by sportswriter Li Huizi

MELBOURNE, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands packed the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as millions watch Geelong and Brisbane vie for Australian rules football's highest honor on Saturday, the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final day.

Brisbane Lions defeated Geelong Cats by 47 points, with a final score of 122 to 75 in front of a crowd of 100,022 spectators at the iconic MCG in Melbourne, capital of the Australian state of Victoria, making it one of the world's largest annual sporting events.

Across the country, streets burst with team colors as families and friends gather for backyard barbecues and community events, showcasing the deep cultural significance of Australia's biggest sporting celebration.

The event also draws millions of viewers via broadcast across Australia and internationally.

The match was intense and closely contested in the first half, with scores tied at halftime, the first time since 1909 that this had happened in a V/AFL Grand Final, with the "VFL" referring to the Victorian Football League, the original name of the competition before it expanded.

Brisbane took control in the third quarter, ultimately securing their fifth championship since 2000, making them one of the most successful clubs in Australian football.

In Melbourne, accommodation bookings were soaring, average room rates were climbing, and restaurants were packed.

The AFL holds a unique place in Australian culture as the nation's most popular sport, boasting the largest fan base and participant numbers among all sporting codes.

According to the AFL's official website, the league has more than 600,000 registered players across Australia in 2025, an increase reflecting its growing grassroots appeal.

The competition comprises 18 professional teams representing various Australian states, with several football-strong states having multiple teams. Significant expansions are planned for the near future to further enhance the sport's reach, said the AFL.

Financially, the AFL is a powerhouse in Australian sports. According to the AFL's 2024 financial report, the league recorded an operating surplus of 45.4 million Australian dollars (29.7 million U.S. dollars), a growth from previous years driven by broadcasting rights, ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise.

The AFL also contributes heavily to the economy through tourism and community investment programs, said its financial report.

The league continuously reinvests revenue into community programs, infrastructure, and development pathways, ensuring sustained growth and engagement at all levels of Australian rules football by "adding more than 100 new community ovals to support the growth in participation," according to AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder in February. ■