The biggest day on Australia’s sporting calendar has arrived. Two powerhouse teams battle for glory while one of the world’s biggest rap stars prepares to electrify 100,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Saturday afternoon promises an extraordinary collision of sport and entertainment that will be remembered for decades.
Historic First Meeting Creates Grand Final Magic
For the first time in AFL/VFL history, the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions will face each other in a Grand Final. This groundbreaking matchup adds unprecedented intrigue to footy’s biggest stage.
Welcome to the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final 🏆#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/QOWfSyvYhW
— AFL (@AFL) September 26, 2025
Brisbane enters as defending champions, seeking their second consecutive premiership after defeating Sydney in 2024. Victory would make them the first back-to-back premiers since Richmond’s 2019-20 success.
Geelong returns to Grand Final glory after their 2022 triumph over Sydney, chasing their 11th AFL/VFL premiership overall and fifth since 2007. Coach Chris Scott leads the Cats into his fourth Grand Final, holding a 2-1 record in previous deciders.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both clubs. Brisbane’s three consecutive Grand Final appearances showcase remarkable consistency, while Geelong’s resurgence after missing 2023 finals demonstrates championship resilience.
Snoop Dogg Takes Centre Stage Before First Bounce
Global music icon Snoop Dogg headlines the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment, marking his first-ever live appearance at the MCG. The legendary rapper brings three decades of hits to Australia’s most prestigious sporting venue.
Nuthin’ But A “MCG” Thang 🎤
@SnoopDogg is headlining the @Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment at the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final. pic.twitter.com/T9LwLFIIZx— AFL (@AFL) August 11, 2025
Snoop’s 14-minute performance begins at 1:43 PM AEST, featuring collaborations with Australian artists Tash Sultana and Baker Boy. The multi-instrumentalist Tash Sultana joins Snoop’s band for a show-stopping guitar performance, while Baker Boy returns after his memorable 2021 Grand Final appearance.
“The AFL Grand Final is the biggest event on the Australian sporting calendar — and this year, it just got a whole lot bigger,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon declared. The entertainment lineup also includes six-time ARIA winner Baker Boy, singer-songwriter Vera Blue performing the national anthem, and AFL legend Mike Brady belting out “Up There Cazaly.”
Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn will join Baker Boy’s powerful choir, creating an unforgettable cultural celebration before the sporting spectacle begins.
Complete Grand Final Schedule Guide
The day’s festivities stretch far beyond the 2:30 PM AEST first bounce. Here’s your complete timeline:
Morning Entertainment
- 9:35 AM: Under-18s AFL Future Stars curtain-raiser match
- 1:30 PM: Opening performances by Baker Boy, Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn
- 1:33 PM: Toyota HiLux Lap of Legends featuring retiring players
Pre-Game Spectacular
- 1:37 PM: Mike Brady performs “Up There Cazaly”
- 1:43 PM: Snoop Dogg headlines with Tash Sultana and Baker Boy
- 2:09 PM: Match ball delivery
- 2:11 PM: Umpires enter the field
Team Entrances and Ceremony
- 2:13 PM: Geelong Cats enter
- 2:16 PM: Brisbane Lions enter
- 2:24 PM: Premiership Cup delivery by Jack Riewoldt
- 2:25 PM: Welcome to Country by Uncle Colin Hunter Jr
- 2:26 PM: National Anthem by Vera Blue
- 2:28 PM: Coin toss and countdown
Game Time
- 2:30 PM: First bounce of the 2025 AFL Grand Final
Half-time features the traditional Grand Final sprint, NAB AFL Auskick, and Telstra Walk Cam, while three-quarter time includes the NAB Kick for Cash competition.
Where to Watch the Grand Final Spectacle
Football fans have multiple options to catch every moment of this historic clash.
Free-to-Air Coverage
Channel 7 and 7Plus provide exclusive free coverage of the AFL Grand Final. The Seven Network’s comprehensive broadcast begins at 9:00 AM AEST with pre-match coverage.
