New path plotted for AFL Grand Final parade

A new path has been plotted for this year’s Grand Final eve parade in just the sixth change to the route since it was first held more than 40 years ago.

The 2023 AFL Grand Final parade will take a new route this year. Picture: David Crosling

The AFL Grand Final Parade will return to city streets in a significant shift from last year’s Yarra River ceremony.

The Herald Sun can reveal the AFL has plotted a new path for the popular Grand Final eve event, taking it off the water just a year after making a splash by staging it on the river.

It will instead this week announce the parade will be launched from the heart of Melbourne’s iconic sporting precinct, in just the sixth change to its route since it was first held in 1977.

In a return to tradition, the parade will stop traffic on a rerouted route that will start for the first time from a Melbourne Park field near Rod Laver Arena used as “Grand Slam Oval” during the Australian Open.

In a move expected to draw the biggest parade crowds yet, it will sweep through Birrarung Marr and Yarra Park with room for tens of thousands of fans on both sides of its path before finishing at a live site outside the MCG.

Chris Scott and Joel Selwood of the Cats are seen during the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade. Picture: Getty Images

The Herald Sun can also reveal the AFL’s Footy Festival – with free entry for everyone – will return to Yarra Park at the MCG from September 27 to 30.

It is believed the parade U-turn is in response to fans who last year felt too far away from the action and struggled to see what was going on as Geelong and Sydney teams travelled by boat.

AFL executive Kylie Rogers confirmed the Friday, September 29 event would move from water to land.

The Swans on the Yarra River during the 2022 Grand Final parade. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“The parade is an iconic part of Grand Final week in Melbourne,’’ she said.

“Last year delivered some great elements, but ultimately we wanted to bring the fans and players closer together and back in the iconic Toyota Hilux’s will deliver on this.

“We look forward to confirming the route and extra details in shortly.’’

After leaving Melbourne Park, the new route will proceed down Batman Ave before crossing into Birrarung Marr.

Following the Yarra River path, it will enter Lower Terrace, cross William Barak footbridge and proceed into Yarra Park before arriving at The Footy Festival live site where players will be introduced on stage.

The grand final coaches are also expected to be interviewed on stage at the free, public holiday event.

The parade start time has not yet been finalised but is expected to be either 10.30am or 11am.

Full details of the free Footy Festival, including player appearances, giveaways, activities for adults and kids, food and beverage offerings and surrounding events will be released in coming days.