AFL Grand Final: Start time in every Australian capital city

After two weeks of build-up, the highly-anticipated clash between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs is finally here.

Who will come out on top? (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The highly-anticipated Grand Final clash between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs is here.

The Demons are looking to snap a 57-year premiership drought, having not won a flag since 1964 — coincidentally the same year Tokyo previously hosted an Olympic Games.

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Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are hoping to replicate their fairytale 2016 run by winning the flag from outside the top four.

Eyes on the prize. ✨#GiveEmHellpic.twitter.com/Gmn7mctrZR

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) September 24, 2021

What time is the AFL Grand Final?

With the match being played at Perth’s Optus Stadium, the first bounce will take place tonight at 5.15pm local time, or 7.15pm AEST.

Here’s what time first bounce is around the country:

Melbourne – 7.15pm

Sydney – 7.15pm

Brisbane – 7.15pm

Perth – 5.15pm

Adelaide – 6.45pm

Hobart – 7.15pm

Coverage of the season finale will commence on Channel 7 and 7HD from 2pm AEST.

Meanwhile, Fox Footy will be running a full day of football coverage beginning from 2pm through to 11.15pm. You can also watch a replay of the Grand Final on Fox Footy from 11.15pm.

Who will be lifting the cup tonight? Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images

What is the Grand Final pre-match entertainment?

The official festivities begin at 6.15pm AEST, including the pre-match entertainment and the performance of the Welcome to Country and national anthem.

Last week, the AFL announced the line-up for the match day entertainment, including a half time performance from Perth-based alternative rock group Birds of Tokyo alongside the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

This year’s pre-match entertainment is loaded with West Australian talent, including John Butler, Eskimo Joe, Abbe May, indie phenom Stella Donnelly, Men at Work’s Colin Hay and Young Australian of the Year Baker Boy.

The Waifs’ Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn and Indigenous duo Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse will also feature.

Mike Brady’s iconic performance of “Up There Cazaly” will once again be beamed into the venue from Melbourne due to Covid-19 restrictions, while Noongar cultural ambassador Richard Walley will conduct the Welcome to Country.