By ABC News
Copyright abc
The biggest game of the AFL season is here, with nearly 100,000 fans expected to attend the grand final today.
Here’s a quick run-down of what you need to know before the game.
Who is playing in the AFL grand final?
The Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions.
It is the first time these two clubs have faced each other in a grand final in the history of the VFL/AFL.
The two sides clashed just three weeks ago when Geelong beat Brisbane in a qualifying final, then outclassed Hawthorn to book their grand final spot.
The Lions had to take a longer route after their defeat in the first week of finals. But they found their form, beating Gold Coast and then Collingwood in the preliminary final.
The winner of today’s game becomes the first team since 2000 to claim five flags.
What time is the AFL grand final?
Here are the times according to which state or territory you’re in:
2.30pm AEST: ACT, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria2pm ACST: Northern Territory, South Australia12.30pm AWST: Western Australia
Where is the AFL grand final being played?
Specifically, the Melbourne Cricket Ground — better known as the MCG.
If you’re travelling into the CBD for the game, head to the MCG’s website for all your transport options.
Where can I watch the AFL grand final?
You’ll be able to watch the game free-to-air on Channel 7 and its streaming services.
We’ll be live blogging the clash on ABC Sport.
And you can listen to the match on ABC Sport via the website, local radio, and the Listen app.
What time will Snoop Dogg perform?
American rapper Snoop Dogg will be headlining the pre-game entertainment, which will begin at 1.30pm AEST.
His hits include Drop It Like It’s Hot, Gin and Juice and Young, Wild & Free.
The reaction to the choice of the rapper has been largely negative since it was announced, but AFL chief executive Andrew Dillion has since been adamant about the decision.
The international hip hop star will be joined on stage by a host of Australian artists, including six-time ARIA award winner Baker Boy, multi-instrumentalist Tash Sultana and First Nations artists Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn.
Australian singer-songwriter Vera Blue will perform the Australian national anthem, while Mike Brady will be on hand to perform ‘Up There Cazaly’ during the AFL retiree motorcade, as is tradition.
Where can I watch the AFL grand final in person?
For fans in Queensland and Geelong who can’t make the trip to the MCG, live sites will be set up for the grand final.
Footy fans in Geelong can attend the Eastern Beach Reserve from 12pm, ahead of the opening bounce at 2.30pm.
Brisbane footy fans can head to a watch party at New Farm Park from 8.30am-6pm.
For fans in Melbourne who weren’t able to snag a ticket, the grand final will be screened at Fed Square in the CBD from 12pm.
What are the teams for the grand final?
Brisbane LionsFB: D.Zorko, D.Gardiner, R.LesterHB: D.Wilmont, H.Andrews, B.StarcevichC: H.McCluggage, L.Neale, L.AshcroftHF: C.Cameron, T.Gallop, Z.BaileyFF: C.Rayner, L.Morris, C.Ah CheeFOL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, W.AshcroftIC: K.Lohmann, J.Fletcher, S.Marshall, B.Reville, O.McInerneyEMG: S.Day, J.Tunstill, D.Joyce
Brisbane Lions co-captain Lachie Neale has made an extraordinary recovery to be selected for the AFL grand final against a Geelong side featuring Rhys Stanley.
Geelong CatsFB: C.O’Sullivan, S.De Koning, J.HenryHB: M.O’Connor, Z.Guthrie, L.HumphriesC: G.Miers, M.Holmes, O.DempseyHF: B.Close, S.Mannagh, T.StengleFF: S.Neale, J.Cameron, P.DangerfieldFOL: R.Stanley, B.Smith, T.AtkinsIC: M.Blicavs, J.Martin, O.Mullin, J.Clark, J.BowesEMG: J.Bews, M.Knevitt, O.Henry
What is the weather like for the grand final?
Partly cloudy conditions are forecast with a slight chance of a shower, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Temperatures will reach a maximum of 18C.
When did the Geelong Cats last win a grand final?
They won against the Sydney Swans.
Geelong Cats: 20.13 (133)Sydney Swans: 8.4 (52)
The Cats have made three previous grand finals under coach Chris Scott for two wins (2011 v Collingwood and 2022 v Sydney) and a loss (2020 v Richmond).
When did the Brisbane Lions last win a grand final?
They won against the Sydney Swans.
Brisbane Lions: 18.12 (120)Sydney Swans: 9.6 (60)
If the Lions win this year, they will be the first back-to-back premiers since Richmond in 2019-20.
