Rain and flight delays precede AFL grand final at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Heavy rain, cold winds and flight disruptions have complicated preparations for an AFL grand final between Brisbane and Fremantle at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Brisbane is seeking a third consecutive premiership, while Fremantle is pursuing its first title in its first grand final since 2013.
The AFL season is set to conclude at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with Brisbane facing Fremantle in a grand final affected by wet and cold weather. The Brisbane Lions are seeking a third consecutive premiership. Fremantle, appearing in its first grand final since 2013, is pursuing the club’s first flag.
Melbourne experienced rain, cold southerly winds and a forecast maximum of 15 degrees. The weather bureau predicted up to 9 millimetres of rain, a total that would match the wettest grand final recorded in 2002. Heavier falls would set a new record, according to the ABC report.
Senior meteorologist David Crock said rain was moving in from the north-west and that drizzle had also affected the city. Thunderstorms were possible during the morning. The conditions disrupted travel for supporters.
A Virgin flight from Brisbane scheduled to arrive at 1.20pm was cancelled, while other Melbourne-bound flights faced delays of about an hour. Peter Doherty from Brisbane Airport said the disruption was caused by the weather in Melbourne rather than conditions at Brisbane airport. A Brisbane supporter travelling with his eight-year-old son told ABC Radio Brisbane that a delayed flight had caused apprehension about reaching the match.
Brisbane was at full strength after Lachie Neale won an appeal-board case on the Thursday before the match. The game was scheduled to begin at 2.30pm on September 26.
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