Brisbane Lions fans travelling to Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final have faced delayed and cancelled flights, with restricted movements and poor visibility affecting services from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Nearly 100,000 supporters are expected at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the meeting between Brisbane and the Fremantle Dockers, but some fans risk missing the match because of the disruption.
One traveller at Brisbane Airport told 3AW Drive host Jacqueline Felgate: “I’m in the Brisbane airport now and heaps of flights to Melbourne have been delayed/ cancelled.”
Another supporter said: “Flights from Gold Coast to Melbourne cancelled and delayed. Many Brisbane Lions fans may miss the [Grand Final].”
The travel problems come as Melbourne prepares for a wet and chilly afternoon. Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist David Crock said rain was moving in from the west, with drizzle also arriving from the south.
“It’s a wet day in Melbourne today for the Grand Final, with rain streaming in from the west and drizzle coming in from the south as well,” he said.
Rain is expected to continue intermittently during the match, although longer dry spells could develop later in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures are forecast to remain between 12C and 14C for much of the day.
“When the match starts at 2.30 pm, there should still be some rain around,” Mr Crock said. “It is possible the rain will continue on and off throughout the match, although by the late afternoon and evening there should be some longer dry spells.”
He said total rainfall could be between 2mm and 8mm, but its persistence throughout the day would have the “biggest impact”.
Brisbane are seeking a third successive premiership after victories in 2024 and 2025, while Fremantle are aiming to win their first flag since entering the competition in 1994.
The Lions will include Lachie Neale after the dual Brownlow medallist successfully appealed a one-match suspension for striking Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan in last week’s preliminary final. His ban was replaced with a $10,000 fine.
Neale, who has won two premierships with Brisbane, has been linked with a possible move to Collingwood at the end of the season, although no switch has been confirmed.
“I just want to thank the club, (Lions football boss) Danny (Daly), everyone involved in the process of helping me play this weekend – and the AFL appeals board for their decision as well,” Neale said.
“I wouldn’t say a bigger point to prove (after the dramatic week). I just want to play my part and win on Saturday. Difficult challenge against Freo, but hopefully we can do it.”
Kylie Minogue and G-Flip are scheduled to provide the pre-match entertainment at 1.39pm, with the first bounce due at 2.30pm.
