Protesters block AFL grand final parade

Three Extinction Rebellion protesters leapt the barriers before sitting down in the path of a ute carrying the premiership cup along the parade route in Melbourne on Friday.

The protesters wore T-shirts sporting the slogan “can’t play footy in 50 degrees”.

After a few minutes, security guards managed to drag the protesters away to loud cheers from the thousands of Collingwood and Brisbane supporters lining the street.

The parade, which takes place on a public holiday in Victoria, resumed and finished without further incident.

There was a massive turnout for the iconic event, with more than 100,000 people estimated to have packed the Melbourne streets

A warm spring day gave adoring fans of Collingwood and Brisbane the perfect chance to take a last glimpse of their heroes before Saturday’s grand final.

Players from both teams were driven along the parade route in central Melbourne on the back of utes.

Family activities and musical performances were also included in the day.

A tradition since 1977, the parade ended in farce last year when boats carrying players along the Yarra river were forced to turn back early.

This year’s event has returned to the more conventional land route to a rapturous reception from fans.

This year will mark Collingwood’s first shot at a flag since a heartbreaking five-point loss to the West Coast Eagles in 2018.

Brisbane will be appearing in their first grand final in nearly two decades, having last played in the big one in a 2004 loss to Port Adelaide after winning three in a row from 2001-2003.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was spotted during the event cosying up to outgoing AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan.

Rock legends Kiss also made an appearance ahead of what should be a dynamite halftime performance on Saturday.

Saturday’s grand final is tipped to be a classic between the two best teams in the competition.

Tickets are extremely hot property, with even standing tickets reportedly going for up to $1500 online despite Victoria’s tough anti-scalping laws.

Thousands of frustrated Collingwood fans slammed the ballot process after missing out on tickets earlier in the week.

About 100,00 people are expected to pack the Melbourne Cricket Ground for Saturday’s game.

First bounce is scheduled for 2.30pm.

Originally published as Extinction Rebellion protesters hold up AFL grand final parade