You can watch the AFL grand final live and free in Australia on Channel 7 and via the 7plus streaming app, while overseas viewers normally use the paid Watch AFL service.

Where to watch in Australia

  • The match is broadcast live on free‑to‑air TV on Channel Seven across the country.
  • You can stream it live and free in HD on the 7plus app on smart TVs, mobiles, tablets, or a web browser (you’ll usually need to sign in, so set this up earlier on game week).
  • Seven also runs full grand final day coverage, including preview shows, entertainment and post‑match presentations from the morning through the evening.

Start time basics

  • Recent day grand finals have bounced down at around 2:30 pm AEST (2 pm Adelaide, 12:30 pm Perth), with a pre‑game show about 30 minutes earlier; exact times can shift slightly each year, so check that season’s TV guide as it gets closer.

How to watch overseas

If you’re outside Australia, the usual method is the Watch AFL streaming platform.

  • Watch AFL is the official international streaming service that shows every AFL premiership season and finals game live and on‑demand for viewers outside Australia.
  • You purchase a pass (weekly, monthly or season, depending on the year’s offer) and then stream via their website or app on supported devices.

Radio, live sites and forums

  • If you prefer radio, ABC Sport provides a live call via the AFL website and the ABC Listen app, which many fans use alongside TV or when on the go.
  • In some years there are big live sites (e.g., SCG in Sydney, South Bank in Brisbane, Fed Square in Melbourne) showing the grand final on big screens for fans who don’t have tickets.
  • Forum threads on fan communities (like AFL and NRL subforums) typically light up on grand final day with live discussion, complaints about ads, and reactions to the pre‑match entertainment.

Quick checklist before game day

  1. Confirm which channel is showing the game in your region (usually Channel 7 within Australia).
  1. Install and log in to 7plus (Australia) or sign up for Watch AFL (overseas) ahead of time so you’re not scrambling at bounce.
  1. Check your local start time once the AFL releases the official fixture and the broadcaster posts that year’s schedule.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.