The stage is set for the biggest day on the AFL calendar, with the Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions preparing to meet at the MCG in the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
It will be a historic first Grand Final meeting between the two clubs, with Fremantle chasing the first premiership in its AFL history while Brisbane has the opportunity to complete a remarkable three-peat.
The Lions booked their place in the decider by overcoming Hawthorn in their preliminary final at the MCG, while Fremantle earned its shot at history after defeating Sydney at the SCG.
For the Dockers, it marks just the second Grand Final appearance in club history and their first since 2013. Brisbane, meanwhile, will be appearing on the final Saturday in September for the fourth consecutive year.
When is the 2026 AFL Grand Final?
The 2026 AFL Grand Final will be played on Saturday, September 26 at the MCG, with the opening bounce scheduled for 2.30pm AEST.
The AFL has retained its traditional afternoon timeslot for the 2026 decider, with the league having already confirmed that both the 2026 and 2027 Grand Finals will begin at 2.30pm. (afl.com.au)
For viewers around Australia, that means a 2.30pm start in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT, 2pm in South Australia and the Northern Territory, and 12.30pm in Western Australia. (afl.com.au)
Fremantle’s shot at history
It has been a long wait for Fremantle supporters.
The Dockers entered the AFL in 1995 and have reached the Grand Final only once previously, losing to Hawthorn in the 2013 decider.
Now, 13 years later, they are back.
Fremantle secured its place on the biggest stage with a preliminary final victory over Sydney at the SCG, having travelled interstate knowing a win would send the club into only its second Grand Final.
A victory at the MCG would deliver the club its maiden AFL premiership and create one of the biggest moments in Fremantle’s history.
Brisbane chasing three in a row
Brisbane enters the Grand Final with the opportunity to achieve something extraordinary.
The Lions are aiming for a third consecutive premiership, having won the 2024 and 2025 flags, and their latest Grand Final appearance continues an extraordinary run at the top end of the competition.
This will be Brisbane’s fourth consecutive Grand Final appearance, stretching back to its narrow defeat against Collingwood in the 2023 decider.
The Lions responded by winning the premiership in 2024 and successfully defending their crown in 2025. Now they have the chance to make it three straight.
Standing between them and another premiership is a Fremantle side with an opportunity to create its own piece of history.
Grand Final entertainment
There will be plenty happening at the MCG before the football begins, with Australian pop superstar Kylie Minogue headlining the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment.
Minogue returns to one of Australian sport’s biggest stages as the headline act before Fremantle and Brisbane run onto the ground.
The entertainment line-up also includes G Flip, while Michael Paynter will perform the Australian national anthem.
Grand Final favourite Mike Brady will again be part of the day, performing Up There Cazaly during the traditional retiring players motorcade.
The MCG has confirmed Minogue as the headline act for the pre-game celebrations. (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
How can you watch the Grand Final?
The 2026 AFL Grand Final will be shown live nationally on the Seven Network and 7plus.
Under the AFL’s current broadcast agreement, the Grand Final is available live on Seven and its 7plus streaming platform throughout Australia. (afl.com.au)
That makes the match available free-to-air and via streaming for viewers around the country.
Grand Final tickets
Getting into the MCG for Grand Final day remains one of the toughest tickets in Australian sport.
The AFL announced earlier this year that Grand Final ticket prices would increase by four per cent in 2026.
The cheapest ticket is priced at $172, up from $165 in 2025, while the highest-priced standard Grand Final ticket is $536, compared with $515 last year. (afl.com.au)
Approximately 75,000 tickets are allocated across competing club members, MCC members and AFL members, representing around three-quarters of the MCG’s capacity.
The largest allocation goes to the competing clubs, with 35,000 tickets — 17,500 for each club’s members. Other allocations include MCC members, AFL and Medallion Club members, corporate partners, broadcasters, clubs and other stakeholders. (afl.com.au)
The AFL has urged supporters to purchase Grand Final tickets only through authorised channels, including Ticketek and official AFL hospitality packages.
Grand Final week in Melbourne
The action won’t be confined to Saturday afternoon.
Grand Final week once again transforms Melbourne into the centre of the football world, with events and activities leading into the game.
Footy Fest will take over Yarra Park from Wednesday, September 23 through to Grand Final day on Saturday, September 26.
Entry is free, with activities including Auskick clinics, player appearances, giveaways, food trucks and entertainment for supporters of all ages. (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
Fans attending the Grand Final are being encouraged to arrive at the MCG early, with entry expected to take longer than for a regular home-and-away match.
The MCG is also advising spectators to download their digital tickets before arriving at the ground.
Yarra Park’s public car park will be closed for the match, meaning supporters travelling to the ground are encouraged to use public transport or arrange alternative parking. (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
A Grand Final with two very different stories
Whatever happens on Saturday afternoon, history will be made.
For Fremantle, the prize is something the club has spent more than three decades chasing — its first AFL premiership.
For Brisbane, victory would continue one of the great modern premiership runs and deliver a third consecutive flag.
One club is trying to reach the summit for the first time.
The other is trying to stay there.
More than 100,000 supporters are expected to pack the MCG, with millions more watching around Australia as the Dockers and Lions battle for the 2026 premiership cup.
Fremantle v Brisbane Lions — 2026 AFL Grand Final
Saturday, September 26
MCG, Melbourne
First bounce: 2.30pm AEST
Live: Seven and 7plus (afl.com.au)