2026 AFL Grand Final: Brisbane Lions vs Fremantle Dockers - Key Details

The 2026 AFL grand final is almost upon us, as the Brisbane Lions look to make history with their second threepeat in 25 years, and the Fremantle Dockers look to win their first flag since joining the league in 1995.

Here's everything you need to know about the game.

What time is the 2026 AFL grand final?

Here are the times according to which state or territory you're in:

2.30pm AEST: ACT, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria

2pm ACST: Northern Territory, South Australia

12.30pm AWST: Western Australia

Which teams are playing in the grand final?

The Brisbane Lions are facing off with the Fremantle Dockers.

This is Brisbane's fourth grand final in a row, losing to Collingwood in 2023, before beating Sydney and Geelong in the following years.

Should they win, it would be the second threepeat in their history following 2001-2003, and it would see them join Melbourne (1939-41 and 1955-57) as one of the only two teams to record the feat twice in VFL/AFL history.

Meanwhile, Fremantle is yet to win a premiership after joining the league in 1995. This is the club's second grand final following its loss to Hawthorn in 2013.

Over their past six games against each other, the ledger is tied at 3-3, with the Dockers winning their most recent clash at the Gabba in round 13 this year.

Can I watch the AFL grand final on Kayo?

No. The grand final vision is exclusive to Channel 7 and won't be shown on Kayo or Fox Sports. It's a deal that catches out punters every year given Kayo and Fox have access to every single other game of the season.

The game can be streamed via the 7Plus app, while ABC Sport will be calling every moment and live blogging right throughout the day at abc.net.au/news/sport.

What time will Kylie Minogue be performing?

Australia's pop princess should be on stage from about 1.30pm. Again, be very aware that Minogue's performance is pre-game and is not halftime entertainment. There is no halftime entertainment.

Other performers will be G Flip, musical actor Michael Paynter on the national anthem, and of course Mike Brady doing Up There Cazaly during the retiree motorcade.

Who will be lining up for the Lions and Dockers?

Brisbane Lions

FB: T.Gallop, H.Andrews, R.Lester

HB: D.Zorko, D.Gardiner, D.Wilmot

C: Z.Bailey, W.Ashcroft, J.Berry

HF: C.Cameron, L.Morris, O.Allen

FF: K.Lohmann, C.Rayner, E.Hipwood

FOL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale

IC: S.Draper, J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, L.Ashcroft, C.McKenna

EMG: N.Answerth, B.Reville, C.Curtin

Fremantle Dockers

FB: J.Clark, A.Pearce, J.McVee

HB: K.Worner, O.McDonald, H.Chapman

C: M.Johnson, A.Brayshaw, N.Erasmus

HF: M.Frederick, M.Reid, S.Switkowski

FF: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, P.Voss

FOL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, S.Bolton

IC: I.Dudley, M.Cox, H.Young, C.Wagner, L.Ryan

EMG: B.Cox, J.O'Meara, C.Scerri

Who will present the cup to the winners?

The Lions have picked Simon Black, a Brownlow medallist and champion midfielder from that first threepeat, while the Dockers have gone with Shaun McManus, who debuted in Fremantle's inaugural season before playing 228 games.

What are some questions I can drop into the conversation and sound smart as a result?

If this is the one time you watch the footy each year, we've got you covered for some conversation starters. Just reel off any of these: