AFL in Melbourne 2026: The Complete First-Timer's Guide

Everything you need to know about experiencing Australian Rules Football in Melbourne—from understanding the game to getting tickets, choosing a team, and soaking in the atmosphere.

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Word Count Target: 3,500+

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Quick Facts

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Introduction

Australian Rules Football—Aussie Rules, footy, the world's greatest game—is more than a sport in Melbourne. It's a weekly ritual and the loudest conversation in town from March to September. The city that invented the sport in 1858 remains its spiritual home, with 10 of the 18 AFL teams based in the greater Melbourne area.

For visitors, experiencing AFL at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or Marvel Stadium isn't just attending a game—it's witnessing a cultural phenomenon that defines this city. The roar of 90,000 fans, the grace of elite athletes, and the tribal passion of competing supporters create an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event in the world.

This guide will take you from complete beginner to confident match-goer, covering everything from the rules of the game to the best pies at the ground. For a wider trip plan, see the Melbourne Events Calendar 2026 and the Melbourne Autumn Family Guide 2026.

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Understanding AFL: A Crash Course

The Basics

Objective: Score more points than the opposition by kicking the ball through the goals.

The Field: Oval-shaped, typically a cricket ground (MCG is 160m long, 140m wide)

Teams: 18 players on the field per team (plus 4 interchange)

Game Length: Four 20-minute quarters (plus time-on for stoppages)

Scoring:

• Goal (6 points): Ball kicked through the two tall middle posts
• Behind (1 point): Ball through the outer posts, or touched before going through

Key Rules for Beginners

Disposal: Players can't throw the ball. Legal disposals are:

• Kick: Using any part of the foot
• Handball: Punching the ball from one hand

Marking (Catching): If you catch (mark) a kick that's travelled 15+ metres, you get a free kick.

Tackling: You can tackle a player with the ball. They must dispose of it legally or it's "holding the ball" (turnover).

Bouncing: You must bounce the ball every 15 metres while running.

Out of Bounds: Ball out on the full = free kick to opposition. Otherwise, boundary throw-in.

What Makes It Exciting

• Continuous Flow: Unlike American football, play rarely stops
• Athleticism: Players run 12-15km per game
• Marking Contests: Spectacular aerial battles for the ball
• Close Games: Low scores mean every goal matters
• Tribalism: Passionate, sometimes generations-old, team loyalties

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Melbourne's AFL Teams

The "Big Four" Melbourne Clubs

Collingwood Magpies 🖤🤍

• Largest membership in the AFL
• Love them or hate them (most non-Collingwood fans hate them)
• Home ground: MCG
• Famous for: Passionate fans, black-and-white stripes

Essendon Bombers ❤️🖤

• One of the most successful clubs historically
• Strong family following
• Home ground: Marvel Stadium (MCG for big games)
• Famous for: The sash, "Up There Cazaly"

Carlton Blues 💙⬜

• Melbourne's establishment club
• Oldest rivalry with Collingwood
• Home ground: MCG
• Famous for: Old money, navy blue

Richmond Tigers 💛🖤

• Recent dynasty (2017, 2019, 2020 premierships)
• Massive recent surge in popularity
• Home ground: MCG
• Famous for: Tiger army, yellow-and-black

Other Melbourne Clubs

Hawthorn Hawks 🟤💛

• Three-peat 2013-2015
• Strong suburban following
• Home ground: MCG
• Famous for: Recent success, brown-and-gold

Melbourne Demons ❤️💙

• AFL's oldest club (est. 1858)
• 2021 premiership broke 57-year drought
• Home ground: MCG
• Famous for: The red-and-blue, historic significance

Geelong Cats 💙⬜

• Based 75km from Melbourne
• Dynasty team of 2007-2011, 2022 premiers
• Home ground: GMHBA Stadium (Geelong), MCG
• Famous for: Regional pride, hoops jersey

St Kilda Saints ❤️⬜🖤

• Long-suffering but loyal fanbase
• Bayside culture
• Home ground: Marvel Stadium
• Famous for: "When the Saints Go Marching In"

Western Bulldogs 🔴⬜💙

• 2016 premiership broke 62-year drought
• Western suburbs pride
• Home ground: Marvel Stadium
• Famous for: Underdog story, Footscray roots

North Melbourne Kangaroos 💙⬜

• Smallest Melbourne club
• Strong family culture
• Home ground: Marvel Stadium
• Famous for: Giant kangaroo mascot

