The 2026 AFL grand final will see Fremantle take on Brisbane, with both teams poised to make their mark in Australian football history.
The Dockers are striving to secure their first premiership since their establishment in 1995, marking only their second appearance in a grand final. In contrast, the Lions, as reigning champions, are vying for their third consecutive title, entering their fourth grand final in a row.
The last encounter between these two teams occurred in round 12 at the Gabba, where Fremantle triumphed over Brisbane by 25 points, showcasing their resilience against a late challenge and solidifying their status as premiership contenders.
Fremantle’s journey to the grand final was not straightforward; after Hawthorn ended their unbeaten home streak in the first qualifying final, the Dockers demonstrated their tenacity with thrilling comebacks to defeat Geelong in the semi-final and Sydney in the preliminary final.
Brisbane also faced a challenging path, having to navigate through the semi-finals, where they convincingly overcame Adelaide before engaging in a gripping preliminary final against Hawthorn, widely regarded as one of the best matches of the season.
This grand final will mark the inaugural meeting between Brisbane and Fremantle in a final setting.
What time does the grand final start?
The match is set to kick off at 2.30pm AEST on Saturday, September 26, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which can accommodate just over 100,000 spectators. The previous grand final, featuring Brisbane and Geelong, attracted a record crowd of 100,022.
The final siren is expected to sound around 5.30pm AEST, depending on the duration of each quarter and potential stoppages. Notably, the half-time interval will be slightly extended compared to the regular season to accommodate the grand final sprint and AusKick demonstrations.
How can I watch the grand final?
The 2026 AFL grand final will be broadcast live on Channel Seven and 7Plus, with streaming available via the 7Plus app. Following the conclusion of the match, a replay will be accessible on Kayo. Fans located outside Australia can view the grand final through the Watch AFL website and app.
Live coverage will be provided by Guardian Australia throughout the day, featuring pre-game entertainment, play-by-play updates, and post-match reactions from both the victors and the vanquished. Jonathan Horn and Jack Snape will be on-site at the MCG to deliver match reports and in-depth analysis.
What happens if there is a draw?
The era of grand final replays has concluded. Should the match end in a tie, there will be a brief interlude before the teams switch ends and engage in two three-minute halves of extra time. There will be no half-time break apart from the end change, and each team is allowed an additional 10 interchanges throughout the extra periods.
If the score remains level after the first extra time, another two three-minute halves will be played, continuing until a winner is determined.
When is the grand final parade?
The grand final parade in Melbourne is scheduled to commence at 10.30am AEST on Friday, September 25, coinciding with a public holiday in Victoria. While the grand final teams typically take center stage, this year’s event may feature a special performance by The Wiggles, catering to younger fans. They will perform at Melbourne Park at 9.30am before joining the parade as it moves from the precinct to Birrarung Marr and then back to Yarra Park and the MCG.
What is the weather forecast for grand final day?
The forecast for Saturday is mild, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a mostly cloudy day and a low chance of rain in Melbourne, with temperatures expected to peak at 22°C as the match gets underway at the MCG.
Who is performing the pre-game entertainment?
Kylie Minogue, a celebrated figure in Australian music, will headline the pre-game festivities, marking her first appearance at an AFL grand final. She is scheduled to perform at the MCG following an opening set by G Flip from Melbourne, anticipated to start between 1pm and 1.30pm.
Additionally, September fixture Mike Brady will perform his classic song “Up There Cazaly” during the motorcade honoring retiring players, while Australian singer-songwriter Michael Paynter will sing the national anthem.