Registration for 7Plus is free and available on all devices, ensuring no fan misses the action.
Subscription Streaming
Kayo Sports and Foxtel offer premium coverage with additional features and commentary options. While these services require subscriptions, they provide comprehensive AFL coverage throughout the season.
International Viewing
Global audiences can access the spectacle via WatchAFL, with broadcast times adjusted for international time zones:
- United Kingdom: 5:30 AM Saturday
- USA West Coast: 9:30 PM Friday
- USA East Coast: 12:30 AM Saturday
- New Zealand: 5:30 PM Saturday
Team News and Key Players
Both teams face crucial selection decisions heading into the decider.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale has made an extraordinary recovery from a calf injury that threatened to end his season three weeks ago. His inclusion provides massive experience and skill for the Lions’ midfield.
Against all odds, he’s BACK!
Check out the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final teams: https://t.co/dBIwlzoqnR pic.twitter.com/JswuYzIYug
— AFL (@AFL) September 25, 2025
Geelong welcomes back Rhys Stanley, who replaces five-time All Australian defender Tom Stewart after the latter suffered concussion in the preliminary final against Hawthorn.
Veteran umpire Simon Meredith will officiate his 10th Grand Final, alongside fellow field umpires Hayden Meyer, Jacob Mollison and Andrew Stephens. The experienced officiating team ensures the biggest game receives appropriate guidance.
Historic Stakes and Championship Legacy
This Grand Final carries immense historical significance beyond the immediate trophy presentation.
Brisbane’s quest for consecutive premierships would cement their place among modern AFL dynasties. Their three straight Grand Final appearances demonstrate sustained excellence rarely achieved in the competition’s demanding landscape.
Geelong’s championship pursuit continues their remarkable consistency under Chris Scott. The Cats have featured in 15 of the past 22 preliminary finals while missing just three finals series during that period. Such sustained success showcases exceptional organisational culture and development systems.
The weather forecast adds perfect conditions to the spectacle, with partly cloudy skies, a top temperature of 18 degrees, and minimal chance of rain creating ideal playing conditions.
Entertainment Revolution in Australian Sport
Snoop Dogg’s headline performance represents the AFL’s continued evolution as a global entertainment product. Previous Grand Final entertainers include Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, and The Killers, establishing the AFL’s commitment to world-class pre-game spectacles.
This strategic approach broadens the event’s appeal beyond traditional football audiences while maintaining respect for the game’s rich traditions. The combination of international star power with Australian cultural performers creates a uniquely Melbourne celebration.
The entertainment investment demonstrates the AFL’s confidence in the Grand Final as a premium global sporting event worthy of international attention and marketing investment.
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Final Thoughts
The 2025 AFL Grand Final promises to deliver everything Australian sport represents: fierce competition, cultural celebration, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re watching for the footy, the entertainment, or both, Saturday afternoon will provide memories to last a lifetime.
As Melbourne prepares to host this extraordinary collision of sport and entertainment, one thing remains certain: the biggest day on Australia’s sporting calendar just got significantly bigger with Snoop Dogg bringing West Coast hip-hop to the hallowed turf of the MCG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time does the AFL Grand Final 2025 start?
A: The first bounce is at 2:30 PM AEST on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Q: Where can I watch the AFL Grand Final for free?
A: Channel 7 and 7Plus provide free live coverage of the entire Grand Final.
Q: When does Snoop Dogg perform?
A: Snoop Dogg’s pre-game entertainment begins at 1:43 PM AEST, approximately 47 minutes before the first bounce.
Q: Have Geelong and Brisbane played in a Grand Final before?
A: No, this is the first time in AFL/VFL history these two teams have met in a Grand Final.
Q: What other artists are performing?
A: Tash Sultana, Baker Boy, Vera Blue, Mike Brady, Emma Donovan, and Kee’ahn will all feature in the pre-game entertainment.
