The 2025 AFL Grand Final attracted an average Total TV audience of 4.08 million, including about 1.05 million on 7plus, and reached a total of 6.1 million viewers, according to OzTAM/VOZ data reported by The Australian.

Total TV measures average simultaneous viewers across broadcast and streaming.

Brisbane’s 47-point demolition of Geelong made it the third-highest rating AFL grand final of the past 20 years, behind 2016 and 2021.

The result also secured bragging rights over rugby league’s State of Origin, with Game 3 in July averaging 3.93 million viewers and reaching 5.66 million nationwide.

Rugby league and AFL still draw big TV ratings

The AFL and Origin remain the twin juggernauts of Australian sport when it comes to television audiences.

Pre-game entertainment also delivered, with US rapper Snoop Dogg’s performance reaching about 3.9 million viewers – well above Katy Perry’s pre-game slot in 2024.

The numbers have reignited debate over start times.

Seven argues a night grand final would drive even bigger audiences, while the AFL continues to resist change. Surveys suggest most fans still prefer the traditional 2.30pm bounce.

The NRL, meanwhile, has run twilight or night deciders since 2001, though media reports say it may weigh a return to afternoon kick-offs in its next rights cycle.

Seven’s free-to-air deal with the AFL runs until 2031, locking in the grand final as the network’s marquee broadcast for the rest of the decade.