Brisbane Lions supporters making a last-minute dash to Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final have faced a frustrating setback, with a number of flights delayed or cancelled before the opening bounce.
Services from Brisbane and the Gold Coast were disrupted by flight movement restrictions and limited visibility at Melbourne Airport, according to News.com.au.
Almost 100,000 spectators are expected at the MCG for today’s highly anticipated clash between the Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions.
3AW Drive presenter Jacqueline Felgate shared messages from travellers caught up in the airport chaos.
One passenger wrote: ‘I’m in the Brisbane airport now and heaps of flights to Melbourne have been delayed / cancelled.’
Another traveller said: ‘Flights from Gold Coast to Melbourne cancelled and delayed. Many Brisbane Lions fans may miss the [Grand Final].’
The travel disruption came as the Bureau of Meteorology warned that the AFL Grand Final was also set to be played in wet conditions.
‘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,’ senior meteorologist David Crock said.
Brisbane Lions fans travelling to Melbourne at the last minute for the AFL Grand Final have been hit by flight delays and cancellations ahead of the match.
Almost 100,000 fans are expected to head to the MCG for today’s Grand Final between the Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions.
Mr Crock said showers were likely to come and go throughout the day before becoming more isolated later on.
‘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.’
Although total rainfall was forecast to reach only 2mm to 8mm, Mr Crock said the likelihood of rain persisting for much of the day would have the ‘biggest impact’.
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‘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.’
Brisbane are chasing a historic third consecutive premiership after claiming the 2024 and 2025 titles. Fremantle, meanwhile, are seeking their first premiership since entering the competition in 1994.
Lachie Neale’s selection has been one of the major talking points, with the Brisbane star cleared to play on Thursday after initially receiving a one-match suspension for striking Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan in the preliminary final.
The AFL Appeal Board delivered the decision following Neale’s hearing.
The playing surface at the MCG ahead of today’s AFL Grand Final.
He will instead pay a $10,000 fine.
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).