When is the AFL Grand Final?

The Grand Final is going to be played on September 24th, 2022 at 2:30pm (AEST).

What time is the AFL Grand Final?

The AFL Grand Final is going to be played at 2:30pm (AEST).

How to get AFL Grand Final tickets?

To purchase 2022 Grand Final tickets, you need to look at the ticketing information on the AFL website.

What teams are in the AFL Grand Final?

The 2022 Grand Final teams are Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans.

When is the AFL Grand Final public holiday?

In Victoria, the day before the AFL Grand Final is a public holiday. This year the Grand Final public holiday is on Friday, September 23rd.

How to watch the 2022 AFL Grand Final?

The AFL Grand Final will be on Channel 7 and also on-demand service 7plus for free. If you are unable to watch on TV or 7plus you can still watch the game on Kayo or using the AFL Live Pass.

What time is the AFL Grand Final in Victoria?

The AFL Grand Final starts at 2:30pm if you are watching the game from Victoria.

What time is the AFL Grand Final in New South Wales?

The AFL Grand Final starts at 2:30pm if you are watching the game from New South Wales.

What time is the AFL Grand Final in Queensland?

The AFL Grand Final starts at 2:30pm if you are watching the game from Queensland.

What time is the AFL Grand Final in Tasmania?

The AFL Grand Final starts at 2:30pm if you are watching the game from Tasmania.

What time is the AFL Grand Final in South Australia?

The AFL Grand Final starts at 2pm if you are watching the game from South Australia.

What time is the AFL Grand Final in Northern Territory?

The AFL Grand Final starts at 2pm if you are watching the game from the Northern Territory.

What time is the AFL Grand Final in ACT?

The AFL Grand Final starts at 2pm if you are watching the game from ACT.

What time is the AFL Grand Final in Western Australia?

The AFL Grand Final starts at 12:30pm if you are watching the game from Western Australia.

AFL Grand Final | Date, Venue, Odds & Tips

Adam Cusworth: May 28, 2026

AFL Grand Final tips, best bets, predictions and preview.

The AFL Grand Final is the biggest day on the Australian sporting calendar — a 100,000-strong MCG crowd, a national audience pushing seven million viewers, and a single match that decides the Toyota AFL Premiership. This is your one-stop AFL Grand Final hub: the date, the venue, the format, current Premiership and Norm Smith Medal odds, betting markets, plus a recent Grand Final winners record book.

Next Gen Sports, Racing and Esports bettingT&Cs apply

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

Over 18s only. Problem? Visit Gambling Help Online. Visit

Engage, Connect, and Win Together with Australia's Own Social Betting Platform.T&Cs apply

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

Over 18s only. Problem? Visit Gambling Help Online. Claim

Australia's Newest BookieT&Cs apply

#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

Over 18s only. Problem? Visit Gambling Help Online. Claim

AFL Grand Final 2026 — Date

The 2026 AFL Grand Final is expected to be played on the last Saturday of September 2026 — Saturday, 26 September 2026. The exact date is confirmed by the AFL once the home-and-away fixture and finals schedule lock in. Bounce time at the MCG is traditionally 2:30pm AEST.

The Grand Final caps a four-week September finals series. Each year follows the same template: top 8 teams qualify, four weeks of finals, single-match Grand Final at the MCG.

AFL Grand Final Venue — The MCG

The AFL Grand Final is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Victoria. The MCG has been the traditional home of the Grand Final since 1902, has a capacity of 100,024, and is one of the largest sporting venues in the world.

The Grand Final has been played at the MCG every year from 1902 onwards with one exception: the 2020 Grand Final was played at the Gabba in Brisbane due to COVID-19 restrictions. Since 2021 the match has returned to the MCG and the AFL’s contract with the Melbourne Cricket Club guarantees the MCG hosts the Grand Final through to 2057.

AFL Finals Format (Brief)

The top 8 teams qualify for the four-week AFL finals series. Top 4 play Qualifying Finals (double-chance — losers drop into the Semi Finals). Bottom 4 of the 8 play Elimination Finals (single-chance). Semi Finals follow, then Preliminary Finals, then the Grand Final at the MCG.

