the big game.
Snoop Dogg AFL entertainment and build-up
One of the major talking points is the inclusion of Snoop Dogg in the pre-game entertainment lineup. The global superstar will take the stage at 1:30 pm, backed by some of Australia’s most popular performers. The decision has attracted worldwide attention, turning the AFL Grand Final into not just a sporting spectacle, but a global entertainment event.
What to expect on game day
Analysts suggest Geelong may enter as slight favourites given their form, but Brisbane’s resilience has been proven throughout the finals. With star players on both sides, tactical depth, and the pressure of nearly 100,000 fans at the MCG, the AFL Grand Final 2025 promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
