New route location confirmed as Freo, Lions to shine in iconic event — AFL GF Parade LIVE

Thousands of footy fans will descend on Melbourne's CBD on Friday morning for the traditional AFL Grand Final parade, which will feature players and coaches from Grand Final combatants Fremantle and Brisbane.

The 2026 AFL Grand Final Parade will begin just after 10am (AEST). Scroll down for all the details for the parade - including the route and map - and to follow our live coverage!

Get the expert take on AFL Grand Final Day with FOX FOOTY's pre-match, half-time and post-match coverage, plus full and mini replays available from 6PM AEST on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

"The Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade is one of the most iconic and anticipated events on the football calendar, bringing fans from across the country together to celebrate one of Australia's biggest sporting events," AFL Executive General Manager Customer, Commercial and Technology Bec Haagsma said.

"This year we're enhancing the fan experience with expanded viewing opportunities at Birrarung Marr, entertainment throughout the day and the addition of Australian music icons The Wiggles, helping create a memorable and family friendly atmosphere for fans of all ages.

"The Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade captures what makes Grand Final Week so special, bringing together the season's two best teams alongside some of Australia's most recognisable and loved entertainers. With The Wiggles joining this year's celebrations, it's set to be a uniquely Australian experience.

"We can't wait to see thousands of fans lining the route before joining us at Footy Fest as we celebrate everything that makes our game great."

Here is everything you need to know!

WHAT TIME DOES THE AFL GRAND FINAL PARADE START?

Fox Footy's live and exclusive coverage of the 2026 AFL Grand Final parade will begin at 10am (AEST).

The coverage, which you can watch via Kayo Sports and Foxtel, will be hosted by Sarah Jones and Lions legend Jonathan Brown, while fellow triple premiership Lion Alastair Lynch and Fox Footy host Kath Loughnan will conduct interviews with the players while they're in the cars.

The broadcast will begin with the traditional Grand Final coach-player press conference. Harris Andrews (Brisbane Lions Captain), Chris Fagan (Brisbane Lions Coach), Alex Pearce (Fremantle Captain) and Justin Longmuir (Fremantle Coach) will front reporters at Centrepiece.

The players and coaches will then make their way to the cars for the parade.

WHAT IS THE 2026 AFL GRAND FINAL PARADE ROUTE?

The motorcade will this year begin at John Cain Arena, which is a new starting location for 2026. The AFL said it will provide "a more direct route through the precinct and increased opportunities for fans and families to view the Parade and see their favourite players".

The parade will make its way through Melbourne and Olympic Park, into Birrarung Marr and then over the William Barak Bridge and into the MCG Yarra Park Precinct. T

It will conclud at the Footy Fest stage where both grand final teams and the 2026 AFL Premiership Cup will be presented.

See a map of the route below.

WHO WILL BE IN THE AFL GRAND FINAL PARADE ROUTE?

The 2026 AFL Grand Final Parade will feature Fremantle and Brisbane players and coaches, as well as the umpires appointed to the big game.

Brownlow Medallist Nick Daicos and Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow will also feature, alongside reigning AFLW best and fairest Ash Riddell and leading goalkicker Indy Tahau.

The Parade will also celebrate the broader football community in 2026, with representatives from the AFLW competition, Toyota AFL Open Participants, NAB AFL Auskickers and Toyota National Volunteer winners joining the motorcade.

Australian entertainment icons The Wiggles will also join the 2026 AFL Grand Final Parade. After performing at Melbourne Park to kick off festivities from 9.30am, they'll travel in their Wiggles-branded Toyota HiLux 'Big Red Ute'.

"We absolutely love the AFL, so being part of the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade is a pretty special moment," purple Wiggle Laachy Gillespie said.

"To be able to bring The Wiggles, our Toyota HiLux Big Red Utes and all our Wiggly friends to Melbourne and help kick off Grand Final celebrations with families is going to be so much fun. We can't wait to get out there, sing, dance and get everyone in the Grand Final spirit!"

Follow the 2026 AFL Grand Final Parade route in our live blog below!

If you can't see the blog, tap here.