Why is the AFL Grand Final held at the MCG?
The AFL Grand Final is traditionally held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground because the MCG is the largest stadium in Australia and has hosted most VFL and AFL Grand Finals since the early 1900s.
The MCG can hold about 100,000 people, making it one of the largest stadiums in the world. Grand Finals regularly sell out, with crowds of close to capacity.
The AFL has a long-term agreement with the Victorian government and the Melbourne Cricket Club to keep the Grand Final at the MCG for decades to come. This has been controversial with some clubs outside Victoria.
Grand Final traditions
The Grand Final is usually held on the last Saturday of September. Melbourne celebrates with a parade of players through the city on the day before, which is a public holiday in Victoria.
Pre-match entertainment features well-known musicians. The winning team receives the premiership cup, and the best player on the ground receives the Norm Smith Medal.
The Grand Final was held outside the MCG in 2020 at the Gabba in Brisbane and in 2021 at Optus Stadium in Perth, because of COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria. The 2020 match was the first night Grand Final.
Did You Know?
Grand Final week is a major event in Melbourne, with the Brownlow Medal count held earlier that week.