Geelong and Brisbane will meet in the 2025 AFL grand final, with both sides aiming to cement their status as the best team of recent years. The Cats and Lions have shared two of the past three premierships but, for the first time in their 126-year VFL/AFL history, they now face off in a grand final.
The two sides clashed just three weeks ago, when Geelong trounced Brisbane in a qualifying final to open a clear path to the decider, then outclassed Hawthorn to book their spot. The Lions have taken a longer route after their defeat in the first week of finals, but have since found ominous form with a statement win over Gold Coast and by dismantling Collingwood in a preliminary final.
The first bounce is at 2.30pm AEST on Saturday 27 September at the MCG in Melbourne. The match should finish around 5.15pm AEST, depending on quarter lengths. If scores are level at full-time, extra-time will be played: two three-minute halves plus time on, with a six-minute break before extra-time. If still drawn, another two halves are played. Teams get an extra 10 interchanges per half, which do not roll over.
The forecast for Melbourne is partly cloudy with a medium chance of showers (0-1mm) and a maximum of 18C. The traditional parade begins at Melbourne Park at 10am AEST on Friday 26 September, a public holiday in Victoria. Pre-game entertainment featuring Snoop Dogg starts at 1.30pm AEST, with Tash Sultana playing guitar in his band. Baker Boy returns after headlining four years ago, and a choir featuring Emma Donovan and Kee'ahn will perform. Vera Blue will sing the national anthem, and Mike Brady will perform during the motorcade of retiring players.
The half-time sprint will see the starting pistol fired by athletics sensation Gout Gout, rather than him running. Competitors include Beau McCreery (Collingwood), Nick Blakey (Sydney), Toby Greene (Giants), Jed Walter (Suns), Maurice Rioli (Richmond), Jack Higgins (St Kilda), Murphy Reid (Fremantle) and Olympic boxer Harry Garside. The grand final will be broadcast live on Channel Seven and 7Plus, and streamed via the 7Plus app. A replay will be available on Kayo Sports. International viewers can watch via Watch AFL. Guardian Australia will cover the day with a live blog.
AFL greats Joel Selwood or Jonathan Brown will present the trophy to their respective former clubs: Selwood if Geelong wins, Brown if Brisbane wins.
