AFL Grand Final Ultimate Guide: Swans survive all-time epic to book showdown with Geelong

Geelong will face Sydney in the 2022 AFL Grand Final.

For the first time since 2017, both qualifying final winners claimed victory in their home preliminary finals, with the Cats defeating Brisbane and the Swans defeating Collingwood.

And even though the Cats and Swans were original VFL clubs dating back to 1897, this will be their first ever meeting in a Grand Final.

Watch Fox Footy’s massive line-up of Grand Final week coverage on Kayo including live pre-game, half-time and post-game coverage with full analysis from the best team in the business. New to Kayo? Try 14 days free >

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s premiership decider.

WHAT TIME DOES THE GRAND FINAL START?

The 2022 AFL Grand Final starts at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday September 24, reverting back to its traditional timeslot after two night games played in Brisbane and Perth respectively.

It is the first Grand Final back at Melbourne’s MCG since 2019.

Victoria has a four-day weekend thanks to two public holidays leading into Grand Final weekend.

All of Australia has a public holiday on Thursday September 22 for a national day of mourning for the death of Queen Elizabeth II, while Victoria has a Grand Final public holiday on Friday September 23.

The pre-game entertainment is likely to start between 1pm and 1:30pm AEST, with details TBC.

HOW CAN I WATCH THE AFL GRAND FINAL?

The 2022 AFL Grand Final will be broadcast live on Seven and 7Plus (on certain platforms only and only up to 720p HD), and you can stream it on Kayo after the game.

The Grand Final can only be streamed on TVs on 7Plus on Telstra TV, Samsung Tizen (2016 and later), Fetch TV, Apple TV, PlayStation 4 and 5, Android TV/Google TV and LG TV.

You cannot Chromecast or AirPlay the 7Plus coverage of the AFL Grand Final.

Otherwise to watch it live on TV you will need free-to-air channels, or even a simple antenna plugged into the coaxial input on your TV.

Fox Footy will have a massive line-up of live pre-game, half-time and post-game coverage with full analysis from the best team in the business.

If you’re outside of Australia, you can watch the Grand Final as well as Fox Footy coverage and TV shows on WatchAFL.

WHO IS PLAYING IN THE GRAND FINAL?

The Geelong Cats will face either the Sydney Swans in the 2022 AFL Grand Final on Saturday September 24 at 2:30pm AEST.

The Cats are trying to win their first AFL premiership since 2011, having lost the 2020 Grand Final since then.

The Swans are trying to win their first flag since 2012, having lost the 2014 and 2016 Grand Finals since then.

WHEN WILL THE GRAND FINAL FINISH?

The 2022 AFL Grand Final will finish roughly just after 5pm AEST, with full details TBC.

CAN I GET TICKETS TO THE AFL GRAND FINAL?

Club members were encouraged to enter their team ballots to register for Grand Final tickets.

More details will be confirmed including whether a public on-sale will be held for Grand Final tickets in the coming days.

WHO IS PRESENTING THE PREMIERSHIP CUP?

Details are yet to be confirmed with club greats from the two participating sides expected to be selected to hand over the cup to the winning coach and captain.

For example last year Melbourne champion Garry Lyon presented the cup to the Demons.

WHO IS THE 2022 AFL GRAND FINAL ENTERTAINMENT?

UK pop great Robbie Williams will perform before the AFL Grand Final as the pre-game entertainment.

Iconic Aussie rock band Goanna, known for their hit song Solid Rock, will join first nations performers Christine Anu, Emma Donovan, Tasman Keith and William Barton on the half-time show.

Other performers include G Flip, Mike Brady, The Temper Trap featuring Budjerah and Ngaiire, and Katie Noonan.

More Grand Final entertainment details here.

WHO IS RUNNING IN THE AFL GRAND FINAL SPRINT?

Details are yet to be confirmed on the participants or timing of the traditional Grand Final sprint.

AFL GRAND FINAL WINNER, NORM SMITH MEDAL AND FIRST GOALSCORER ODDS

The odds will be released by bookmakers when the two qualifying teams for the Grand Final are known.

AFL GRAND FINAL WEATHER

The extended forecast for Melbourne on Saturday September 24 according to AccuWeather is 19 degrees with sunshine.

A better forecast will become available closer to the game.