If you love a juicy, flavoursome sausage roll wrapped in golden flaky pastry, then have a go at making your own budget-friendly snacks with this easy recipe from Le Petit Gateau.
Entertainment
Where can I watch the AFL Grand Final?
2024 AFL Grand Final guide: Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions
Whether you’re heading to Grand Final parade, the big game, or watching from the couch, here’s everything you need to know for the AFL Grand Final for 2024.
After a thrilling season, on Saturday, 28 September 2024, the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions will battle it out for premiership glory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
AFL is ‘more than a game’ to Victorians, it's the culmination of 23 home and away matches over 25 rounds of football, plus elimination, semi and preliminary finals, so it’s understandable that there are several ways to celebrate that one day in September.
From parades to group viewings and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone during footy’s biggest weekend. And if the Grand Final isn’t your thing, you can always check out things to do over the long weekend.
For those emotionally invested, here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 AFL Grand Final, Grand Final Parade and AFL Footy Festival in Victoria.
What you need to know about the 2024 AFL Grand Final: Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions
When is the 2024 AFL Grand Final?
The 2024 AFL Grand Final will take place on Saturday, 28 September at 2.30pm AEST, and should finish around 5pm, depending on quarter lengths and whether extra time is required.
What teams are playing in the 2024 AFL Grand Final?
The 2024 AFL Grand Final will take place between the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions. As both teams are not based in Melbourne, neither will have a home ground advantage when playing at the MCG.
The 2024 Grand Final also marks the first time the Swans and Lions have vied for the premiership since 1899, back when the teams were known as the South Melbourne Swans and the Fitzroy Lions.
Where is the 2024 AFL Grand Final being held?
As usual, the MCG will play host to the 2024 AFL Grand Final. All tickets are allocated to clubs, members and corporates, with expensive packages the only option for members of the general public.
For those watching from home, it can be viewed live on Channel 7 and 7plus, or you can stream a replay on Kayo Sports.
Is there a public holiday for the 2024 AFL Grand Final?
While the actual game is held on a Saturday and is not a public holiday, the day before, Grand Final Eve on Friday, 27 September 2024, is a public holiday in Victoria.
It is not a public holiday in other parts of Australia.
When and where is the AFL Footy Festival?
This year, the free AFL Footy Festival will run from Wednesday, 25 September, 2024 through to Grand Final Day on Saturday, 28 September, 2024.
Held next to the MCG at Yarra Park, entry is free and there will be entertainment for all ages, including player appearances, giveaways, an AFL Play zone, music, food trucks and bars. The designated area will be open 10am-9pm, Wednesday to Friday, and 8am-10pm on the Saturday, although some offerings may open later in the day.
When and where is the AFL Grand Final Parade?
This year, the AFL Grand Final Parade will kick off around 9am on Friday, 27 September, 2024.
Typically, the two AFL teams vying for the premiership will be in attendance, along with iconic AFL legends, the Brownlow Medal winner, Coleman Medallist and Rising Star Award winner.
Other attendees include Auskickers, mascots, and the holy grail – the Premiership Cup – cruising down from Melbourne Park through Batman Avenue, to Birrarung Marr, down the Lower Terrace, crossing over William Barak footbridge, and onto Yarra Park.
The parade will then join fans at the Footy Festival live site, where players will be introduced on stage next to the MCG.
It is advised that those wishing to attend arrive early to secure their spot along the trail.
Public transport will be busy on Grand Final day, so make sure you plan your journey ahead of time. Image: Matt Harvey
Who is performing at the 2024 AFL Grand Final?
The AFL pre-game entertainment is almost as hotly anticipated as the match itself, with some of the best performances cementing their place in our collective memories.
For 2024, US pop star Katy Perry will headline this major sporting event.
How do I get to the MCG for the 2024 AFL Grand Final?
There is an expected crowd of more than 100,000 to attend the MCG for the Grand Final, so make sure to plan your journey to the city ahead of time with the free arevo journey planner app.
Using public transport is the easiest way to get to the 2024 AFL Grand Final. Extra tram and train services are scheduled for the Grand Final Parade on Friday, September 27, 2024 and for the AFL Grand Final Day on September 28, 2024.
For the Grand Final, the two closest train stations are Jolimont, a five minute walk through Yarra Park, and Richmond, walking past the Punt Road Oval. The 48, 70, and 75 trams also run to the MCG.
Those taking a V-Line service to Southern Cross Station can hop on the Hurstbridge line to Jolimont station.
A number of bicycle loop and parking facilities are also available in Yarra Park, with extra facilities provided on Game Day.
If you’re driving to the game, limited paid on-street parking can be found around the Royal Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens. Use the arevo app to find the cheapest fuel near to your location.
Parking at Yarra Park will have restricted access for only those with accreditation or possessing a disability permit.
A plate of homemade sausage roll is the perfect fare for a Grand Final party with friends. Image: Getty
Where can I watch the AFL Grand Final?
If you couldn’t score tickets to the big game, don’t fret, as there are still plenty of places to get in on the crowd atmosphere in the city and surrounds. As well as at pubs and bars across Melbourne and regional Victoria, the game will be broadcast live and free in Federation Square in Melbourne's CBD.
How to host the ultimate AFL Grand Final party
If you’re not among the fortunate few to score a ticket to the game, why not invite your friends and family over for a Grand Final party?
Whether you’re looking to fire up the barbecue and serve the perfect chicken parma, steaks and sausages, or rustling up a batch of crowd-pleasing sausage rolls from the RACV Club Kitchen, make sure you’ve got a good seat to catch all the action on the field.
How to enjoy the MCG at other times of year
Sports fans should not miss out on a visit to the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG. See Australia’s largest collection of sporting memorabilia at this ever-changing museum. The immersive exhibits and galleries include cricket, AFL, the Olympics, Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Victorian Racing Gallery and the reimagined Game On! interactive space.
For the best view of the MCG, experience Melbourne Skydeck, which has spectacular panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Thrillseekers have the option of the Ultimate Skydeck attraction, with entry to the Skydeck, the Edge, VR Plank and Voyager Theater. The Edge is a transparent glass cube that projects out from Melbourne Skydeck, leaving daring guests suspended nearly 300m above the streets of Melbourne.
If you're after an exclusive experience, RACV Club Members have access to the RACV Club Suite at the MCG, with access to AFL and cricket matches throughout the year, as well as music concerts.
