2021 AFL Grand Final breaks TV viewership records

The 2021 AFL Grand Final was only the second ever to be played outside of Victoria, leading TV viewership records to be broken.

The 2021 AFL Grand Final attracted more local viewers than any other television program this year to date.

A national average audience of 4.11 million tuned in to watch Melbourne defeat the Western Bulldogs by 74 points on Saturday.

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Given Melbourne is in lockdown and that the grand final was contested in Perth by two Melbourne teams, it was perhaps unsurprising that the grand final attracted more Melburnian TV viewers (1.64 million on average) than any decider that came before it.

On average, the grand final was also watched by more Perth TV viewers (483,000) than any AFL/VFL grand final featuring two non-West Australian teams.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said he was thrilled with the broadcast figures.

“All of our broadcast partners – the Seven Network, Foxtel, Kayo, as well as our radio and international partners – have continued to go above and beyond this season,” he said.

“They have provided incredible support throughout a very difficult environment and their coverage has provided fans with great access to our game throughout.

“To all our loyal fans who tuned in across the season, I hope the footy has provided you with some comfort and connection amid the broader challenges we’ve experienced in 2021,” he said.

“We are grateful for your loyalty and support which has again highlighted that we have the best sports fans in the world.”

Prior to Saturday, the Demons hadn’t appeared in a grand final since 2000. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Demons overcame a 19-point deficit midway through the third term to kick 16 of the game’s last 17 goals.

Christian Petracca was particularly influential, touching the footy 40 times and chalking up two majors.

He was ably supported by his colleagues in the midfield, as well as by forwards Bayley Fritsch and Ben Brown, who kicked six and three goals, respectively.

The loss was difficult for the Bulldogs to swallow, but coach Luke Beveridge rejected suggestion the hefty defeat would scar his troops.

“I don’t think there will be a lasting legacy from this,” he said.

“The club has started to inspire people again; individuals are being lauded.

“This result will subtract from that, and that’s disappointing.

“We’re a step behind Melbourne at the moment, but I think both teams can sustain performance for a while.

“We can be team up there again in the future; we just have to do a lot right in the off season.”

Originally published as 2021 AFL Grand Final breaks TV viewership records