Geelong and Brisbane will meet in the 2025 AFL grand final with both sides out to cement their place as arguably 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 now cross paths in a grand final.
The two sides clashed just three weeks ago when Geelong trounced Brisbane in a qualifying final to open up a clear path to this year’s decider, then outclassed Hawthorn to book their grand final spot.
The Lions have had to take a longer route after their defeat in the first week of finals. But they have since found ominous form with a statement win over Gold Coast and then by dismantling Collingwood in a preliminary final.
The Cats return to the grand final after winning the most recent of their 10 club premiership in 2022, while the Lions are in their third consecutive decider and out to secure back-to-back flags to add to the dozen (eight won as Fitzroy, four as Brisbane) already in their collection.
What time does the grand final start?
The first bounce is at 2.30pm AEST on Saturday 27 September. The match is played at the MCG – the traditional home of the grand final – in Melbourne.
Brisbane Lions are out to secure back-to-back AFL premierships. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
When does the game finish?
The flag decider should finish around 5.15pm AEST depending on the length of each quarter. The break at the main change is longer than during the home-and-away season to allow for the additional half-time entertainment.
What happens if there is a draw?
A draw will lead to extra-time being played, rather than a grand final replay, as has occurred the three previous times in VFL/AFL history.
If the scores are level at full-time, both teams will have a six-minute break before the teams play out two three-minute halves – plus time on. The teams will swap ends after each half without a break.
If there is still a draw at the end of the first period of extra-time, another two halves of extra-time will be played. The teams will be allowed an extra 10 interchanges in each half but these do not roll over.
Bailey Smith celebrates as Geelong Cats book their spot in a third AFL grand final in six years. Photograph: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/Getty Images
What is the weather forecast for grand final day?
The forecast for Melbourne is for partly cloudy conditions with a medium chance of showers that would only bring 0-1mm of rain. The expected maximum is 18C, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
When is the grand final parade?
The traditional parade begins at Melbourne Park at 10am AEST on Friday 26 September – a public holiday in Victoria.
What time does the pre-game entertainment start?
The pre-game entertainment featuring Snoop Dogg will start at 1.30pm AEST. The international hip hop star will be joined on stage by Tash Sultana with the popular Australian artist playing guitar in Snoop Dogg’s band.
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Proud Yolŋu artist, Baker Boy, returns to footy’s biggest stage after headlining the grand final pre-game entertainment four years ago, while there will also be a choir featuring Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn.
Local singer-songwriter Vera Blue is also back to perform the Australian national anthem, while September specialist Mike Brady will belt out his traditional football hits during the motorcade of retiring players.
Who is running the grand final sprint?
In promising news for all the competitors in the 2025 half-time sprint, Australian athletics sensation Gout Gout will fire the starting pistol for the traditional 100m dash, rather than running the race.
The quickest players in the AFL will be up against Olympic boxer Harry Garside, with the exact lineup still to be confirmed. Recent winners include Collingwood’s Beau McCreery last year, Geelong’s Max Holmes in 2023 and Richmond’s Hugo Ralphsmith in 2022.
Geelong speedster Max Holmes will be part of the main event at the 2025 AFL grand final after winning the half-time sprint in the past. Photograph: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/Getty Images
How can I watch the grand final?
The 2025 AFL grand final will be broadcast live on Channel Seven and 7Plus. The game can also be streamed live using the 7Plus app – your device will need to have the live TV feature enabled.
A grand final replay will be available to stream after the final siren on Kayo Sports.
AFL fans outside of Australia can watch the grand final through the Watch AFL website and app.
How else can I follow the grand final?
Guardian Australia will cover grand final day with a live blog from the pre-game entertainment, through all the action to the reaction from both sides after the final siren.
Who will present the premiership cup?
The AFL is yet to announce which Geelong and Brisbane club greats will hand over the 2025 AFL premiership cup to the winning coach and captain after the 2025 AFL grand final.
Former Brisbane player, and four-time premiership Hawthorn star, Luke Hodge will present the Norm Smith medal to the player voted as best-on-ground. Hodge was judged best afield in the 2008 and 2014 grand finals during his illustrious career with the Hawks.
West Coast premiership coach Adam Simpson will present the Jock McHale medal to the winning coach, while the first Ron Barassi medal to be presented to the premiership captain will be handed over by the Australian Football Hall of Fame member Ken Fraser.
