It’s one of the biggest sporting events in the world. A day when people all over the world frantically seek out a TV to watch the events unfold. It’s the AFL Grand Final, and it’s happening this Saturday.
Watching the big game in New Zealand is easy. The AFL Grand Final will be shown live and free to air, thanks to Sommet Sports. New Zealand’s newest sports channel, which broadcasts on channel 14 on the Freeview network, has carried strong live coverage of the whole AFL season. Their coverage begins at 11am, so you can catch all the build-up before the game.
Sky Sports 3 is also broadcasting the match live, with coverage beginning at 3pm. There are also internet platforms available, where you can watch the game either live or delayed. Full details of these options can be found here:
Of course, the AFL Grand Final is best watched with friends and other fans, and Grand Final parties are happening all over the world. The AFL has a fantastic resource for finding Grand Final parties, with a map showing all locations. If you are hosting an AFL Grand Final party, put the details on the list.
Sommet Sports are hosting a party in Auckland, at the Empire Tavern in the CBD. For tickets, get in touch with Sarah Reeves, who will arrange payment and delivery. All ticket holders will be presented with a pie and a pint on entry.
For Wellington AFL fans, the best option is to head down the Poneke Football Club in Kilbirnie. Local AFL enthusiasts will be providing a Have a Go day for the whole family from midday onwards. From 3pm the Poneke clubrooms will open. Poneke will also be running a ‘Pick the Score’ competition. If you need any more information, contact James Terry.
AFL New Zealand will also be hosting our 2013 Community Awards on Grand Final Day. It is our chance to recognise and thank our partner organisations, followed by the big game.
Unfortunately, AFL New Zealand cannot provide tickets to the Grand Final. Even though the MCG has the capacity for tens of thousands of fans in full voice, ticket allocations are organised through AFL clubs.
As to the match itself, it looks too close to call. Will the Hawthorn Hawks swoop with their impressive attack? Will the iron defence of the Fremantle Dockers lock the game up? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure. There is no sporting event quite as exciting as the AFL Grand Final.
