Saturday’s roller coaster premiership decider was the biggest television event of the year - and the most watched AFL grand final ever - with millions tuning in to Channel 7 to see Brisbane defeat Fremantle in a whirlwind finish at the MCG.
The blockbuster also proved to be the highest attended grand final between two non Victorian teams, with the 100,023 attendees just one shy of the hallowed ground’s capacity.
Channel 7’s live coverage was watched by a further 6.5 million viewers - up eight per cent on last year’s grand final - while streaming figures also reached record levels.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon hailed the decider, in which Brisbane prevailed by seven points after being 19 points down late in the final quarter, one of the “greatest the game has ever seen”.
“The Brisbane and Fremantle final is one of the greatest our game has seen and to have the highest watched Grand Final ever, the number one television program of the year and more than 1.4 million people watching on 7plus is an outstanding result for the game and a credit to our fans, clubs, players, broadcast partners and everyone involved in delivering an unforgettable week,” he said.
“From the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade and free Footy Fest to a packed MCG on Grand Final day, the passion and energy around the country was extraordinary. It was a fitting celebration of our game and a brilliant way to close a record-breaking season.
A total of 1.42 million people watched the grand final on 7plus, a 44 per cent jump from the 984,000 who streamed last year’s decider.
It helped make the game the most watched program on Australian television this year.
The numbers showed most viewers had settled in early to enjoy Kylie Minogue’s epic MCG performance as the pop princess delivered a grand final pre-game show fit for a queen that included a who’s-who of cameo performers, including Australian DJ Dom Dolla.
The pre-game entertainment, which also included crowd favourites G Flip and Mike Brady with his annual rendition of Up There Cazaly, reached 4.35 million viewers across 1.83 million television sets and devices.
It’s believed there were still 6 million watching when Brisbane great Simon Black handed the premiership cup to Lions’ captains Hugh McCluggage, Harris Andrews and Josh Dunkley.
Seven’s Head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, said the grand final numbers capped an unforgettable AFL season, where the broadcaster’s football coverage reached 18.5 million people.
“To see audiences of this scale across the entire day is an outstanding result and speaks to the incredible power of the AFL and the appetite Australians have to experience our biggest sporting moments live and free,” he said.
“Week after week, the football delivered – thrilling contests, huge moments, compelling storylines and performances that will be remembered for years to come.”
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the response from fans throughout Grand Final week and on Toyota AFL Grand Final day reflected the incredible passion fans have for the game across the country.
“The Toyota AFL Grand Final is the greatest day on the Australian sporting calendar and this year fans delivered again, filling the MCG, turning out across Grand Final week and watching in record numbers around the country.
“The Brisbane and Fremantle final is one of the greatest our game has seen and to have the highest watched Grand Final ever”
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails