Brisbane and Fremantle fans gathered at Melbourne Park on September 25, 2026, for the AFL Grand Final parade, as the Lions aimed for a three-peat and the Dockers sought their first flag amid vibrant celebrations and mixed reactions to key players.
Crowds swarmed Melbourne Park on September 25, 2026. A sea of supporters turned out for the AFL Grand Final parade as the Brisbane Lions and Fremantle Dockers players made their way forward ahead of the MCG showdown. Rain was forecast, but the festive mood held firm.
Yet tension rippled through the precinct. Brisbane captain Lachie Neale faced boos during the procession. It was a stark contrast to the warm reception given to Fremantle captain Alex Pearce.
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Pearce praised his team, calling them the most passionate fans in the league.
For many, the parade is an annual ritual.
The Hall family attended their fourth grand final. They spoke to the unpredictable nature of Australian rules football.
We were here in 2023 when they lost to Collingwood, but we all believe that we wouldn't be going for our three-peat if we didn't lose that one,
Hayley Hall said. Her five-year-old daughter has been living a very good life
by attending four grand finals.
Fremantle supporters flew in from Western Australia in droves. They expressed fierce hope for a historic victory. It doesn't surprise us, they've been with us all year,
one fan noted of the turnout.
Nostalgia and Entertainment Hit the Stage
Nostalgia marked the afternoon. Mike Brady performed his iconic Up There Cazaly,
while The Wiggles entertained younger fans in the crowd. Not everyone was entirely pleased, however, as some Lions supporters questioned the allegiances of one performer.
On the playing front, experience met anticipation. Fremantle’s Luke Jackson returned to the grand final stage after winning in 2021. First-time participants Andy Brayshaw and Caleb Serong added further weight to the Dockers’ lineup.
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The Dockers are hunting for their very first premiership. Meanwhile, Brisbane chases a third title.
The Lions enter as favorites. Their fourth grand final in as many years draws sharp comparisons to their dominant early 2000s era. Neale’s presence on the field follows a last-minute clearance from an AFL Appeal Board decision, injecting high drama into grand final week.
Two Clubs, Two Different Legacies
Fremantle carries the memory of a 2013 final loss. Brisbane pushes forward in a relentless pursuit of a three-peat.
The event drew to a close with captains Alex Pearce and Josh Dunkley jointly raising the premiership cup. It was a symbolic prelude to the weekend clash.
Tens of thousands are expected at Flemington Racecourse as the MCG prepares for the final showdown. The parade laid bare the immense emotional stakes for both camps. Fremantle looks to finally break a 23-year drought, while Brisbane fights to cement their legacy.