Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions clash in AFL grand final at the MCG
Pre-game rituals, queues and a goal-song debate set the stage for the season’s biggest match
Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions are contesting the AFL grand final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the league’s marquee day that draws fans from across the country for the season’s climactic showdown. As the countdown to the opening bounce begins, Geelong and Brisbane supporters are converging on the MCG for what figures to be a tightly contested decider.
Fans began queuing before dawn outside the stadium, with ticketholders and casual spectators alike piling into the precinct as security and gates were prepared for an influx that will fill the stands. The long wait is part of a broader pre-game ritual laid bare by the Daily Mail Australia live blog, which has tracked the atmosphere from early morning through the build-up to the bounce.
A prominent subplot this year centers on a longstanding superstition about the premiership cup. Some fans believe the captain who holds the cup longest during the grand final parade tends to preside over the winning team. The chatter has particular resonance for Brisbane, after Lachie Neale was the last to release the cup in last year’s parade, a moment that has since been described by Lions teammates as haunts him. Harris Andrews, the Lions co-captain, recalled that memory as the new season began, saying it lingered in the off-season and colored expectations for 2025.
Meanwhile, the pre-game mood has also been shaped by a debate over whether goal songs belong in the decider. Reports that the AFL would allow songs such as Charlie Cameron’s Take Me Home, Country Roads sparked a wave of reaction online. Corey McKernan, a dual premiership player, publicly questioned the move, writing simply "Why" in response to the decision. Supporters argued that goal songs can inject atmosphere on a day when crowds include many corporate attendees who may not be backing either club, while opponents contended the tradition reduces the focus on the on-field contest and risks turning a grand final into a theatrical production.
Even as the chatter swirls, the day stands as the AFL’s biggest stage. The Daily Mail Australia live-blog team promises ongoing updates, scores, and photos as Geelong meets Brisbane at the MCG. Kick-off marks the start of what is expected to be a high-stakes, hard-fought encounter, with both clubs seeking a spot in league history and a share of the season’s ultimate prize.
The arena’s surroundings are already alive with color and energy, with banners, fan gear, and television crews crafting the backdrop for a game that will be remembered long after the final siren. For many supporters, the Grand Final represents more than a single match; it is the culmination of a year’s effort, a festival of football, and a test of nerves that can hinge on a single play, a single moment of brilliance, or even a fortunate bounce.
As the match unfolds, officials will monitor the flow of play and ensure that the game remains a fair test, with the focus staying on the football. The details of scores, penalties, and tactical moves will emerge in real time through the live-blog updates and post-game wrap-ups. The spectacle at the MCG is not just about the two teams; it is about a sport that has long anchored Australian sporting culture, drawing families, friends, and fans from across the country into a shared experience on a spring afternoon or evening.