AFL finals reach record broadcast and attendance figures over opening weekend

The 2026 AFL finals series recorded historic viewership and attendance numbers during the opening weekend of matches. Geelong defeated Carlton before 96,680 spectators at the MCG on Friday, marking the second-highest elimination final attendance in league history. Broadcast reach for the match exceeded 4.2 million viewers, setting a new record for any premiership fixture this season. Across four states, 244,757 fans attended qualifying and elimination finals between Thursday and Saturday. Other results included Fremantle setting a venue attendance record at Optus Stadium, while Sydney and Adelaide secured wins against Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs respectively. Tickets for the upcoming semi-finals in Perth and Brisbane are scheduled for release this coming Monday.

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