Rain Expected for AFL Grand Final in Melbourne
The AFL Grand Final between the Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions is forecast to be a wet affair, with showers expected throughout the day in Melbourne.
The Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final, scheduled to take place in Melbourne today, is anticipated to be impacted by rain. The Bureau of Meteorology has updated its forecast, indicating a wet day for both players and the nearly 100,000 fans expected to attend the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Senior meteorologist David Crock stated that rain is expected to stream in from the west and drizzle from the south. The rain from the west is predicted to continue intermittently throughout the day, becoming patchier later. The drizzle should ease during the day, though showers may persist as a cold front moves over southern Victoria. Some rain is possible when the match begins at 2:30 p.m., with the possibility of intermittent rain continuing during the game. Longer dry spells are expected by the late afternoon and evening.
While the total rainfall is not expected to be substantial, with an estimated 2-8 mm, its persistence throughout much of the day is noted as the primary impact. Temperatures are forecast to remain between 12-14°C, making for a chilly atmosphere, particularly for those accustomed to milder winter weather.
The match features the Brisbane Lions, who are aiming for a historic third consecutive premiership, and the Fremantle Dockers, who have yet to win a flag since their inception in 1994.
A key talking point leading up to the final is the inclusion of Brisbane's Lachie Neale. He was cleared to play on Thursday after receiving a one-match ban for striking an opponent in the preliminary final. Neale will instead be fined $10,000.
Neale, a dual Brownlow medallist, has been a significant player in Brisbane's previous two premiership wins. His availability comes amid speculation about his potential departure from the club at the end of the season, with links to Collingwood reported, though no transfer has been confirmed.
Pre-match entertainment will be provided by Kylie Minogue and G-Flip starting at 1:39 p.m., with the first bounce scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time.