AFL Grand Final Breaks Viewing Records as 6.09 Million Tune In for Brisbane's Dominant Victory
The AFL Grand Final aired by the Seven Network achieved remarkable viewership, attracting 6.09 million Australians and becoming the most-watched program of 2024. The Brisbane Lions secured a significant 60-point victory over the Sydney Swans, culminating in an audience of 4.024 million, including a record-breaking 655,000 viewers on the 7plus Sport streaming platform. This event marked a remarkable year for AFL viewership across multiple demographics.
The Seven Network's exclusive and live coverage of the AFL Grand Final garnered the attention of millions across Australia, with viewership numbers peaking at 6.09 million. This marked the event as the most-watched program of the year, showcasing a significant victory for the Brisbane Lions over the Sydney Swans.
The Grand Final's Record-Breaking Audience
The AFL Grand Final attracted a total audience of 4.024 million viewers on traditional television, accompanied by an impressive 655,000 viewers tuning in through 7plus Sport, marking it as the largest audience for any AFL match on a streaming service. The streaming viewership increased by 44% compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing popularity of digital platforms for sports viewing.
AFL Grand Final's Notable Rankings
The Grand Final now holds a prominent place in 2024's television landscape, occupying the top spot among the year's most-watched programs, followed closely by the AFL Grand Final Presentations, which secured third place with a TV audience of 3.39 million. This highlights the event's cultural significance and its appeal across various demographic groups.
Unmatched Ratings Performance
Achieving an impressive 89.9% commercial audience share during its timeslot, the Grand Final demonstrated the Seven Network's dominance with an overall audience share of 81.7% from 6 am to 6 pm. Additionally, 7plus Sport led the way in BVOD viewing, accumulating 236.5 million minutes of watch time and maintaining a significant commercial share, showcasing the impact of streaming services on sports consumption.
The Broader Impact of the 2024 Final Series
Excluding the Grand Final, the entire Final Series reached an impressive 8.5 million viewers, indicating a strong interest in AFL. Each preliminary final attracted more than 3 million viewers, signifying the sport's widespread appeal and engagement among the Australian audience.
Future Prospects for AFL and 7plus Sport
With the addition of AFL and cricket to the 7plus platform, viewers can now enjoy free live streaming of various sports, including cricket matches during the upcoming Test summer. This expansion allows Australians to access a wide array of sporting events, enhancing the viewing experience and making sports more accessible than ever before.
Statements from Key Figures in Seven Network
Seven Network Director of Sport Chris Jones emphasized the significance of the season finale, praising Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan for his leadership. He highlighted the network's commitment to 2025, featuring more extensive programming and live coverage on 7plus Sport. Group Managing Director Gereurd Roberts noted the transformative impact of streaming AFL and cricket, illustrating the changing landscape of sport consumption in Australia.
Commercial Value of AFL at Seven
Seven's National Television Sales Director, Katie Finney, reinforced the AFL's status as Australia's premier winter sport, emphasizing the unparalleled reach it provides for brands. With the integration of live streaming on 7plus Sport, future events promise even greater audience engagement, creating exciting marketing opportunities.
