Full guide: everything to know about grand final day in Geelong

Want to know where to watch the grand final in Geelong, or the best ways to get to the ‘G? Check out our comprehensive guide.

As Geelong residents prepare to cheer on the Cats this Saturday, they may be wondering the best way to get to the game, or where they can watch in the region.

Here’s your one-stop guide to everything grand final related.

Where to watch

As the Cats prepare to face the Swans this Saturday, many Geelong residents may be wondering where they can go to watch the clash.

The Piano Bar on Little Malop St is among many venues that will host spectators to watch the game.

Owner Andy Pobjoy said he hoped to see a big crowd into the venue on grand final day, as he looked to “salvage the weekend” following an extra public holiday.

“For us, with the extra public holiday, it’s thrown the whole grand final weekend into disarray,” he said.

Lilli Calnin, Gen Gold, Alexandra Curtis and Georgia Woods watching the grand final at the Geelong Hotel in 2020. Picture: Alan Barber

“Normally, the grand final is a little quieter … but we make it up on the Thursday before.

“It’s a real shocker.

“We’re just trying to get people to come in, and celebrate what will hopefully be a win for Geelong.

“With the live site from council not going ahead, I think there’s definitely an appetite for it.

“We’re trying to salvage the weekend.”

Mr Pobjoy said on a normal Saturday night, the Piano Bar’s five venues have between 600 and 650 tickets sold.

He said this Saturday, they’re looking at only about 80.

However, Mr Pobjoy said it was going to be a fun day and night for all in attendance.

“It’s free entry, with music in the quarter breaks,” he said.

“The pre-game entertainment will be on full with all of our speakers and fantastic set up.

“It could really be the closest thing (next) to being there.”

The Piano Bar will be open for anyone, with patrons welcome to stay after the game to celebrate or commiserate.

As for if costumes or festive attire will be worn, Mr Pobjoy said it would be “pretty casual by Piano Bar standards”.

Cats Fans on the Port Phillip Ferry. Ferry Master Jacques Kent welcomes the Webster family on board. Craig and Ellen Webster with Skyla, 11, Jesse, 13, and Quinn, 8. Picture: Mike Dugdale

How to get there

Whether by road, rail or sea, Geelong fans have plenty options to get to Saturday’s grand final.

Port Phillip Ferries will be running services to and from Geelong and Portarlington on Saturday for fans wanting to take the scenic route to the MCG, while V/Line has additional services.

Brad Wright, of Port Phillip Ferries, said Saturday’s ferries would be decked out in blue and white in support of the Geelong Cats.

“It has been amazing to see Geelong and Bellarine footy fans’ jump on board and support the Footy Ferries this year,” Mr Wright said.

“The feedback from everyone who uses the ferry to travel to and from Melbourne has been so positive, and with the Cats having such a great year, some of the bigger games this year have been huge.

“We’re looking forward to Saturday’s Grand Final and have even started decking out the ferries in Geelong colours. Go Cats!”

V/Line will be running 12 additional services with extra capacity on the Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat lines to help thousands of Cats fans make the journey to and from the MCG.

To ensure pedestrian safety around the MCG, several road closures will be in place with Wellington Parade, Jolimont Road and Brunton Ave closing before and after the Grand Final.

Full fares will be capped at $6.70 a day for travel in zones 1 and 2 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said the extra services would help fans get to the game safely.

“We’re putting on more train and tram services helping Cats and Swans supporters get to all the big events this week,” he said.

General public parking in Yarra Park, at the MCG, will be unavailable on grand final day.

Disability permit holders can pre-purchase a car park pass in Yarra Park online.

Originally published as Full guide: everything to know about grand final day in Geelong