The Friday before the AFL Grand Final is known as a public holiday in Victoria, Australia. It is officially called the "AFL Grand Final Friday", and it is observed annually on the day before the AFL Grand Final.

Table of Contents

1. When is Friday before AFL Grand Final?
2. The History of Friday before AFL Grand Final?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about AFL Grand Final

When is the Friday before AFL Grand Final?

Friday before the AFL Grand Final is usually observed the last Saturday in September or the first Saturday in October.

The following is the list of Friday before the AFL Grand Final from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Friday before the AFL Grand Final? 

The AFL Grand Final is one of Australia's biggest sporting events, traditionally held on the last Saturday in September (or early October). Leading up to the Grand Final, Melbourne hosts a Grand Final Parade, where thousands of fans gather to celebrate the competing teams.

The Victorian Government introduced the public holiday to allow more people to participate in the festivities and to boost tourism and business activities.

The public holiday was first observed on Friday, September 30, 2015. Then-Premier Daniel Andrews introduced it as part of his election promise to support local businesses and enhance public participation in AFL celebrations.

The holiday has become a key part of AFL Grand Final week, encouraging large crowds to gather in Melbourne's CBD for the parade. It has contributed to increased domestic tourism, as fans travel to Melbourne for the Grand Final.

The AFL Grand Final Parade remains the biggest event of the day, featuring players from both Grand Final teams.

What Do People Do on This Day?

Friday before the AFL Grand Final is primarily a day of celebration and AFL-related activities.

AFL Grand Final Parade is held in Melbourne, and this is the biggest public event of the day. Thousands of fans line the streets to see the players and soak in the atmosphere.

Major TV networks air AFL-themed shows, past Grand Final highlights, and expert analysis. Radio stations and sports bars host discussions and debates on match predictions.

Many Victorians use the holiday to host barbecues and AFL-themed parties. Friends and family get together to talk football and enjoy a day off.

Special AFL-themed menus and promotions are common. Some Victorians take advantage of the long weekend to travel to regional areas or beaches.

Some fans set up home theaters or outdoor screens for the ultimate Grand Final viewing experience.

The day is filled with excitement, and AFL fever across Victoria. Whether attending the Grand Final Parade, or heading to a sports bar, most people use the holiday to celebrate Australian rules football in their own way.

More about AFL Grand Final

The AFL Grand Final is the championship match of the Australian Football League (AFL), held annually to determine the season's premier team. It is the biggest sporting event in Australia.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Victoria has hosted almost every Grand Final since 1902. The final is traditionally held the last Saturday in September or the first Saturday in October if the season runs longer.

A public holiday in Victoria allows thousands of fans to attend the Grand Final Parade in Melbourne's CBD.

The game has four quarters of 20 minutes each (plus time-on), and the team that scores the most points wins and is crowned AFL Premiers.

The winning team is awarded the AFL Premiership Cup, with players celebrating on the podium in front of thousands of fans.

The MCG is packed with over 100,000 fans, making it one of the highest-attended sporting events in the world. Millions watch on TV, with the AFL Grand Final regularly being Australia's most-watched TV program of the year.

AFL is deeply embedded in Australian culture, particularly in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.It is considered Australia's equivalent of the Super Bowl or the FA Cup Final. Winning an AFL Grand Final cements a team's legacy and brings lifelong glory to players and fans.