AFL Grand Final 2024: Extra flights, public screenings for Lions fans

Airlines are scheduling extra flights to get Lions fans to Melbourne, while Brisbane’s South Bank will transform into a festival of football.

Lions coach Chris Fagan with his charges on Saturday night. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Brisbane Lions fans know the drill, but that won’t make grand final week any less nerve-racking as they prepare to take on the Swans in the AFL decider on Saturday.

A year after the heartbreaking loss to Collingwood, the Lions are out for redemption, with fans planning how to make the most of the biggest day in Aussie rules.

Airlines are scheduling extra flights to get fans to Melbourne, while Brisbane’s South Bank will transform into a festival of football in the days before kick-off for those who can’t get to the MCG.

From Wednesday, footy fans can participate in AFL clinics, inflatable handball targets, face painting and meet with Brisbane Lions’ mascots Roy and Aurora at South Bank Parklands.

Two huge screens at the Cultural Forecourt and Streets Beach will stream the match live for free on Saturday.

AFL Queensland head Trisha Squires said the football festival was a way for Lions fans to come together.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our Brisbane Lions’ incredible journey to the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final,” she said.

Lachie Neale of the Lions in action against the Cats on Saturday night. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“The festival at South Bank is not just a celebration of footy. It’s an invitation for all fans, families, and friends to come together, share in the excitement and create unforgettable memories.”

And as the AFL’s biggest night approaches, the spotlight shines not just on the players but on the breathtaking fashion set to dazzle the Brownlow red carpet.

For the second year in a row, the Brisbane Lions players and their partners will tune in to the awards remotely from Brisbane.

This year, all eyes will be on Emily Halverson, partner of Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews, as she leads the glamour parade in a showstopping ensemble by Brisbane designer Joash Teo.

For Halverson, the night is a rare opportunity to step away from the casual match-day attire of jeans, scarfs, and sneakers and embrace the elegance of a red-carpet event.

“We go to a lot of games, obviously, but to do the Brownlow and actually have the opportunity to dress up like you wouldn’t for any other occasion, it’s just a nice recognition of the hard work the players have put in all year,” she said.

“It adds a little bit of fun and dress-ups into the mix, which is really exciting.”

The partnership between Halverson and designer Teo adds another layer of pride for Brisbane.

“I love getting to work with a Brisbane designer and showcasing one of the best in the Australian couture market while representing a Brisbane team. It’s pretty special,” Halverson said.

Lions co-captain Harris Andrew's partner Emily Halverson is fitted for her Brownlow awards dress. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Teo, known for his high-profile designs for celebrities like Ariarne Titmus, Dami Im, Maria Thattil and Abbie Chatfield, has made a name for himself as a visionary in the fashion world.

Reflecting on the Lions’ season, Halverson noted that while the team had a rocky start, her faith in their success never wavered.

“I think for Harris and myself, there was no point where we didn’t see them back in the hunt for finals,” she said.

Airlines have scrambled to add more flights to help Brisbane fans cheer at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Virgin Australia added eight Brisbane-Melbourne flights and seven Sydney-Melbourne flights this week.

A Qantas spokesman also said it added more flights for the AFL weekend.

“To help Brisbane fans get to Melbourne next weekend, Qantas has added five flights between Brisbane and Melbourne,” he said.

“This is on top of the 10 flights Qantas Group added on Friday to help Sydney fans get to Melbourne to support their team.”

The addition of flights will add more than 2100 seats to Melbourne. The airlines will continue to monitor demand may add additional flights early next week.

A flight from Brisbane on Friday will cost at least $391 on Virgin and $489 on Qantas.