Grand final fever has descended on Victoria for the first time in three years with a number of festivities planned across the city for the AFL Grand Final long weekend.
Victoria Police will be fielding a strong, around-the-clock police presence across the CBD and City of Yarra.
People will notice a highly visible police presence at the Grand Final Parade, in and around the MCG on game day, and well into the night as fans enjoy the post-match celebrations.
Hundreds of uniform police will be supported by the Mounted Branch, Highway Patrol and Public Order Response Team to ensure those visiting the city this weekend are safe.
There will be a significant police presence at Friday’s Grand Final Day Parade with Water Police patrolling the Yarra as tens of thousands of Victorians are expected to attend this well-run family event.
Victoria Police has undertaken extensive planning to ensure everyone can enjoy the match in a safe and secure environment.
For those heading to the MCG on Saturday, security measures including bag checks and wanding will be in effect, so it may take a bit of extra time to get through the gates.
Public transport and nearby roads are likely to be busy so those coming into the city are urged to be patient and plan ahead.
Police will be present in public, membership and corporate areas and as always there will be a strong focus on responsible service of alcohol.
Extra police officers will also be deployed right across the Geelong region, which is expected to be a hive of activity on grand final day.
Hundreds of police officers including general duties police, Highway Patrol officers, Protective Services Officers (PSOs), and Critical Incident Response Teams (CIRT) will be patrolling the region before, during and after the match, with a particular focus on pubs and clubs.
Police ask that all Victorians celebrate grand final day safely and responsibly, whether they’re at the game, live sites across the city or watching from home.
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Divisional Commander, Acting Superintendent Scott Johnson:
“There is a palpable energy across the city during Grand Final week. It’s a fantastic time to be in Melbourne and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy all the fantastic family-friendly events on offer.”
“Police and PSOs will be there every step of the way with a boosted presence on the public transport network and around the vicinity of the MCG.”
“The policing operation doesn’t stop when the final siren sounds – we will be there for fans heading home or onto further celebrations in the CBD, Richmond and other entertainment precincts.”