For the full McIntyre System breakdown, bracket diagram and how each week feeds into the next, see our how do AFL finals work explainer.

AFL Grand Final Odds & Premiership Futures

The Premiership market is the headline AFL futures play, opening before the season and shifting through the rounds as form lines develop. The favourite at any given time is usually a top-four side with a complete spine and a system that has held up against quality opposition.

For live AFL Premiership Odds across all 18 clubs, visit our AFL Premiership Odds page. For the Grand Final’s best-on-ground market, our Norm Smith Medal tips, odds & predictions tracks the favourites.

Build your predicted finals bracket with the free AFL Ladder Predictor — lock in round-by-round results and see how the top 8 shapes up.

Betting Markets for the AFL Grand Final

Australian bookmakers price 100+ markets on Grand Final day. The most popular:

Match Winner (Head-to-Head): Pick which team lifts the cup. The simplest Grand Final market.
Line Betting (Handicap): Points handicap on the result. Better value when there is a clear favourite.
Norm Smith Medal: Best on ground. Midfielders and key forwards from the winning side dominate the historical winners list. See our Norm Smith Medal tips.
First Goalscorer & Anytime Goalscorer: Predict the opening goalkicker, or back a player to score at any point.
Winning Margin: Margin band markets (1–19, 20–39, 40+) for longer odds than straight head-to-head.
Total Match Points (Over/Under): Grand Finals tend to be tight, defensive affairs but variance is real — read the matchup carefully.
Same Game Multi: Combine match winner, margin, goalscorer and player props from the Grand Final into one bet. See our Same Game Multi guide.
Player Disposals: Over/under disposal lines for star midfielders. Grand Final disposal totals are often lower than regular-season averages because of pressure and tempo.

Best Bookmakers for AFL Grand Final Betting

Our top-rated AFL bookmakers for the Grand Final cover competitive odds, deep market lists (including Norm Smith and player specials), strong same-game-multi builders, and reliable apps that hold up under matchday traffic. For the full comparison and reviews, see our best AFL betting sites in Australia guide, or the newest betting sites in Australia for fresh signup offers.

OnlyBets

100% Australian
Recommended

New AU Bookmaker 2026

Live Betting
Mobile App
PayID

Excellent Review

9.8 Our Score

Join now

#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

Dabble

Copy Bets
Social Betting

Use Code: BETTINGPRO

Live Racing
Mobile App
Social App

Excellent Review

9.4 Our Score

Join now

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

Picklebet

Best For Esports
Top 4 Betting

Use Code: PICKLEVIP

Live Streaming
Mobile App

Excellent Review

9 Our Score

Join now

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

Ladbrokes

Infohub
Mates Mode

Use Code: LADSVIP

Cash Out
Infohub
Mobile App

Excellent Review

9.4 Our Score

Join now

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

BetNow

100% Australian
Competitive Odds

Use Code: MADMAX

Live Betting
Mobile App
PayID

Excellent Review

9.5 Our Score

Join now

#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

Neds

Best For UFC
Neds Toolbox

Use Code: NEDSVIP

Cash Out
Live Betting
Live Streaming

Excellent Review

9 Our Score

Join now

18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

bet365

AFL 10+ Disposals
Best For Live Streams

Use Code: 365AUCODE

Live Betting
Live Streaming
Mobile App

Excellent Review

10 Our Score

Join now

Exclusive 365AUCODE referral code: bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers.18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

AFL Grand Final Winners — Recent Years

Recent AFL Grand Final winners and runners-up:

