How long does an AFL game go for?

The AFL is the most-watched league in Australia, drawing millions of TV viewers and tens of thousands of spectators to the individual games.

One of the most frequently asked questions is – How long on average does an AFL Game last? Find the answer to this question and more in the information provided below.

How Long is an average AFL game?

An AFL match is comprised of four quarters with a break in between each. Each quarter has 20 minutes of play, however the clock stops running after each stoppage or goal, making the average time per quarter a bit over 25 minutes.

In between the first and second, and third and fourth quarters there is a six minute break, referred to as quarter time and three quarter time respectively. Half way through the match there is a 20 minute break called half-time. Altogether, from start to finish, an AFL game will typically last about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

In some instances, matches can stretch out to almost three hours, especially if the play has to be stopped due to an injury requiring medical assistance.

How long is the AFL Grand Final?

The AFL Grand Final is generally one of the longest games of the year. In addition to frequent stoppages—whether because of scores, penalties, or injuries—there’s an extended half-time show.

The Grand Final typically lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. For comparison, the 2024 AFL Grand Final took 2 hours and 37 minutes of TV time.

In 2025, the AFL Grand Final is scheduled to be played on Saturday, September 27. All Grand Final events will be shown live on Channel 7 and their streaming platform, 7plus.

Stream AFL games live with Kayo Sports

You can watch live AFL online free with a Kayo Sports 7-day free trial offer. With this trial, you will have access to the same broadcasts as Fox Footy (Fox Sports) and Seven, meaning every head to head from every round (excluding the Grand Final). Kayo Sports doesn’t come with a lock-in contract or set up fees, which means you can cancel anytime if you’re no longer using it.

For fans who want to catch up on the action after the final whistle, Kayo Minis provide a 10-20-minute recap after the game is over. Other Kayo features include Interactive Graphics, SplitView, No Spoilers and Key Moments, which provide highlights throughout the matches in real-time.

Watch AFL games live online with Foxtel Now

Fox Footy can be accessed via Foxtel and Foxtel Now. To watch on Foxtel with a Standard or High Definition TV, you have several choices, including subscribing to the Foxtel Plus pack to access over 50 channels of entertainment, drama, lifestyle, docos, reality and more. Foxtel subscribers get access to the Foxtel Go streaming app for free.

You can also watch AFL live and free with Foxtel Now. Their 10 day free trial offer includes the option watch games live online with a compatible device. Fox Footy comes as part of the Foxtel Now Sports Pack ($29 per month) which can only be purchased on top of an Essentials Pack ($25 per month) after your free trial.