Intensifying anticipation: The kick-off time for the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final revealed

2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final: Collingwood vs Brisbane

Introduction

The 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final is set to take place on Saturday, September 30. The highly anticipated premiership decider will see Collingwood Magpies take on the Brisbane Lions. This clash marks the third time these two teams have faced each other for a premiership since the AFL became a national competition, making it an AFL record.

Match Details

The grand final match is scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) at an undisclosed venue. This year’s final will be the first time since 2014 that the top two teams from the home and away season will compete for the premiership. Collingwood, seeking their first premiership since 2010, will be determined to overcome their previous losses in the 2011 and 2018 grand finals. On the other hand, the Brisbane Lions, chasing their first taste of silverware since 2003, will be keen to complete their famous three-peat.

How to Watch the Grand Final

Australian fans can tune in to Channel 7 and 7Plus to catch the live broadcast of the game in 1080p HD. For those unable to watch on TV, the AFL Live Official App provides a live streaming option for mobile and tablet users. International viewers can access the game through Watch AFL. Please refer to the AFL‘s official broadcast guide for more information.

Grand Final Activities in Brisbane

For fans in Brisbane, a range of exciting events will take place in the lead-up to the grand final. From AFL clinics to inflatable handball targets, face painting, and public activations, South Bank’s Riverside Green in the Parklands will offer plenty of entertainment for people of all ages. Additionally, the Lions will host a free live event at the South Bank Piazza and Streets Beach on grand final day, allowing fans to watch the game on the big screen.

International Viewing Times

For AFL enthusiasts around the world, here are the starting times for the grand final:

– United Kingdom: 5.30am, Saturday
– Europe: 6.30am, Saturday
– USA: 9.30pm, Friday (west coast); 12.30am, Saturday (east coast)
– Dubai: 8.30am, Saturday
– New Zealand: 5.30pm, Saturday
– Thailand: 11.30am, Saturday
– Japan: 1.30pm, Saturday
– Bali: 12.30pm, Saturday

International Grand Final Parties

AFL‘s affiliate organizations across the globe will host various grand final functions. From Phnom Penh and Hong Kong to Bali and Seoul, fans can join these events to watch the game and celebrate the AFL spirit. For more details, please refer to the AFL‘s affiliate organizations.

Pre-Match Entertainment

The Telstra AFL Pre-Match Entertainment will feature renowned international rock ‘n’ roll band KISS as the headline act. They will be supported by a lineup of talented Australian artists, including Mark Seymour & the Undertow, William Barton on the didgeridoo, Jess Hitchcock, and Mike Brady AM. The Australian national anthem will be performed by award-winning singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke.

Umpires and Presenters

The 2023 Grand Final will be officiated by an experienced team of umpires. Matt Stevic, a veteran whistleblower, will oversee his 11th AFL Grand Final, joined by field umpires Simon Meredith, Hayden Gavine (making his debut), and Robert Findlay. The boundary umpires will consist of Ian Burrows, Christopher Gordon, Matt Tomkins, and Michael Barlow. Adam Wojcik and Angus Mckenzie-Wills will serve as goal umpires.

Former Carlton and West Coast champion Chris Judd, a winner of the 2005 Norm Smith Medal, will present this year’s Norm Smith Medal to the player judged best on ground. Additionally, former Sydney premiership player and captain Josh Kennedy will serve as the Premiership Cup Ambassador. Presenters for the winning team include Peter Moore for Collingwood and Leigh Matthews for Brisbane.

The Jock McHale Medal, given to the winning coach, will be presented by Mark Thompson, a three-time Essendon premiership player and a dual flag-winning coach of Geelong.

Weather Forecast

The weather forecast for grand final day predicts sunny conditions with a top temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. Spectators are advised to bring sunscreen to protect themselves from the Australian sun.

Conclusion

The 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final promises to be a thrilling contest between Collingwood and Brisbane. With a record-setting clash between these two teams, the grand final will undoubtedly captivate AFL fans across the globe. Whether watching on television or attending events in Brisbane, supporters are sure to witness all the excitement and drama of the AFL‘s most anticipated game of the year.