The AFL Grand Final Parade will return to Melbourne’s city streets after a stint on the Yarra River.
The Herald Sun has revealed the league has determined a new path for the Grand Final Eve event, returning to the streets after its one year on the water.
It is the sixth route change for the event since its inception in 1977, with this year’s event to begin in the heart of Melbourne’s sport precinct.
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The parade will commence from a Melbourne Park field near Rod Laver Arena and will once again stop traffic for fans to catch a glimpse of their grand final heroes.
Tens of thousands of fans will then line the path of the parade along Birrarung Marr and Yarra Park before it concludes at the MCG live site.
The publication also revealed the AFL’s Footy Festival will be held at Yarra Park from September 27 to 30.
“Last year delivered some great elements, but ultimately we wanted to bring the fans and players closer together and back in the iconic Toyota Hilux’s will deliver on this,” AFL executive Kylie Rogers told The Herald Sun.
“We look forward to confirming the route and extra details in shortly.’’
The confirmation comes as week one of the finals was confirmed after the conclusion of the home and away season.
Collingwood will host Melbourne on September 7 at the MCG for the first Qualifying Final.
Carlton hosts Sydney at the MCG on September 8 in the first Elimination Final.
While on September 9, St Kilda hosts the GWS Giants at the MCG for the second Elimination Final, followed by Brisbane hosting Port Adelaide at the Gabba for the second Qualifying Final.