Weather delivers cruel blow to Brisbane fans making last minute trip to Melbourne for AFL Grand Final

Brisbane Lions fans travelling last minute to the AFL Grand Final have been dealt a cruel blow, with some flights to Melbourne being delayed our cancelled ahead of the game.

Flights to from Brisbane and the Gold Coast have been affected by restricted flight movements and poor visibility at Melbourne Airport.

Nearly 100,000 fans are expected to make the pilgrimage to the MCG for today’s match between the Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions.

3AW Drive host Jacqueline Felgate shared some comments she received over the travel ordeal.

‘I’m in the Brisbane airport now and heaps of flights to Melbourne have been delayed/ cancelled,’ said one.

Another said: ‘Flights from Gold Coast to Melbourne cancelled and delayed. Many Brisbane Lions fans may miss the [Grand Final].’ 

Earlier today, the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed today’s Grand Final was set to be a wet one.

‘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,’ said senior meteorologist David Crock.

Mr Crock said the rain was expected to continue on and off throughout the day, and become patchier later.

‘The drizzle should ease during the day, although showers may continue coming in from the south behind a cold front which is due to move over southern Victoria later.

‘When the match starts at 2.30 pm, there should still be some rain around. 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.’

Mr Crock added while the amount of rain may only be about 2mm to 8mm across the day, the fact it is set to last for much of the day will have the ‘biggest impact’. 

‘Temperatures are expected to hover around 12-14°C for much of the day, so it will be chilly, particularly for Queenslanders who are used to mild and sunny winter weather.’

Today’s Grand Final will see Brisbane chase a historic three-peat premiership, having lifted the trophy in 2024 and 2025, while Fremantle will attempt to win its first flag since its inception in 1994.

One talking point around the match is the inclusion of Lachie Neale for Brisbane, who was cleared to play on Thursday after having been served a one-match ban for striking Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan in last week’s preliminary final.

Neale was given the good news following a hearing of the AFL Appeal Board.

 He will instead be fined $10,000.

The dual Brownlow medallist has won two premierships with the Lions and could add a third amid speculation he may leave the club at the end of the season.

Neale has been widely linked with a move to Collingwood, though 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,’ said Neale, speaking after it was confirmed he would play.

‘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 will provide the pre-match entertainment at 1.39pm, while the first bounce is scheduled for 2.30pm (AEST).