If it’s Friday in Australia, then it’s Aussie Madness as a nation full of footy-crazed fans gets ready to celebrate its most popular sporting event on September 25, the AFL Grand Final Friday! On the final Friday of the month, at midday, a spectacular parade in Melbourne kicks off the Australian Football League Final that actually takes 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. Yep, they do it big in Australia!
AFL Grand Final Friday timeline
- 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
League name 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 the AFL, holds the first round robin tournament among four teams.
AFL Grand Final Friday Activities
Watch the parade at midday
First-come, first-served; so find the best seats by getting to the parade early. It starts at the Old Treasury Building and ends at Yarra Park.
Wear your team colors
Don’t just turn up for the parade — get into the game! Wear your team’s jersey, or beanie, paint your face or wear a mask. Today is all about the fans.
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. So, let's play ball!
5 Things Only Ballers Know About The AFL
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!
Some of the oldest football leagues are Down Under
Melbourne and Geelong are two of the oldest — formed in the 19th century.
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.
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!
Beware the 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
AFL Football is Numero Uno!
The AFL Grand Final attracts larger crowds than any other sporting event in Australia. (Uh, you have to be Australian to truly understand the excitement. But if you aren't, well, never mind.)
You can watch the parade and see your favorite team
Marching bands, a colorful motorcade, participating players, and roving entertainers. It's all about getting hyped over the big game.
Grand Final Eve is a holiday
Residents of Victoria love their holidays just like anybody else. Time to mingle and throw a prawn on the barbie (not the doll but the grill, just in case you're reading this outside of Australia and you're a little bit confused.)