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Melbourne’s city streets turned into a sea of color and cheer on Friday, as tens of thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the 2025 AFL Grand Final Parade. Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats players waved from open trucks along the parade route, with crowds stretching along Spring Street and the banks of the Yarra.
The atmosphere was festive and electric. Families, friend groups and visitors packed the footpaths, many dressed head-to-toe in team scarves and jumpers. Children perched on parents’ shoulders, while others handed out flags and footballs for players to sign. For many, the parade is as much a tradition as the match itself — a chance to share in the excitement no matter which team they follow.
This year’s Grand Final has special weight: the Brisbane Lions are aiming for back-to-back premierships, while Geelong Cats are chasing redemption after last year’s loss. The parade gave both sets of players a hero’s welcome before they step onto the MCG on Saturday.
Australian Rules football was born right here in Melbourne in the late 1850s, and the city still considers it a proud part of its identity. That heritage was on show during the parade, with banners celebrating the game’s history and bands performing classic footy songs. It was a reminder that the Grand Final is not just a sporting contest but a celebration of Melbourne itself.
The event also drew people from well beyond Victoria. Supporters flew in from Brisbane, Perth, the Gold Coast and across regional towns to be part of the moment. Many said the parade was worth the trip in itself — a chance to see their heroes up close and soak in the carnival spirit before the big game.
For visitors, the Grand Final Parade is a window into the wider culture of the city. Even those who don’t follow AFL closely can enjoy the buzz of the occasion, the sight of Swanston Street lined with color, and the sense of Melbourne coming together.
As the parade wrapped up under spring sunshine, the cheers shifted from the city streets to the MCG stands on Saturday. Brisbane stood firm against Geelong’s challenge and then pulled away in the final quarter, sealing a 52-point victory — 122 to 75. For the Lions and their fans, the win confirmed back-to-back premiership glory. For Melbourne, it marked another unforgettable chapter in the story of its favorite game.
