Perth to host scaled-down peoples parade after AFL scraps grand final tradition

The City of Perth will host a scaled-down ‘people’s parade’ on the eve of the grand final after the AFL dumped plans for the traditional street parade over staffing and COVID-19 concerns.

On Tuesday, the AFL confirmed it was scrapping the parade because it did not have enough staff on the ground in Perth to organise an alternative event and to mitigate COVID-19 risks.

Spectators watch the 2019 AFL Grand Final Parade on September 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.Credit:Robert Cianflone

City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said in the parade’s absence the city would turn its Forrest Place mall into ‘Footy Place’ from September 20, where AFL players and legends, panel interviews and live music would feature in the week leading up to the historic Perth grand final.

Footy Place would also be the end location for the smaller parade on September 24.

“The eyes of the nation and the world will be on Perth as it hosts one of Australia’s biggest sporting events and the City of Perth is giving the West Australian public the chance to get involved in the celebrations,” Mr Zempilas said.

“That includes a people’s parade on grand final eve which will see supporters of both teams gather at either end of the Murray Street Mall.

“The fans will then be led by marching bands playing the clubs songs to Footy Place, where they will get to see legends from both teams and celebrate with them.“

Mr Zempilas said he expected the parade would be attended by more than 5000 people.

“We’ve greatly sensed people in Perth want to be involved in grand final week, they’re not all going to be lucky enough to get a ticket to the game. They want to be involved in a grand final parade because they know how [the] parade is so special in terms of the build-up to the game itself,” he said.

The AFL announced in lieu of the parade fans would be able to watch Bulldogs and Demons training sessions at Optus Stadium on September 23.

On Tuesday, the AFL also revealed the Brownlow Medal count would be hosted virtually from Melbourne, but the in-person event would take place at Optus Stadium.

Speaking at the launch of the people’s parade Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe said excitement was building in his home state about the final.

“It’s just a bizarre feeling to have a prelim final and a grand final played at your home stadium without you or West Coast being involved in it, but putting that aside just having a footy loving state get the opportunity to have the biggest game of the year, right here at our brand new stadium, unbelievable,” he said.

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