Year	Premier	Runner-Up	Score	Margin
2025	Port Adelaide	—	—	—
2024	Brisbane Lions	Sydney Swans	120–60	60
2023	Collingwood	Brisbane Lions	90–86	4
2022	Geelong	Sydney Swans	133–52	81
2021	Melbourne	Western Bulldogs	140–66	74
2020	Richmond	Geelong	81–50	31
2019	Richmond	GWS Giants	114–25	89
2018	West Coast Eagles	Collingwood	79–74	5
2017	Richmond	Adelaide Crows	108–60	48
2016	Western Bulldogs	Sydney Swans	89–67	22
2015	Hawthorn	West Coast Eagles	107–61	46
2014	Hawthorn	Sydney Swans	137–74	63
2013	Hawthorn	Fremantle	89–74	15
2012	Sydney Swans	Hawthorn	91–81	10
2011	Geelong	Collingwood	116–75	41
2010	Collingwood	St Kilda	108–52	56 (replay; original drawn 68–68)

Note: 2025 Premier shown without scoreline pending verified entry. Most-tied AFL/VFL premierships overall: Essendon and Carlton (16 each).

Grand Final Day: Traditions & What to Expect

AFL Grand Final day has its own rhythm and a set of traditions that have built up over a century at the MCG:

Grand Final Eve public holiday: Since 2015, the Friday before the Grand Final has been a Victorian public holiday. The AFL Grand Final Parade winds through the Melbourne CBD that morning with both finalists’ players.
Pre-game entertainment: Major international or Australian acts perform pre-bounce. The list of past performers includes Killers, Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran and Mike Brady’s traditional rendition of “Up There Cazaly”.
Auskick on the MCG: Junior AFL Auskick players take the MCG at half-time for one of the day’s most beloved traditions.
National anthem: Sung pre-bounce, traditionally by an Australian recording artist.
Coin toss: Captains call the toss for first use of the Punt Road end vs the City end.
Premiership Cup presentation: The cup is handed over on stage at the centre of the MCG by the AFL Commission Chair, with players running a victory lap to the cheer squad end.
Norm Smith Medal: The medal for best afield is presented to the player of the match. Past Norm Smith winners and current odds are tracked through the finals series.
Bounce time: Traditionally 2:30pm AEST. The match runs four 20-minute quarters (plus stoppage time), wrapping around 5:00pm AEST.

How to Watch the AFL Grand Final

The AFL Grand Final is broadcast nationally on free-to-air Channel 7 and the 7plus streaming app, with Foxtel and Kayo Sports carrying the match for subscribers. Radio coverage is on ABC Grandstand and SEN. Some Australian bookmakers also offer live streams to funded account holders who have placed a bet on the match.

AFL Grand Final FAQs

When is the 2026 AFL Grand Final?

The 2026 AFL Grand Final is expected to be held on Saturday, 26 September 2026 at the MCG. The exact date is confirmed by the AFL once the home-and-away fixture and finals schedule are finalised.

Where is the AFL Grand Final played?

The MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) in Melbourne. The MCG has hosted the Grand Final every year since 1902 with one exception — the 2020 Grand Final was played at the Gabba in Brisbane due to COVID-19. The MCG’s contract to host the Grand Final runs through to 2057.

How many teams make the AFL finals?

The top eight teams on the ladder at the end of the 24-round home-and-away season qualify for the four-week finals series. For the full breakdown, see our how do AFL finals work explainer.

Who won the most recent AFL Grand Final?

Port Adelaide won the 2025 AFL Grand Final, claiming their second AFL premiership. Brisbane Lions won the 2024 Grand Final 120–60 over the Sydney Swans.

What is the Norm Smith Medal?

The Norm Smith Medal is awarded to the player judged best afield in the AFL Grand Final. It is named after legendary Melbourne coach Norm Smith. For tips, odds and a full list of past winners, see our Norm Smith Medal tips page.

Is Grand Final Eve a public holiday?

Yes, in Victoria. The Friday before the AFL Grand Final has been a Victorian public holiday since 2015 and includes the AFL Grand Final Parade through the Melbourne CBD with both finalists’ players.

Where can I bet on the AFL Grand Final?

All major Australian bookmakers price the Grand Final deeply — match winner, line, Norm Smith Medal, goalscorer markets, margin bands, totals and same-game-multi builders. Compare bookmakers on our best AFL betting sites in Australia guide.