Perth will host an AFL Grand Final for the first time in history on September 25. The AFL has confirmed its decision to shift the 2021 Grand Final to Optus Stadium, highlighting Western Australia’s status as among the safest places in Australia for major events.
“This decision, while great for Western Australia, is obviously very sad for our friends in Victoria who will miss out on hosting the traditional MCG Grand Final for the second year in a row.” Premier Mark McGowan commented “We hope that Victoria – and all States currently in lockdown – are able to crush the Delta variant as soon as possible. Now that a decision has been made about the Grand Final location, it’s up to Western Australia to do it justice. From a health and entertainment perspective, we know it is in safe hands in Western Australia.”
“It’s been an extremely difficult couple of years for sport across the world, and we are so privileged to be in such a safe environment that enables us to host this major event. We feel for Victorian fans who miss out on hosting the AFL Grand Final for another year, but we also recognise the great opportunity to bring the big game to local fans it wouldn’t have previously reached.” Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti commented “Optus Stadium is one of the world’s best venues and we know it is capable of putting on a show that AFL lovers across the world will remember. Western Australia is an AFL State so we hope this Grand Final will inspire even more people and become a lasting legacy for young players across the State.”
Minister Buti said that just over 60,000 people will be able to attend the Grand Final at Optus Stadium in what will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local fans. The Minister added that it will be just the second time in the competition’s 124-year history that a Grand Final has been held outside Victoria.




Minister Buti said that the fixture is the most-watched event on the Australian sporting calendar, with around 7.5 million viewers expected to tune into the Grand Final hosted at Perth’s iconic Optus Stadium.
“An AFL Grand Final in Perth will be absolutely incredible; a once-in-a-lifetime event that Western Australians will remember for generations to come. WA is in a strong position at the moment but the risk of COVID creeping into the WA community is not lost on any of us.” Premier McGowan commented “Safety is my top priority and hosting the AFL Grand Final here is a nod to the efforts of all Western Australians who have done the right thing, which has protected what we’ve built. It is also an opportunity for us to show what Perth has to offer as a destination, with major economic benefits, with people from regional WA and ‘very low risk’ jurisdictions expected to fill our CBD hotels.” The Premier said that following the AFL’s requests, the State Government has worked with the AFL on a proposal to host the Grand Final at Optus Stadium which prioritises community safety and adheres to advice of the Chief Health Officer. The State Emergency Coordinator and Chief Health Officer will ensure that the AFL follows strict health protocols and arrangements in place, as it has been for the past year with AFL games.

The State Government and the AFL will make further announcements about entertainment and transport arrangements in the lead-up to the event.