More than 100,000 Bulldogs and Swans fans are expected to converge on the city for Friday's grand final parade. Here's all you need to know to get the most out of the much-loved procession.
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Getting there
With so many fans flocking to the CBD, parade-goers are strongly encouraged to use public transport.
The closest stations to the Old Treasury Building, where the parade starts, are Parliament and Flinders Street stations. On the way home, Richmond and Jolimont stations are your best bet.
As Friday is a public holiday, metropolitan trains and trams will be operating to a Saturday timetable.
The free tram zone has been extended to the MCG until October 1, and service changes will take place on some CBD tram routes between 10.15am and 2.30pm.
Extra trains will run on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines.
Route
The grand final parade will kick off at the Old Treasury Building on Spring Street at the top of the city, before turning left into Wellington Parade and heading east towards the MCG.
Last year's parade makes its way through the CBD and towards the MCG. Photo: Eddie Jim
It will then turn right into Wellington Parade south, before entering Gate 3 at Yarra Park and continuing to the Toyota AFL Grand Final Live Site outside the MCG.
Times
11am: Pre-parade entertainment with MC James Sherry at the Old Treasury Building
Midday: The parade begins at the Old Treasury Building
About 12.45pm: A presentation ceremony will take place at the live site stage
1pm: The grand final parade wraps up.
Best viewing spots
AFL media relations manager Patrick Keane says there are plenty of good locations from which to watch the game's stars pass by. But he expects Wellington Parade, particularly near the Pullman Melbourne On The Park hotel (formerly the Hilton), to be a popular vantage point.
The 2015 edition makes its way along Wellington Parade. Photo: Eddie Jim
"A lot of people congregate towards the end. If you're along Wellington Parade, generally it's only four to five deep there so you can get a pretty good view." he says.
Grassed areas in Yarra Park, also towards the end of the parade, are another wise choice for fans looking for more space, he says.
There are three designated viewing areas for people with disabilities and their companions. Arrive early, as seating is first come, first served.
Forecast
Don't forget your brolly. Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Stephen King is predicting an 80 per cent chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon.
"They might be around in the morning, but with any luck they'll just hold off until the afternoon," says Mr King, who expects a mostly cloudy day.
The temperature is forecast to reach 15 degrees, after a low overnight of 9.
