The AFL has ditched the boats and is returning to dry land with a motorcade for this year’s grand final parade after a 2022 procession on the Yarra River fell flat.
Players for the Collingwood Magpies and Brisbane Lions will instead travel in utes through Melbourne on the public holiday on Friday, marking the eve of the big game.
Crowds flocked to the banks of the Yarra River to see the AFL grand final players on boats last year – but many needed binoculars to get a proper glimpse.Credit: Scott McNaughton
AFL customer and commercial manager Kylie Rogers maintains that the boats had some great elements, but “ultimately, we wanted to bring the fans and players closer together and the new route … will deliver on this”.
Here’s all you need to know about this year’s parade.
What is the route this year?
The parade will start at Melbourne Park, next to Rod Laver Arena, just off Olympic Boulevard. Players in ute trays will travel towards the city down Batman Avenue before heading off-road and following the Yarra River.
Then, just as the river turns further west to travel along the CBD’s south edge, the player convoy make a right turn at Birrarung Marr. It will head east across the William Barak Bridge over the train tracks and arrive at the MCG precinct.
The final leg of the trip will see the convoy zigzag through Yarra Park, heading up close to Jolimont Station before entering the AFL Footy Festival zone, finishing at a stage near gate three at the MCG.
Where can I watch it?
Pedestrian pathways are dotted along the AFL parade map from its tennis precinct departure point at Grand Slam Oval – a second key live site.
Lance Franklin and Tom Papley of the Sydney Swans wave during a small part of the parade last year which was conducted on land.Credit: Robert Cianflone
The AFL has touted “a unique, 360-degree stage” at the starting oval as allowing another 10,000-15,000 fans see their favourite players from all vantage points on a cube-shaped platform with screens on each side.
A walk from Federation Square along the Yarra River towards the MCG will take fans to another viewing zone at Birrarung Marr. Supporters can also wedge themselves between Batman Avenue and the river to see the early stages of the parade.
Crowds will also be in parkland between Jolimont and the Yarra Park parade route after cars cross the bridge over train lines.
The other live site at the Footy Festival zone, just to the north of the MCG, will also be packed.
Fox Footy will broadcast the event from 10.30am for those who can’t make it.
When does it start and end?
The two-hour parade will leave Melbourne Park at 10.30am on Friday, arriving at the Footy Festival at 11.30am, before the entire show concludes at 12.30pm after the teams take to the Yarra Park stage.
Joel Selwood and Luke Parker hold the premiership cup after last year’s parade.Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos
Who will be there?
All Brisbane and Collingwood players, plus coaches Chris Fagan and Craig McRae, are expected to be on the trip. Tradition dictates captains Dayne Zorko and Darcy Moore hold the premiership cup aloft after the teams are presented on-stage.
Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow will be there too, according to the AFL website.
