Thank god it’s AFL Grand Final Friday! A nation full of footy crazed fans begins to celebrate its most popular sporting event on September 28. On the final Friday of the month, at midday, a spectacular parade in Melbourne kicks off the Australian Football League Final that actually take place the next day. It’s a public holiday in Victoria and the parade is a real crowd puller. Fans line the streets to watch players, mascots, marching bands, and other entertainers.
AFL Grand Final Friday - History
2006
Declared Most Popular By Sweeney
The Sweeney Sports Report concludes that AFL is the most popular sport in Australia with the largest attendance and TV audience.
1990
Name Of The League Changes To AFL
With the change in name, the competition begins including football teams from all the states in Australia.
1897
VFL Holds The First Tournament
The Victorian Football League, which later becomes AFL, holds the first round robin tournament among four teams.
1825
First National Celebration
Ratified by the conventions of 1822 and 1824, it's celebrated by the nation for the first time.
AFL Grand Final Friday Activities
1. Watch the parade at midday
First come first served so find the best seats by getting to the parade early. It starts at Old Treasury Building and ends at Yarra Park.
2. Wear the colors of your team
Don’t just turn up for the parade but get into the game! Wear your team’s jersey, or beanie, paint your face or wear a mask. Today is all about the fans.
3. Gear up for the final on Saturday
The three Fs — footy, food, and friends make the perfect backdrop for the most epic game day face off. Let's play ball!
5 Things Only Ballers Know About The AFL
1. Footy was invented by cricketers
We’re bowled over by the fact that three cricketers invented this game as a way to stay fit in cold weather. Wow!
2. Some of the oldest football leagues are Down Under
Melbourne and Geelong are two of the oldest — formed in the 19th century.
3. It's all sorts of sports, actually
Australian rules football or footy has been influenced by soccer, rugby, and even by a traditional Aboriginal ball game called Marngrook.
4. Nobody likes winning the wooden spoon
Nope! Not even when it’s imaginary. The team that finishes last is awarded an imaginary wooden spoon. Eat your shame!
5. The game has been often stopped by streakers and a pig
Yes, you heard right! A pig inside the grounds once brought the game to a temporary halt. Snort!
Why We Love AFL Grand Final Friday
A. AFL Football is number one
The AFL Grand Final attracts larger crowds than any other sport in the nation.
B. You can watch the parade and see your favorite team
Marching bands, a colorful motorcade, participating players, and roving entertainers. What’s not to love about this parade?
C. Grand Final Eve is a holiday
And residents of Victoria love their holidays just like anybody else. Time to mingle and throw a prawn on the barbie.
