2025 AFL Grand Final

The AFL Grand Final is the pinnacle of the Australian Football League season and one of Australia’s biggest sporting spectacles. It is an annual championship match played to determine the premier team of the season. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, incredible pre-game entertainment, and a sold-out stadium of over 100,000 passionate fans, the Grand Final is an unmissable event for any footy fan.

This guide provides key information for fans planning to attend the 2025 AFL Grand Final, including the date, venue details, ticketing, and essential travel advice.

When is the 2025 AFL Grand Final?

The 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The match typically starts at 2:30 PM (Australian Eastern Standard Time, AEST), with pre-game festivities beginning much earlier in the day.

Where is the 2025 AFL Grand Final?

The AFL Grand Final is always held at its traditional home:

• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• Location: East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

About the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The MCG, or simply “the G,” is the largest stadium in Australia and the tenth-largest in the world. With a capacity exceeding 100,000, it provides an iconic and grand setting for the season’s biggest game. It is located in Yarra Park, just a short walk from Melbourne’s CBD.

How do I get tickets to the 2025 AFL Grand Final?

Securing a ticket to the AFL Grand Final is a famously difficult task. Unlike most sporting events, a very limited number of tickets are made available to the general public. The vast majority of tickets are allocated to:

• Competing Club Members: The largest allocation of tickets goes to members of the two clubs competing in the Grand Final. Access is prioritized based on membership type (e.g., priority one, two, or three members) and often requires a ballot.
• AFL Members: AFL members who have purchased a Grand Final entitlement as part of their membership can participate in a ballot to secure a ticket.
• MCC Members: Members of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), who manage the MCG, have access to a large allocation of seats.

Options for Non-Members:

• Hospitality Packages: Your best and most reliable option for a guaranteed seat is to purchase an official hospitality package. These are sold through the AFL Event Office and other authorized providers. These packages are expensive but include a reserved seat, food, and beverages, and are the only way for the general public to buy a ticket with certainty. You can find more details on the AFL Event Office website.
• The Public Ballot: A small number of tickets may be released via a public ballot or on-sale through the official ticketing agent, Ticketek. This is extremely competitive, and success is not guaranteed. Keep an eye on the official AFL ticketing page for any announcements.
• Unauthorized Resellers: Be extremely cautious of purchasing tickets from unauthorized resellers or on social media. The AFL strictly enforces rules against ticket scalping, and fraudulent tickets may be voided, leaving you out of pocket.

How do I travel to the MCG?

The MCG is easily accessible from Melbourne’s CBD via public transport.

• By Train (Recommended): There are two train stations near the MCG:
  • Jolimont Station: A 5-minute walk through Yarra Park. Take the Hurstbridge or Epping lines.
  • Richmond Station: A slightly longer walk. Take any train on the Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, Glen Waverley, Dandenong, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston or Sandringham lines from Flinders Street Station.
• By Tram: Three tram routes provide access:
  • Route 75 (City – Vermont South): Travels along Flinders Street.
  • Route 48 (Docklands/City – North Balwyn): Travels along Collins Street.
  • Route 70 (Docklands/City – Wattle Park): Travels along Flinders Street and detours via Melbourne Park.
  • A valid Myki card is required for all tram travel.
• By Bus: Bus route 246 stops on Punt Road, just a short walk from the ground.
• By Car/Parking: Driving to the MCG is highly discouraged due to heavy traffic, road closures, and limited parking. Public parking is usually available in Yarra Park for a fee, but it fills up very early.

Where to Stay During the 2025 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne?

Melbourne offers a wide variety of accommodation options, but they book out months in advance and prices rise significantly around the Grand Final.

• Melbourne CBD: The most convenient location, offering a huge range of hotels, apartments, and hostels with easy access to the MCG and all of Melbourne’s attractions.
• East Melbourne: Staying in East Melbourne places you within walking distance of the MCG.
• Richmond: A popular and lively suburb right next to the MCG, with many pubs, restaurants, and hotels.
• Docklands/Southbank: Modern waterfront precincts with excellent hotels and public transport connections.

Booking Tips:

• Book your accommodation as soon as you know you’re attending.
• Look for hotels with a flexible cancellation policy.
• Use reputable booking sites like Tripadvisor to find and compare options.

Helpful Links for Planning Your AFL Grand Final Experience

• AFL Official Website
• Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Official Site
• AFL Event Office – Hospitality Packages
• Public Transport Victoria (PTV) – Melbourne
• Tripadvisor (Accommodation & Reviews Melbourne)

Enjoy the biggest day in Australian sport!