AFL grand final parade LIVE: Lions and Fremantle players to join motorcade ahead of big game

There’s plenty on the agenda this morning as we build towards the time-honoured grand final parade.

The Brisbane Lions have told us they’ll be putting Oscar Allen and Sam Draper up for the first media conference of the day.

The Lions might be gunning for a three-peat of premierships (and their fourth grand final in a row) and Allen and Draper might both be seasoned AFL players, but both men are preparing for the first grand final. They were star recruits for the Lions last summer. Allen was the West Coast captain before making the move to the Sunshine state, while Draper was an injury-riddled ruckman for Essendon.

Fair to say they should be pumped up about what lies ahead of them today and tomorrow.

Joining the Lions recruits at the presser will be Fremantle forward Jye Amiss and teammate Neil Erasmus, who are also preparing for their first time playing in a grand final.

The Dockers, as we know, have never won a title in the AFL – this being their 32nd season since joining the league. Their only previous grand final appearance was in 2013.

G’day viewers,

Can you smell the anticipation in the air? It’s grand final eve – bigger than Christmas Eve for those of us who worship at the alter of the AFL.

It’s also, of course, a public holiday here in Melbourne, and the excitement is certainly building for tomorrow’s big game between Fremantle and Brisbane Lions.

I took a light jog through the city’s streets before landing at HQ for work today, and although the city was still waking up, there were plenty of signs that the biggest annual sporting event on our calendar was drawing near.

Based on my very un-scientific observations Freo’s purple was the dominant colour I noticed being worn.

Anyway, it’s bound to be a ripper day as we build up to the game, so buckle up join us for the ride, and always feel free to share your thoughts, observations, predictions and story tips in the comments section.