The AFL Grand Final match itself runs for about 2.5 hours, from a 2:30 pm bounce until roughly 5:00 pm, depending on time-on and any extra time.

In practice, here’s how it usually breaks down on the day:

  • Official start time: 2:30 pm AEST at the MCG in recent seasons.
  • Expected finish: Around 5:00 pm AEST if the game is close to standard length, with no extra time needed.
  • Regulation game time: Four quarters of roughly 30 minutes each (20 minutes plus time-on), so about 2 hours of actual play and stoppages.
  • Extra time (only if scores are level at the final siren): Pairs of extra-time periods are played until there’s a winner, which can extend the finish beyond 5:00 pm.

If you’re planning your day, most people allow from about 2:00 pm (when TV coverage really ramps up) until at least 5:30 pm to cover the final siren, presentations, and team celebrations. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.