How to watch AFL Grand Final: Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions overseas
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The stage is set for the 2025 AFL Grand Final, with the Geelong Cats facing the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, September 27, at 2:30 PM AEST at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Grand Final day is more than just the match — fans can look forward to the AFL Grand Final Parade 2025, pre-game entertainment featuring global stars like Snoop Dogg, the traditional AFL Sprint, and full coverage across Channel 7 and 7plus.
This year marks the first-ever Grand Final meeting between Geelong and Brisbane. The Lions edged out two wins in their three meetings this season, but Geelong came out on top in the qualifying final. With the umpires confirmed, parade route announced, and pre-game schedule locked in, the premiership decider promises to be a blockbuster on and off the field.
Whether you’re in Australia or tuning in from overseas, this guide covers the day’s schedule, broadcast details, streaming options, and VPN solutions so you won’t miss a moment of the AFL’s biggest day.
How to watch AFL Grand Final overseas for free with VPN
- Choose a reliable VPN with servers in Australia – I recommend NordVPN, currently 75% OFF
- Download and install the VPN application on your device
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server located in Australia
- Open your browser and go to the 7plus website
- Find the AFL Grand Final and start streaming for free
Where to watch the 2025 AFL Grand Final
The AFL Grand Final is one of the biggest sporting events in Australia, but your viewing options depend on where you are watching from:
| Region | Platform | Cost | Notes |
| Australia | 7plus (online) | Fre | Official free-to-air stream, available nationwide. |
| Australia | Channel 7 (TV) | Free | The only broadcaster showing the Grand Final live on television. |
| Australia | Kayo Sports / Foxtel | Paid | No live Grand Final stream, but both provide extensive pre-match and analysis shows. |
| Overseas | WatchAFL | From $25/week | Official international streaming service with live and on-demand coverage of the Grand Final and full AFL season. Available worldwide outside Australia. |
What time does the 2025 AFL Grand Final start around the world?
The build-up to the 2025 AFL Grand Final is packed with events before the first bounce. On Friday, September 26, the AFL Grand Final Parade begins at 10:30 AM AEST, travelling from Melbourne Park Oval to Macca’s Footy Festival, where team presentations and live music take place around 12:00 PM. On Saturday, September 27, pre-game entertainment headlined by Snoop Dogg starts at 1:30 PM AEST, followed by the traditional AFL Sprint at halftime. The main event — Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions — kicks off at 2:30 PM AEST, live on Channel 7 and streaming free on 7plus in Australia.No matter if you’re tuning in from Japan, the US, or Germany, you can catch the 2025 AFL Grand Final with the help of a reliable VPN. Below are the local start times for viewers around the globe.
| Region | Local time | Date |
| Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane (AEST) | 2:30 PM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| Adelaide (ACST) | 2:00 PM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| Perth (AWST) | 12:30 PM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| London (UK) | 5:30 AM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| Central Europe (CEST) | 6:30 AM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| New York (EDT) | 12:30 AM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| Los Angeles (PDT) | 9:30 PM | Fri, Sep 26 |
| Dubai (GST) | 8:30 AM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| Bangkok (ICT) | 11:30 AM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| Tokyo (JST) | 1:30 PM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| Bali (WITA) | 12:30 PM | Sat, Sep 27 |
| Auckland (NZST) | 4:30 PM | Sat, Sep 27 |
Why use a VPN to watch the AFL Grand Final outside Australia?
The AFL Grand Final is streamed for free on 7plus, but there’s a catch – it only works in Australia. If you’re overseas, the stream won’t load because of geo-blocks.
The easiest way around this is with a VPN. Think of it like switching your online “location.” Just open the VPN app, pick a server in Australia, and you’ll instantly unlock 7plus as if you were watching back home.
That means you can enjoy every kick, tackle, and goal live – whether you’re in the US, Europe, or anywhere else. And as a bonus, a VPN also keeps your connection private and secure while you stream.
Best VPNs for streaming the AFL Grand Final on 7plus
Not every VPN works with streaming platforms like 7plus – many get blocked or deliver poor speeds. That’s why we tested dozens of services, looking at server availability, streaming reliability, speed, and overall performance.
Based on those results, here are the top 3 VPNs that will let you watch the AFL Grand Final live on 7plus from anywhere in the world.
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for streaming the AFL Grand Final from anywhere
- Surfshark – fast VPN for accessing the AFL Grand Final without interruptions
- IPVanish – affordable VPN for unblocking the AFL Grand Final on 7plus
What time does the AFL Grand Final start?
The 2025 AFL Grand Final between the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions begins at 2:30 PM AEST on Saturday, September 27 at the MCG. International kickoff times vary — check our table above for details in your region.
What time is Snoop Dogg performing at the AFL Grand Final?
Snoop Dogg will headline the pre-game entertainment at 1:30 PM AEST on Grand Final day, Saturday, September 27.
What channel is the AFL Grand Final on?
In Australia, the AFL Grand Final is broadcast live on Channel 7 (TV) and streamed free on 7plus. Overseas viewers can access the game via the official WatchAFL platform.
How can I watch the AFL Grand Final in the USA?
Fans in the United States can stream the AFL Grand Final live through the official WatchAFL platform, which offers weekly, monthly, and annual passes. The match begins at 12:30 AM EDT on Saturday, September 27 (late Friday night US time).If you’re an Australian traveling in the US, you can also use a VPN to connect to an Australian server and access 7plus, which streams the Grand Final live for free inside Australia. This way, you can watch just as if you were back home.