Where To Watch The 2026 AFL Grand Final

The 2026 AFL Grand Final has an extra level of excitement in WA, with the Fremantle Dockers taking on the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday 26 September.

It will be Fremantle’s second Grand Final appearance and their first since 2013, with the club chasing its first AFL premiership. The game begins at 12.30pm Perth time, making it perfect for a Saturday afternoon celebration.

Where to watch it out

For those wanting to be surrounded by fellow supporters, there are plenty of options across Perth.

Fremantle Grand Final Watch Party
For the full Fremantle experience, the city is effectively turning itself into one enormous Grand Final venue. The Cappuccino Strip will feature large outdoor screens and game-day audio, with additional family-friendly viewing areas at Esplanade Reserve and Walyalup Koort. The free event runs from 8am to 6pm and is expected to attract thousands of supporters.

AFL Grand Final in the Park
Closer to the city, Stadium Park outside Optus Stadium will host a free outdoor watch party from 11am. The match will be shown live on the Amphitheatre screen, with food trucks, a bar and plenty of fellow footy fans creating a game-day atmosphere.

The Big Dance, Leederville
The Leederville Precinct is taking the celebrations onto Newcastle Street for its annual Grand Final street party. Doors open at 11am, with giant screens throughout the precinct, food, drinks and live entertainment before the celebrations continue with bands and DJs after the final siren.

Northbridge Piazza
For a simple, free option in the city, the Grand Final will be shown live on the Northbridge Piazza Superscreen. It’s an easy choice if you want the atmosphere of watching with a crowd without committing to a ticketed event.

There are also plenty of local pubs getting involved. The Elford Hotel in Mount Lawley is showing the game live and loud, while Highgate’s Queens Tavern and the Inglewood Hotel are among the nearby venues offering dedicated Grand Final events and viewing options.

Hosting Grand Final Day at home

Of course, sometimes the best seat in the house really is at home.

With a 12.30pm bounce down, a Grand Final party can easily start with an early lunch and carry through the afternoon. Keep the food relaxed and easy to share, with classic game-day favourites such as sliders, sausage rolls, pies, chicken wings, grazing boards and plenty of snacks that can be prepared before everyone arrives.

If the weather cooperates, opening up the backyard or alfresco area can give everyone more room while still keeping the television within view. A second screen outside can also be useful if you’re expecting a larger crowd.

For a little friendly competition, organise a tipping sheet for the winning team, final margin, first goal or best-on-ground before the opening bounce. And with Fremantle in the Grand Final, there’s never been a better excuse to add a little purple to the decorations.

Whether you’re joining thousands of supporters in Fremantle, settling into a local pub or gathering everyone around the television at home, Grand Final Saturday is shaping up to be a particularly memorable one for Perth footy fans.