The AFL Grand Final 2026 is set to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the AFL season reaches its biggest moment.
Four teams remain in contention, with Hawthorn, Brisbane Lions, Sydney Swans and Fremantle battling for a place in the Grand Final. The two preliminary finals will determine the final matchup.
Where Is the AFL Grand Final 2026 Being Played?
The 2026 AFL Grand Final will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Victoria.
The MCG, also known as The G, is the traditional home of the AFL Grand Final.
When Is the AFL Grand Final 2026?
The AFL Grand Final date is Saturday, September 26, 2026.
What Time Does the AFL Grand Final 2026 Start?
The first bounce is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. AEST on Saturday, September 26.
The match is expected to finish shortly after 5:00 p.m. AEST, depending on stoppages and whether extra time is required.
AFL Grand Final 2026 Local Start Times
- 2:30 p.m. AEST: ACT, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria
- 2:00 p.m. ACST: Northern Territory and South Australia
- 12:30 p.m. AWST: Western Australia
What Time Is the AFL Grand Final 2026 in Canada?
The AFL Grand Final begins at 2:30 p.m. AEST on Saturday, September 26. For Canadian viewers, that converts to late Friday evening or early Saturday morning depending on the time zone. Check local listings for the exact broadcast time in your area.
How to Watch the AFL Grand Final 2026
Australian viewers can watch the AFL Grand Final live on Channel 7 and stream it through 7plus.
Fox Footy commentary will also be available through Kayo Sports.
International viewers can use WatchAFL, which carries full AFL coverage, including Fox Footy coverage.
In Canada, coverage is expected to be available through TSN or the WatchAFL app.
7plus supports streaming on compatible smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and streaming devices.
Who Is Playing in the AFL Grand Final 2026?
The Grand Final teams will be confirmed after the preliminary finals.
The possible Grand Final matchups are:
AFL Grand Final 2026 Premiership Race
Hawthorn are chasing their 14th premiership and their first Grand Final appearance since 2015.
Brisbane Lions are aiming for a third consecutive premiership.
Sydney Swans are looking to overcome recent Grand Final disappointment.
Fremantle are chasing their first AFL premiership.
When Will the AFL Grand Final 2026 Finish?
The Grand Final is expected to finish shortly after 5:00 p.m. AEST. The exact finishing time will depend on stoppages, breaks and whether extra time is required.
AFL Grand Final 2026 Tickets and Prices
There are no general public tickets currently available.
Grand Final seats are allocated through clubs, AFL members, MCC members, corporate partners and other official allocations.
Club members should contact their respective clubs for ticket information. AFL members should check AFL ticketing information, while MCC members should contact MCC Membership.
Official packages and other ticket options will be announced closer to Grand Final day. Exact 2026 ticket prices have not yet been released.
AFL Grand Final Day Schedule 2026
The exact schedule will be confirmed closer to Grand Final day.
A typical Grand Final schedule includes:
Is There an AFL Grand Final Parade?
Yes. The 2026 AFL Grand Final Parade is scheduled for Friday, September 25, Grand Final Eve, in Melbourne.
Victoria observes a public holiday on Grand Final Eve.
Who Is Performing at the AFL Grand Final 2026?
Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue will headline the pre-game entertainment at the MCG.
Additional supporting acts and the exact performance schedule are expected to be announced closer to Grand Final day. The main entertainment is expected to take place around 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. AEST.
Who Will Present the Norm Smith Medal?
Geelong great Paul Chapman, the 2009 Norm Smith Medal winner, will present the medal to the player voted best on ground in the Grand Final.
Who Will Present the AFL Premiership Cup?
Four-time premiership Hawk Luke Hodge will serve as the premiership cup ambassador and deliver the trophy to the MCG on Grand Final day.
A club great from each competing team will present the cup to the winning coach and captain.
Paul Roos will present the Jock McHale Medal, while Roger Dean will present the Ron Barassi Medal.
What Is the AFL Grand Final Sprint?
The AFL Grand Final Sprint is the traditional 100-metre sprint featuring players representing AFL clubs.
The exact 2026 entrants and schedule have yet to be confirmed. The heats are usually held during the morning on Grand Final day.
AFL Grand Final 2026 Weather Forecast
The Melbourne weather forecast will become clearer closer to September 26. Fans attending the MCG should check the latest forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology during Grand Final week.
Who Won the AFL Premiership Last Year?
The Brisbane Lions won the 2025 AFL premiership after defeating Geelong.
AFL Grand Final 2026 Stats and Trivia
- Hawthorn are chasing their 14th premiership.
- Hawthorn are seeking their first Grand Final appearance since 2015.
- Brisbane Lions are targeting a third consecutive flag.
- Sydney Swans are looking to end their recent run of Grand Final disappointment.
- Fremantle are searching for their first AFL premiership.
- Fremantle are set to make only their second Grand Final appearance since entering the AFL in 1995.
AFL Grand Final 2026 Odds and Prediction
The AFL Grand Final 2026 odds will become clearer once the two finalists are confirmed after the preliminary finals.
Bookmakers will then release markets for the premiership, line betting, total points and Norm Smith Medal contenders.
The final prediction will depend on the two teams that reach the MCG on September 26.
FAQ
When is the AFL Grand Final 2026?
The AFL Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026.
What time is the AFL Grand Final?
The first bounce is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. AEST.
Where is the AFL Grand Final being played?
The match will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
How can I watch the AFL Grand Final?
Australian viewers can watch the match on Channel 7 and stream it through 7plus. International viewers can use WatchAFL.
Who is performing at the AFL Grand Final?
Kylie Minogue will headline the 2026 AFL Grand Final pre-game entertainment.
Which teams can reach the AFL Grand Final?
The four remaining teams are Hawthorn, Brisbane Lions, Sydney Swans and Fremantle.
When is the AFL Grand Final Parade?
The Grand Final Parade is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, in Melbourne.
When will the AFL Grand Final tickets go on sale?
Grand Final tickets are primarily allocated through clubs, AFL members, MCC members, corporate partners and other official channels. General public availability and official pricing will depend on the AFL’s ticketing arrangements.