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Match-Day Experience

The MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground)

Capacity: 100,024 (largest in Australia) Location: Yarra Park, Richmond Public Transport: Jolimont Station (2-minute walk), Richmond Station

The MCG Experience:

• Walking up to the ground through Yarra Park
• The roar when you emerge into the stadium
• 100,000-capacity finals atmosphere
• Historic sports precinct with statues and museums

Best Sections:

• Level 1: Closest to action, premium pricing
• Level 2: Great views, popular with members
• Level 3: Affordable, excellent overview
• Level 4: Nosebleed seats, but still good

Marvel Stadium (Docklands Stadium)

Capacity: 53,359 Location: Docklands, Melbourne Public Transport: Southern Cross Station (5-minute walk)

Marvel Stadium Experience:

• Retractable roof (games always weather-proof)
• Modern facilities
• Docklands bars and restaurants nearby
• More intimate than MCG

Best Sections:

• Lower Levels: Close to the action
• Wing Seats: Excellent for seeing the full game
• Avoid: Extreme ends behind goals

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Getting Tickets

Ticket Types

General Admission (GA):

• Unreserved seating
• First-come, first-seated
• Cheapest option ($25-45)

Reserved Seating:

• Assigned seat
• Choose your view
• More expensive ($35-80)

Premium/Corporate:

• Fine dining packages
• Private areas
• $150-500+

Where to Buy

1. Ticketek: Official AFL ticketing partner

• afl.com.au links here
• Most games available

2. Club Websites: Buy direct from teams

• Sometimes exclusive allocations
• Member pre-sales

3. Ticketmaster: Some games

4. Resale: (use caution)

• Official AFL Ticket Marketplace
• Avoid scalpers

Pricing Guide

Tips for Getting Tickets

1. Book early for big games: Collingwood vs Carlton, Richmond vs Essendon
2. Avoid finals unless prepared to pay premium
3. Thursday nights often have better availability
4. Check club memberships—some offer excellent value
5. Look for family tickets (discounted bundles)

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What to Wear and Bring

Dress Code

Team Colours:

• Wearing team colours is expected and encouraged
• Buy a scarf at the ground if you don't have gear
• Even neutrals often pick a team for the day

Practical Clothing:

• Layers (stadiums can be cold, especially at night)
• Comfortable shoes (walking and standing)
• Rain jacket for outdoor games

What to Bring

Essentials:

• Tickets (mobile or printed)
• ID (for alcohol purchases)
• Cash and cards
• Fully charged phone
• Myki (public transport)

Optional:

• Binoculars (for distant seats)
• Cushion (stadium seats are hard)
• Earplugs (crowd noise is intense)

What NOT to Bring

• ❌ Large bags (check stadium policies)
• ❌ Glass bottles
• ❌ Professional cameras (without accreditation)
• ❌ Opposition banners (into member sections)
• ❌ Bad attitude (it's supposed to be fun)

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Food and Drink at the Ground

Stadium Classics

The Footy Pie: The quintessential AFL food. A meat pie (beef, with gravy) is mandatory. Sauce (tomato or "dead horse" in rhyming slang) on top.

Hot Dog: Another classic. Nothing fancy, just hits different at the footy.

Chips: Hot chips with salt. Simple perfection.

Four'N Twenty: The official pie brand. Iconic.

Modern Options

Stadiums now offer diverse food:

• Asian street food
• Gourmet burgers
• Pizza
• Vegetarian and vegan options
• Coffee (yes, even Melburnians drink coffee at sports)

Drinks

• Beer: Standard Australian lagers available
• Wine and Spirits: Limited selection
• Soft Drinks: All the usual
• Alcohol Cut-off: Sales stop after three-quarter time

Prices

Expect stadium pricing:

• Pie and drink: $12-15
• Beer: $10-14
• Coffee: $5-6

Pro Tip: Eat before you arrive for better value.

