‘Bigger and better than ever’: New AFL Grand Final Parade route revealed

Footy fans are in for an “unmatched” Grand Final Parade experience this year after the AFL unveiled a brand-new “family friendly” route through the heart of the city’s sporting precinct.

Crowds at the AFL Grand Final Parade at Yarra Park in Melbourne on Friday. Picture Lachie Millard

A new AFL Grand Final Parade route through the heart of Melbourne’s iconic sports precinct is set to be officially unveiled on Tuesday.

The Herald Sun last month revealed the parade route would return to the streets, but follow a revised path intended to be more fan friendly.

A map illustrating the new route confirms the parade will start at Melbourne Park Arena and pass through the Australian Open tennis precinct before players are feted in front of fans in Yarra Park, outside the MCG.

An artist's impression of the this year's new AFL Grand Parade route. Picture: Supplied

AFL chief Andrew Dillon said a crowd of more than 250,000 people is expected to line the path to cheer on the grand final teams and the premiership cup.

“Each year we are looking to deliver a more fan and family friendly event and create

better viewing opportunities for parade goers who are enjoying the grand final week

festivities and the public holiday in Victoria,” he said.

“The new route through Melbourne Park Precinct, Birrarung Marr into the Footy Festival creates more viewing opportunities and allows more people to cheer on their favourite players.”

The new route is expected to give more fans a better view of the parade. Picture: Lachie Millard

Staged the day before the grand final, the parade will start at 10.30am, pass through Melbourne Park to Birrarung Marr, over the walk bridge and into the Yarra Park Precinct.

It will finish at the AFL’s free Footy Festival, with the grand final teams presented on stage at about noon.

Pre-parade entertainment will start at 9am, including Sherrin giveaways, food and beverage offerings, live music and AFL legends in attendance.

Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the new parade route would allow families to come together in the heart of Melbourne to “celebrate everything that makes the AFL grand final such an important event for our state.”

“The AFL Grand Final Parade will be bigger and better than ever in 2024, allowing unmatched access to players and coaches in the centre of Melbourne Park, Victoria’s iconic sporting precinct,” he said.

This year’s route has better access to public transport and more area for the projected 250,000 fans to move than previous parades. Picture: Lachie Millard

Melbourne Park Oval was chosen as a starting point of the parade due to its accessibility to public transport including Richmond station and the amount of space for fans to move.

Another prime spot to watch the parade will be a second live site at Birrarung Marr, which will feature a big screen and viewing areas.

The AFL Footy Festival will operate in Yarra Park precinct for four days of fun – running from September 25–28.

The parade will be screened exclusively on Fox Footy.