Source : ABC NEWS
The 2026 AFL grand final is almost upon us, as the Brisbane Lions look to make history with their second threepeat in 25 years, and the Fremantle Dockers look to win their first flag since joining the league in 1995.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
What time is the 2026 AFL grand final?
Here are the times according to which state or territory you’re in:
- 2.30pm AEST: ACT, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria
- 2pm ACST: Northern Territory, South Australia
- 12.30pm AWST: Western Australia
Which teams are playing in the grand final?
The Brisbane Lions are facing off with the Fremantle Dockers.
This is Brisbane’s fourth grand final in a row, losing to Collingwood in 2023, before beating Sydney and Geelong in the following years.
Should they win, it would be the second threepeat in their history following 2001-2003, and it would see them join Melbourne (1939-41 and 1955-57) as one of the only two teams to record the feat twice in VFL/AFL history.
Meanwhile, Fremantle is yet to win a premiership after joining the league in 1995. This is the club’s second grand final following its loss to Hawthorn in 2013.
Over their past six games against each other, the ledger is tied at 3-3, with the Dockers winning their most recent clash at the Gabba in round 13 this year.
Can I watch the AFL grand final on Kayo?
No. The grand final vision is exclusive to Channel 7 and won’t be shown on Kayo or Fox Sports. It’s a deal that catches out punters every year given Kayo and Fox have access to every single other game of the season.
The game can be streamed via the 7Plus app, while ABC Sport will be calling every moment and live blogging right throughout the day at abc.net.au/news/sport.
What time will Kylie Minogue be performing?
Australia’s pop princess should be on stage from about 1.30pm. Again, be very aware that Minogue’s performance is pre-game and is not halftime entertainment. There is no halftime entertainment.
G Flip, Kylie Minogue, Mike Brady and Michael Paynter will all perform before the grand final. (Getty Images: Michael Willson)
Other performers will be G Flip, musical actor Michael Paynter on the national anthem, and of course Mike Brady doing Up There Cazaly during the retiree motorcade.
Who will be lining up for the Lions and Dockers?
Brisbane Lions
FB: T.Gallop, H.Andrews, R.Lester
HB: D.Zorko, D.Gardiner, D.Wilmot
C: Z.Bailey, W.Ashcroft, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, L.Morris, O.Allen
FF: K.Lohmann, C.Rayner, E.Hipwood
FOL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale
IC: S.Draper, J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, L.Ashcroft, C.McKenna
EMG: N.Answerth, B.Reville, C.Curtin
Fremantle Dockers
FB: J.Clark, A.Pearce, J.McVee
HB: K.Worner, O.McDonald, H.Chapman
C: M.Johnson, A.Brayshaw, N.Erasmus
HF: M.Frederick, M.Reid, S.Switkowski
FF: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, P.Voss
FOL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, S.Bolton
IC: I.Dudley, M.Cox, H.Young, C.Wagner, L.Ryan
EMG: B.Cox, J.O’Meara, C.Scerri
Who will present the cup to the winners?
The Lions have picked Simon Black, a Brownlow medallist and champion midfielder from that first threepeat, while the Dockers have gone with Shaun McManus, who debuted in Fremantle’s inaugural season before playing 228 games.
What are some questions I can drop into the conversation and sound smart as a result?
If this is the one time you watch the footy each year, we’ve got you covered for some conversation starters. Just reel off any of these:
- “How good is Luke Jackson’s work around the ground for a big man?”
- “Doesn’t Kai Lohmann just pop up at exactly the time the Lions need him?”
- “Do you reckon Will Ashcroft is cementing himself as one of the all time great finals performers?”
- “Do you think the Dockers went too top heavy given the conditions?”
- “Is this Lions team better than the threepeaters in 2001 to 2003?”
- “Should Lachie Neale even be playing?”