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Best Bars to Watch AFL

CBD

The Royal Melbourne Hotel

• Multiple screens, rowdy crowd
• Great for neutral games

The Crafty Squire

• Craft beer focus
• Good food

Transport Public Bar

• Federation Square location
• Outdoor screens

Richmond (Near MCG)

The Corner Hotel

• Iconic music venue, great for post-game
• Short walk from MCG

Richmond Club Hotel

• Tigers fans' headquarters
• Walking distance to ground

Collingwood/Fitzroy

The Builders Arms

• Fitzroy local
• Passionate footy crowd

South Melbourne

Limerick Arms Hotel

• Melbourne FC heartland
• Great atmosphere

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Understanding the Culture

The Rivalry

AFL rivalries run deep:

• Carlton vs Collingwood: The biggest
• Essendon vs Carlton: The other biggest
• Richmond vs Collingwood: Intense
• Hawthorn vs Geelong: Fierce country rivalry

The Barracking

"Barracking" = cheering/supporting. Expect:

• Passionate yelling (at players, umpires, opposition)
• Groaning at misses
• Standing and cheering for goals
• Club songs after wins

The Etiquette

• Don't sit in someone's seat (if reserved)
• Don't abuse players or fans (passion is fine, abuse isn't)
• Stand for the national anthem (before Grand Final/finals)
• Respect the team song (even opposition's)
• Don't leave early (unless you must—miss the traffic!)

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Key Games to Attend in 2026

Season Blockbusters

ANZAC Day (April 25) Collingwood vs Essendon at the MCG

• Australia's biggest annual sporting event (non-finals)
• 95,000+ crowd guaranteed
• Pre-game ceremony is emotional and powerful
• Tickets extremely hard to get—try early

Dreamtime at the 'G (May) Richmond vs Essendon (or equivalent)

• Celebrating Indigenous culture
• War Cry ceremony
• 80,000+ crowd

Queen's Birthday (June) Collingwood vs Melbourne

• Public holiday = big crowd
• Mid-season blockbuster

Local Derbies

Carlton vs Collingwood

• Anytime these teams meet, it's electric
• MCG crowd 85,000+

Richmond vs Collingwood

• Biggest clubs by membership
• Atmosphere is unmatched

Finals (September)

Qualifying/Elimination Finals: First two weekends Preliminary Finals: Third weekend Grand Final: Last Saturday of September

Grand Final tickets are allocated through club memberships and AFL ballots. Public availability is extremely limited.

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Accessibility

MCG

• Accessible seating throughout
• Accessible parking (pre-book)
• Companion Card recognised
• Accessible toilets on all levels
• Hearing assistance available

Marvel Stadium

• Full wheelchair accessibility
• Accessible viewing areas
• Lift access to all levels

Booking Accessible Tickets: Contact Ticketek's accessible seating team or the relevant club's membership services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't understand the game?

Go anyway. The atmosphere is worth it. You'll pick up the basics quickly—just ask a friendly local.

Which team should I support?

For one game, choose whoever is wearing the colours you like. Long-term, it usually chooses you.

Is it safe for families?

Absolutely. AFL is family-friendly. Some language from crowds, but generally appropriate.

Can I leave and re-enter?

Generally no. Once you leave, you can't return.

What if it rains?

MCG games continue rain or shine (bring a poncho). Marvel Stadium has a roof.

How early should I arrive?

30-60 minutes before bounce for a good experience. Longer for blockbusters.

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Your Match-Day Checklist

Before the Game

• Check fixture and venue
• Buy tickets in advance
• Check weather (MCG is outdoor)
• Plan transport (public recommended)
• Charge phone, download tickets
• Wear or buy team colours

Match Day

• Arrive 30-60 minutes early
• Find your seat (or claim a good GA spot)
• Buy a pie (mandatory)
• Cheer loudly
• Stay for the team song (if your team wins)

After the Game

• Exit via designated gates
• Public transport runs extended services
• Post-game drink at nearby pub
• Discuss the game with strangers (encouraged)

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Final Thoughts

There's a reason Melburnians are obsessed with AFL. The combination of athletic brilliance, tribal passion, and cultural tradition creates an experience unlike any other sport. Whether you're watching Collingwood and Carlton fight for supremacy at a packed MCG or a quieter Thursday night game at Marvel Stadium, you're witnessing something deeply embedded in Melbourne's DNA.

Give it a chance. Even if you leave still not quite understanding why they bounce the ball, you'll understand why 100,000 people would gather every week to watch.

Go the Tigers. Or the Pies. Or the Blues. Or whoever takes your fancy.

Just go.

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Related Content

Related Guides

• Melbourne Events Calendar 2026
• Australian Grand Prix 2026
• Free Things to Do in Melbourne Autumn 2026

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Last updated: January 2026. Fixture details subject to change. Always verify on afl.com.au.