What time is the AFL Grand Final 2026? Start time, teams and entertainment

First bounce is 2:30pm AEST on Saturday 26 September, and Sydney is on Melbourne time that day. The full timetable in Sydney time, who is playing, who is performing and where to watch it.

The 2026 AFL Grand Final starts at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday 26 September, with Fremantle taking on the Brisbane Lions at the MCG. Sydney is on the same time as Melbourne that day, so first bounce is 2:30pm here too. Channel Seven coverage starts at 2pm.

Below is the full grand final day timetable in Sydney time, who is playing, who is performing and how to watch. There is also a quick answer on the Friday public holiday, which catches plenty of people out in NSW.

AFL Grand Final 2026 timetable in Sydney time

The start time and broadcast details come from the AFL’s official start time guide. The finish time is an estimate, because a close game or extra time can push it later.

Start times around Australia

• NSW, ACT, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania: 2:30pm
• South Australia and the Northern Territory: 2pm
• Western Australia: 12:30pm, so Fremantle fans in Perth get a lunchtime bounce

Daylight saving does not start in NSW until Sunday 4 October. As a result, Sydney and Melbourne clocks match on grand final day.

Who is playing in the 2026 AFL Grand Final?

Fremantle play the Brisbane Lions. It is the first time the two clubs have met in a grand final.

Brisbane are chasing a third premiership in a row. Fremantle are in only their second grand final, after losing to Hawthorn in 2013, and are still after the club’s first flag.

For Sydney fans, the sting is still fresh. The Swans led Fremantle by 28 points in the preliminary final before losing 12.11 (83) to 10.11 (71). A lot of neutral Sydney supporters will be picking a side on the day, and plenty will lean towards the underdog.

AFL Grand Final 2026 entertainment

Kylie Minogue headlines the pre-game show, with G Flip as the opening act. Mike Brady AM, the voice behind Up There Cazaly, is back as well. Michael Paynter sings the national anthem.

The pre-game show runs in the lead-up to first bounce. If you are watching at home or at a venue, aim to be settled before 2pm so you catch the whole thing.

How to watch the AFL Grand Final on TV

The grand final is free to air on Channel Seven and streams live on 7plus. Kayo carries replays. International viewers can use the Watch AFL service.

Watching the grand final at a restaurant

Most Sydney fans will watch at a pub, club or restaurant, and the good tables go early. For next year, the AFL Grand Final screenings page is where venues and deals get updated once they are set.

In the south west, Elements Brasserie Belmore at 721a Canterbury Road is a relaxed local steakhouse with screens on for the game.

In the Inner West, SCHNITI Haberfield at 217 Ramsay Street pairs the game with schnitzel and bold Italian flavours.

For the full SCHNITI menu and booking page, head to the SCHNITI website.

If you are closer to Canterbury-Bankstown, the Canterbury-Bankstown dining guide covers more options nearby.

Planning your grand final afternoon

• Book before Thursday. Tables with a clear view of the screen go first, especially for groups.
• Arrive by 1:45pm. That gives you time to order before the pre-game show and the 2pm broadcast start.
• Tell the venue about groups early. For ten or more, a group booking is easier than splitting across tables.
• Plan the trip home. The game ends around 5pm, so sort transport before the celebrations begin.

Is the AFL Grand Final a public holiday in NSW?

No. The Friday before the AFL Grand Final is a public holiday in Victoria only. In 2026 that is Friday 25 September, which is also the day of the Grand Final Parade in Melbourne.

NSW workers get no day off, although plenty of Sydney offices wind down early on the Friday afternoon anyway.

Can you still get AFL Grand Final tickets?

Realistically, not at a normal price. Grand final tickets go to the two clubs’ members, AFL members and corporate partners first. The general public is mostly left with hospitality packages. If you do not already have a seat, a table in front of a big screen in Sydney is the far easier plan.

Frequently asked questions

What time is the AFL Grand Final 2026 in Sydney?

First bounce is 2:30pm AEST on Saturday 26 September 2026, and Seven’s coverage starts at 2pm.

Who is playing in the AFL Grand Final 2026?

Fremantle play the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.

Who is performing at the 2026 AFL Grand Final?

Kylie Minogue headlines, with G Flip opening and Mike Brady AM performing. Michael Paynter sings the national anthem.

What channel is the AFL Grand Final on?

Channel Seven and 7plus show it live and free, and Kayo has replays.

What time does the AFL Grand Final finish?

Usually around 5pm AEST, depending on stoppages and whether the game goes to extra time.

Is Friday a public holiday for the AFL Grand Final?

Only in Victoria. Friday 25 September 2026 is a normal working day in NSW.

Booking for the grand final

First bounce is 2:30pm, and the good tables go well before that. Book online with Dine with Elements, or call 1300 ELEMENTS (1300 353 636) for groups of ten or more.