The Seven Network’s live, free and exclusive coverage of the unforgettable 2021 AFL Grand Final last night scored 3.91 million viewers nationally and 3.01 million in the capital cities, making it the #1 TV program of 2021.
On 7plus, the AFL Grand Final was watched by an additional 197,000 viewers on connected TVs and recorded 32.6 million streaming minutes, up 211% year-on-year.
The strong ratings result sees the AFL Grand FInal become the Nb1 most watched program of the year, ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony.
In the first ever Grand Final in Perth, Melbourne’s triumph over the Western Bulldogs to end a 57-year premiership drought was watched by average national audience of 3.91 million which was up 2% on last year’s huge audience and up 33% on the 2019 Grand Final.
The 2021 contest delivered the biggest Grand Final audience since 2016 and the fifth biggest ever.
In only the second time a Grand Final has been held outside of Victoria, Melbourne recorded a Grand Final audience of 1.64 million viewers, up 3% on 2020.
The match dominated its timeslot with a 77% share of viewers during the game, and an 80% share of 25 to 54s.
Seven recorded an overall prime time commercial network share of 73.5% on Saturday and a 75.9% share in 25 to 54s.
The highest ever prime time commercial shares for any network in OzTAM history were recorded across several capital cities, including Melbourne with an 88.9% commercial share, Adelaide (77.3%) and Perth (76.9%).
Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said:
“The historic 2021 AFL Grand Final lived up to the hype and delivered extraordinary audiences on Seven. The AFL is a vital part of Seven’s unrivalled sporting content and once again Australia’s #1 winter sport has gripped the nation with another unmissable premiership decider.
“Seven’s prime time coverage, underpinned by our expert commentary and insights, ensured more fans across Australia could enjoy the exciting Grand Final action, live and free.
“A huge thanks to the fans, players, clubs, AFL and the entire team across Seven Network for making 2021 so memorable despite another year of uncertainty. It highlights once again how our shared love of Australian football continues to bring the nation together.”
Seven’s AFL Grand Final
- AFL Grand Final: Melbourne v Western Bulldogs 3.91 viewers nationally, 3.01 in the capital cities.
- AFL Grand Final: Presentations: 3.51 million viewers nationally, 2.67 million in the capital cities.
- AFL Grand Final: On The Ground: 2.98 million viewers nationally, 2.27 million in the capital cities.
- AFL Grand Final: Pre-Match entertainment: 1.99 million viewers nationally, 1.46 million in the capital cities.
- AFL Grand Final: Post Match: 1.62 million viewers nationally, 1.28 million in the capital cities.
