Two interstate teams vying for the pinnacle of AFL has not dampened enthusiasm among fans, with more than 400,000 people to flood Melbourne's streets for the biggest spectacle in the nation's sporting calendar.
Bumper crowds are expected to attend the footy festival with more than 300,000 people to line the streets for the AFL grand final parade on Friday before a sellout 100,000-strong MCG crowd for the premiership match between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
Organisers aren't expecting any less interest from fans despite it being the first time in 18 years that two interstate teams will contest the premiership.
"Victoria just embraces the finals whoever plays," AFL corporate affairs manager Brian Walsh said.
"We've got two teams that have a rich history in Victoria, with the Lions and their links to Fitzroy, with Sydney and South Melbourne.
"We're going to have a grand final for the ages this year."
Melbourne Cricket Club general manager Josh Eltringham said the spectacle attracts attendees far and wide, with all tickets to be snapped up for the Saturday afternoon game.
"Sydney and Brisbane are probably the most supported interstate teams that we've got," Mr Eltringham said.
Any leftover tickets will be offered to MCC restricted members by mid-morning on the day of the game.
To feed those fans, organisers are expecting to sell 50,000 bottles of water, 20,000 bottles of soft drink, 20,000 buckets of chips and about 16,000 pies.
Victoria reaps massive economic benefits from the event and is set for even more so this year with an influx of interstate travellers from Sydney and Brisbane, RMIT finance associate professor Angel Zhong said.
"Visitors, along with excited locals, are estimated to inject no less than $70 million into the local economy," Dr Zhong said.
Virgin Australia added 4800 extra seats on flights between Brisbane and Sydney to and from Melbourne while Qantas brought on 15 new flights ahead of the grand final, which also coincides with school holidays.
A significant police presence will be felt around the city, with Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Jason Goddard reassuring fans the force has sufficient resources to manage the event despite the threat of industrial action from the union.
