The AFL Grand Final, held annually at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), is more than just a sporting event — it's a cultural institution that captures the heart of a nation. Its history, traditions, and scale of engagement distinguish it not only within Australia but on the global sporting stage.
Historical Significance and Evolution
The origins of the AFL Grand Final trace back to 1898, during the early days of the Victorian Football League (VFL), which later evolved into the Australian Football League (AFL) in 1990.
The first-ever standalone VFL/AFL Grand Final took place on 24 September 1898 at Melbourne's Junction Oval, when Fitzroy defeated Essendon by 15 points in front of 16,538 spectators. Prior to that, the premiership in 1897 was decided by a round‑robin finals series, which Essendon won, with no Grand Final required.
With the league's expansion and renaming to the AFL in 1990, what began as a local championship has since grown into a national spectacle, with the Grand Final becoming the pinnacle of Australian rules football. Key milestones — such as the league's national expansion, the inclusion of interstate teams, and the increasing broadcast reach — have elevated the game's importance. These developments have entrenched the Grand Final as a celebration not just of sport, but of Australian identity.
Cultural Traditions and Rituals
Traditions surrounding the AFL Grand Final are deeply ingrained in Australian culture. The day before the game, tens of thousands flock to Melbourne's CBD for the Grand Final Parade. The pre-match entertainment, featuring major Australian and international music acts, pays homage to the Super Bowl halftime show in a distinctly Australian way. The playing of the national anthem and the performance of iconic anthems like "Up There Cazaly" connect sport to national sentiment. These collective rituals, coupled with backyard barbecues and club colours celebrations, create a uniquely communal atmosphere that extends beyond the stadium.
Fan Engagement and Passion
The Grand Final consistently attracts one of the largest live sporting crowds in Australia, typically close to a sellout of about 100,000 at the MCG. In 2024, the Brisbane Lions' victory over the Sydney Swans was witnessed by 100,013 fans at the ground. TV viewership reached 4.02 million on free-to-air, with a total national reach of 6.09 million, and 655,000 viewers tuning in via the streaming service 7plus—a record high for the platform - commanding almost 90% commercial share in its time slot.
The event trends heavily on social media, with fan commentary, team colours, and viral moments flooding platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. This emotional investment — often generational — reflects not just fandom but identity, loyalty, and regional pride.
Global Comparisons
Unlike globally televised events like the FIFA World Cup Final, UEFA Champions League Final, or NFL's Super Bowl, the AFL Grand Final is heavily domestic in focus—but equates in intensity of national engagement.
While it may lack the global TV footprint of those events, its intensity of national engagement is comparable. Where the Super Bowl is often more about spectacle and marketing, the AFL Grand Final is deeply tied to local customs, regional rivalries, and traditions of grassroots support, making it arguably more embedded in one nation's cultural fabric.
Economic and Social Impact
Economically, the AFL Grand Final injects millions into the Victorian economy each year, boosting tourism, hospitality, and retail. Hotels and restaurants in Melbourne experience record bookings, while regional towns also benefit through local viewing events and tourism tie-ins.
Socially, the AFL uses the platform to promote community initiatives — such as Tackle Your Feelings (a mental health initiative) and Indigenous Round acknowledgments. The Grand Final becomes a platform for national conversations, values, and recognition of Australia's diverse communities.
Conclusion
The AFL Grand Final is more than a sporting event — it's a mirror reflecting Australia's spirit. Its long-standing traditions, communal rituals, and fan devotion make it a cultural cornerstone, reinforcing identity, pride, and shared experience. Though its reach may be national rather than global, few events elsewhere achieve the same emotional and social resonance. In many ways, the Grand Final is Australia at its most unified, passionate, and proud.
Looking for ways to celebrate Grand Final Day in your city? Visit our Melbourne, Sydney and Perth guides for local events, venue packages and celebration ideas.