AFL Grand Final 2025: Start Time, Ticket Details, Weekend Events & How to Celebrate at Home
The AFL Grand Final 2025 is the day when the whole country stops to watch. On September 27, fans will pack the MCG and millions more will tune in from home. If you’re wondering about the exact start time, how to get tickets, or what to do during the Grand Final weekend, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the key details, from the confirmed match schedule and ticket prices to the best ways to celebrate both in Melbourne and from the comfort of your living room.
What Time Is the AFL Grand Final in 2025?
The wait is over for fans asking “When is the AFL Grand Final 2025?” The match has been confirmed for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The first bounce is scheduled for 2:30 pm AEST, a time that has become a tradition for generations of football fans. The 2025 AFL Grand Final date not only marks the climax of the season but also ensures that the game retains its familiar afternoon atmosphere.
While some supporters have called for an evening or twilight final in recent years, the AFL has chosen to stick with the traditional timeslot. The only exceptions came in 2020 and 2021, when the Grand Final was played at night due to COVID-19 disruptions. For most fans, though, nothing compares to a packed MCG on a Saturday afternoon with the sun shining over the stadium.
If you are planning ahead, circle the AFL Grand Final date 2025 in your calendar. The AFL Grand Final 2025 will once again unite fans across Australia, from those in the stands to the millions watching from home, making it one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.
When Do Tickets Go on Sale? How Much?
On-sale timing: Tickets are released in stages (member priority first, then public sales once matchups are confirmed). Week-1 finals on-sales begin around Fri 29 Aug 2025; Grand Final on-sale windows are confirmed after each finals round. For exact windows, check the AFL official ticketing page.
Pricing guide: Cheapest reserved Grand Final seats are set at $195 for 2025; expect general reserved seats from the low-$200s and top reserved seating to reach about $515. Hospitality and corporate packages cost substantially more (often $2,500+).
Where to buy: Buy only via authorised channels— AFL official ticketing page, Ticketek or Ticketmaster— to avoid scalpers and invalid tickets.
Quick tips: Use club-member on-sale access where available and sign up for club or AFL ticket alerts to get exact windows; member emails are the primary way clubs notify supporters.
Final reminder: Watch official AFL announcements the week after each finals round for new on-sale alerts and exact Grand Final ticket release dates.
What Are the Activities for Grand Final Day Weekend 2025?
The weekend of the AFL Grand Final 2025 is about more than the match itself. Across Melbourne and beyond, the whole country joins in the celebration. If you’re planning how to spend the weekend, here are some of the most popular activities to consider:
Join the Grand Final Parade in Melbourne: Thousands of fans line the streets on the Friday before the big game to see the players ride through the city. It’s a family-friendly event and one of the best ways to feel part of the atmosphere, even if you don’t have a ticket.
Explore fan zones and live sites: The city sets up big screens and fan hubs where supporters gather to watch highlights, meet past players, and soak up the buzz. Sydney and other major cities also host live screenings, so you can still feel the excitement away from Melbourne.
Enjoy pubs, restaurants, and local venues: On Grand Final Day, pubs and restaurants fill quickly with fans cheering loudly. Booking a table in advance is highly recommended if you want to be part of the electric game-day energy.
Host a community BBQ or home gathering: Many Australians celebrate with friends and neighbours. If you’re setting up an outdoor screen or planning a long afternoon barbecue, having reliable power makes all the difference. A portable power station can keep everything running smoothly, from music and lighting to projectors and fridges.
Wherever you spend the weekend, the AFL Grand Final 2025 promises to bring people together in ways that go far beyond the game itself.
How to Celebrate the AFL Grand Final from Home
Not everyone can make it to the MCG, but celebrating the 2025 AFL Grand Final from home can be just as memorable. The key is creating an atmosphere that brings family and friends together while making sure you have everything set up for a smooth day.
Start with the basics: a large-screen TV or projector will give you the feeling of being right there in the stadium. Many fans also turn their backyards into mini viewing areas, adding comfortable seating and a barbecue to keep everyone fed throughout the game. Hosting a small party at home means you can cheer loudly, share the experience, and avoid the crowds, all while enjoying the comfort of your own space.
To keep the day running without interruptions, reliable power is essential. A sudden blackout or a stretched extension cord can spoil the fun, especially if you’re outdoors. Investing in smart energy solutions makes a big difference. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station is a great option for powering large TVs, speakers, and cooking appliances throughout the afternoon.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
With the right setup, the AFL Grand Final 2025 can turn into the highlight of your home entertainment calendar. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy living room watch party, planning ahead will make the big game unforgettable.
Conclusion
The 2025 AFL Grand Final is the highlight of the football season and a moment when the game captures the attention of the entire country. Set for September 27 at the MCG, fans can look forward to an afternoon of history, passion, and atmosphere. Whether you are lucky enough to secure a ticket, planning to join the celebrations across Melbourne, or hosting a watch party at home, the occasion is about enjoying football with the people around you. The 2025 AFL Grand Final will once again deliver a day that supporters will remember long after the final siren.
FAQs
Which AFL team has gone the longest without a premiership?
St Kilda holds the unfortunate record of going the longest without winning a premiership. Their only victory came back in 1966, which means fans have now been waiting for nearly six decades to see the club crowned champions again. Despite some strong seasons and appearances in recent finals, the drought has continued. This history adds extra weight to every campaign, as supporters hope each year might finally be the one that ends the wait. As the AFL Grand Final 2025 approaches, stories like St Kilda’s show how much the competition means to clubs and their communities, and why reaching the last Saturday in September is so significant.
Where is the A League Grand Final 2025?
The A-League is Australia’s professional soccer competition, and its Grand Final is a completely separate event from the AFL. While the 2025 AFL Grand Final date has been locked in for September 27 at the MCG, the A-League Grand Final is usually staged in Sydney as part of a multi-year hosting agreement. It typically takes place in May or June, marking the end of the soccer season rather than the Australian football calendar. Understanding the difference helps fans avoid confusion when asking “When is the AFL Grand Final 2025?”—the AFL and A-League finals are distinct events, each with their own traditions, fans, and stadium experiences.
Who plays who in the AFL finals in 2025?
The 2025 AFL Finals Series kicks off in early September with Week One matchups locked in:
First Qualifying Final: Adelaide Crows (1st) vs Collingwood Magpies (4th) at Adelaide Oval, Thursday 4 September, 7:10 pm ACST.
Second Qualifying Final: Geelong Cats (2nd) vs Brisbane Lions (3rd) at the MCG, Friday 5 September, 7:40 pm AEST.
First Elimination Final: GWS Giants (5th) vs Hawthorn Hawks (8th) at ENGIE Stadium, Saturday 6 September, 3:15 pm AEST.
Second Elimination Final: Fremantle Dockers (6th) vs Gold Coast Suns (7th) at Optus Stadium, Saturday 6 September, 5:35 pm AWST / 7:35 pm AEST.