Yarra gears up for 2025 AFL Grand Final

This Saturday 27 September, the AFL Grand Final will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the Geelong Cats taking on the Brisbane Lions. The match will start at 2.30pm.

25 Sep 2025

With all the action on our doorstep, the City of Yarra is reminding footy fans of a few key things to ensure everyone stays safe and ensure your Grand Final Day is a good one:

Road closures

There are no planned closures of any main roads in Yarra on Grand Final Day, including Swan Street. Stay tuned to our social media channels for any updates.

Brunton Avenue, located by the MCG, will be closed to all vehicles on Grand Final Day between 6am and 7pm. 

Drinking in public places

Alcohol is not permitted in public spaces around Swan Street from 9pm Friday 26 September until 9am Sunday 28 September.

A map demonstrating the areas where public drinking is prohibited during the 2024 AFL Grand Final

This does not include outdoor dining areas at licensed venues. Alcohol can be consumed in these areas.

For more information, visit: Local laws in Yarra

Getting around

With a crowd of 100,000 people expected at the MCG, we recommend planning ahead and using public transport. You can plan your journey and get the latest service updates on the Public Transport Victoria website.

Trains: Metro Trains will be running extra services before and after the game. There are two train stations close to the MCG:

Jolimont station: Hurstbridge and Mernda lines
Richmond station: Alamein, Belgrave, Cranbourne, Frankston, Glen Waverley, Lilydale, Pakenham and Sandringham lines.

Trams: There will be extra tram services around the MCG.

Bus: Route 246 runs from Clifton Hill/Queens Parade to Elsternwick Station and stops on Punt Road near Olympic Boulevard.

Public safety

With an expected crowd of 100,000 at the MCG, it’s likely there will be an increase in visitors to the surrounding area, including Swan Street. There will be increased rubbish collection in Richmond.

We ask that everyone who attends a Grand Final Day celebration in Yarra is respectful and considerate of other people. Victoria Police and Yarra’s Local Law Officers will continue to patrol the area.

Council has been working closely with Victoria Police to address anti-social behaviour.

You can report any anti-social behaviour to Victoria Police on 131 444 or 000.

Yarra celebrates the Brisbane Lions during AFL Grand Final Week

With their old Fitzroy heartland part of our city, the Brisbane Lions are staging a series of activities in Yarra this week as they compete for another AFL premiership. Brisbane Lions pop-up shop Following its success in previous years, the club is opening a pop-up merchandise shop in the reading room at Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier Street, Fitzroy. Fans will be able to purchase the full range of Lions’ 2025 finals merch hot off the press. Make sure to head down from today to get kitted out for the big day at any of the below times: Wednesday 24 September, 10am to 8pm Thursday 25 September, 10am to 8pm Friday 26 September, 10am to 8pm Brunswick Street Oval post-Grand Final celebration On the morning of Sunday 28 September following the Grand Final, the Lions will host a family day at the Brunswick Street Oval from 9am to 11am. Regardless of the result of the big match against Geelong, families can look forward to seeing the current team and past players and picking up unique Lions’ merchandise.