AFL Grand Final 2018: Full schedule and entertainment guide

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Around 100,000 mad Collingwood and West Coast fans are expected to turn out to the MCG to watch the AFL Grand Final. Millions of people across Australia and the world are also sure to tune into the game.

So if you’re confused on when to catch the pre game entertainment, or not sure when the first bounce is, never fear because we have all you need to know about what’s happening on AFL Grand Final day.

AFL GRAND FINAL MCG GATE OPENING TIMES

8.00am — Gates Open for MCC Reserve

9.30am — Gates Open to AFL reserve and general public

AFL GRAND FINAL PRE-GAME ENTERTAINMENT START TIME

The pre game music entertainment will begin at approximately 1.40pm. This year’s entertainment will be American pop band the Black Eyed Peas and Australian favourite Jimmy Barnes.
10.00am — Under-17 All Star game

12.15pm — Sprint Heats

1.10pm — Teams warm up

1.30pm — Retiring players motorcade begins

1.40pm — Music entertainment from Jimmy Barnes and Black Eyed Peas.

2.13pm — Umpires and teams run out on to the ground

2.26pm — National Anthem sung by Mahalia Barnes (daughter of Jimmy Barnes)

2.30pm — Game starts

WHEN DOES THE AFL GRAND FINAL START?

The AFL Grand final first bounce will be at 2.30pm.

AFL GRAND FINAL HALF TIME ENTERTAINMENT

The AFL grand final half time entertainment will be Auskick and the traditional grand final sprint

WHEN DOES THE AFL GRAND FINAL FINISH?

The final siren will sound around 5.15-5.30pm, provided there is no major hold up of play or there is a draw.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE AFL GRAND FINAL IS A DRAW?

A six-minute break begins when the flags are waved. Coaches can go on to the field

* Interchange cap is reset to 15 for both teams

* First period of additional time (five minutes plus time-on)

* Teams kick to the same end as in the fourth quarter

* End of first period of additional time. Teams change ends. NOTE there is no break and coaches/club staff cannot go on the field

* Any interchanges made during the change of ends are counted in the 15 limit

* Second period of additional time (Five minutes plus time-on)

* If scores are tied at the end of the second period of additional time, the siren will not sound and play will continue until a score occurs

AFL GRAND FINAL MEDAL PRESENTATION

Following the final siren, at around 5.30pm there will be a medal presentation. This year the Norm Smith medal will be presented to the best on ground by triple Brisbane Lions premiership winner Shaun Hart.

The Jock McHale medal is presented to the premiership coach and the 2018 medal will be handed out by former premiership coach Dennis Pagan.

If Collingwood wins, pies legend Tony Shaw will present the Premiership to Bucks’ and Scott Pendlebury. If West Coast pulls off an underdog win the premiership cup will be presented by AFL Hall of Famer Dean Kemp.

WHEN DO GATES OPEN TO PUBLIC FOR FREE CONCERT?

Jimmy Barnes will be performing a free concert on the MCG ground. The post-match entertainment will be from 6.45pm, access via lawn opposite gate 2.