Overview
This member guide outlines access entitlements for qualifying final, elimination final, semi-final and preliminary final matches in the new 2026/27 membership season (commencing September 1).
Other arrangements apply for the Wildcard Finals Round in August and the 2026 AFL Grand Final. For details, view:
Special Event Category
Unlike the AFL Premiership Season, AFL Finals Series matches are not designated a match category, but rather have unique arrangements determined on a match-by-match basis based on expected demand from members and visitors.
Details such as ticket on-sale dates and times, dining and passes arrangements, visitor ticket allowances, seat ticket distribution and Provisional member access may change for each match.
Members with access entitlements can choose between purchasing reserved seats via Ticketek prior to the match, or accessing unreserved seating on the day.
Key Timings
Following the conclusion of the last match of the AFL Premiership Season and each week of the AFL Finals Series, the Club will determine arrangements for the next round of matches and advise members, generally on the Sunday evening or Monday depending on the fixture.
Once each week's fixture is confirmed, arrangements and details including on-sale dates, visitor ticket entitlements and dining and pass registration periods will be communicated to members via email and within the Events Calendar.
Member Access Eligibility
To access the September AFL Finals Series and AFL Grand Final, members must have paid their subscription for the 2026/27 membership season (which commences on September 1, 2026) for their membership card to be valid.
50-Year members who have paid their membership fees for the 2026/27 season can access the Members' Reserve for all matches of the AFL Finals Series, including the AFL Grand Final.
For finals matches excluding the AFL Grand Final, 50-Year members can obtain a seat for themselves and one guest in the 50-Year member section (N42) on match day, subject to capacity. These can be pre-booked online via Ticketek, or obtained on match day from the John Landy Room upon arrival. Depending on the anticipated demand, access to the John Landy Room may be restricted to 50-Year members only (no guests).
For more information on 50-Year member access for the AFL Grand Final, visit AFL Grand Final Arrangements. No visitor tickets can be obtained for the AFL Grand Final.
For access to the Members' Reserve, you and your guest can use the dedicated 50-Year member entry, located at the left-hand side of Gate 2.
A reminder that 50-Year Social members are unable to access the AFL Finals Series, including the AFL Grand Final.
Full members who have paid their membership fees for the 2026/27 season can access the Members' Reserve for all matches of the AFL Finals Series, including the AFL Grand Final.
The AFL Grand Final has special arrangements that differ from regular matches in the Reserve. Full members can find all of the key information at AFL Grand Final Arrangements.
Restricted members who have paid their membership fees for the 2026/27 season can access the Members' Reserve for all matches of the AFL Finals Series in September, excluding the AFL Grand Final.
Should Restricted members be granted access to the AFL Grand Final, information will be published on the day (September 26) at Grand Final Access for Restricted Members.
Unless otherwise advised by the Club, Provisional members will not have access to the Members' Reserve for the AFL Finals Series.
Should the Club deem that expected attendance will allow Provisional members to access the Reserve, this information will be shared here and within the relevant match in the Event Calendar. Information will also be available via the MCC App and MCC social media channels.
Overseas members will need to provide an itinerary showing their arrival to and departure from Australia, as well as being required to pay an admission fee to attend all AFL Finals Series matches. Full details can be found at mcc.org.au/overseas as matches are confirmed.
Overseas members are subject to the same AFL Finals Series and AFL Grand Final arrangements based on their membership category as listed above - 50-Year, Full, Restricted and Provisional.
Checklist for Access in September
Four reminders for Full, 50-Year and Restricted members to ensure they have access to the Reserve in September.
1. Pay renewal for the 2026/27 membership season
Members must have paid their subscription for the 2026/27 membership season (which starts September 1, 2026) for their membership card to be valid in September.
2. If applicable, use your new membership card and barcode
If your membership category has been elevated (Provisional > Restricted or Restricted > Full membership), please ensure you use your new membership card and barcode number to access tickets and scan in at Gate 2. Your old membership card and barcode number will be invalid and will not permit entry after September 1.
3. Ensure you are subscribed to email/SMS updates
If you have previously unsubscribed from receiving email or SMS updates from the Club, you will not receive Finals information directly via these channels. If you believe you may have unsubscribed from Club email or SMS communications by mistake, please contact the Club.
Seating Information
The Members' Reserve will operate with a combination of unreserved and reserved seating for the AFL Finals Series. Members with access entitlements can choose between purchasing reserved seats via Ticketek, or accessing unreserved seating at the match.
Reminder: different access arrangements apply for the Grand Final (view AFL Grand Final Arrangements).
Alcohol-free sections have been allocated both in the reserved and unreserved seating areas within the Members’ Reserve.
The alcohol-free seating areas are:
- Level 1: M45 (unreserved) and M46 (reserved)
- Level 2: N48 (unreserved) and N41 (reserved)
- Level 4: Q43-45 rows A-F (reserved)
Note: Any unallocated reserved seating in the alcohol-free sections will be made available for alcohol-free unreserved seating access.
Members will be able to pre-purchase reserved seats in Member-Only areas via Ticketek when tickets go on sale.
These areas will be located in specific sections on Levels 1 and 4 of the Reserve, and will be determined on a match-by-match basis.
If you have pre-purchased a reserved seat or visitor ticket and can no longer attend the match, you can return your ticket via the Ticketek App.
Ticket returns close one hour prior to Gate 2 opening for each match.
Reserved seating for patrons requiring accessible seating, including wheelchair spaces, and their carers (with a government-issued Companion Card) is available to redeem online via Ticketek, by calling 1300 136 961 or in-person at the Club.
In the event general ticketing in the Members' Reserve is exhausted for a Finals match, any remaining accessible seating will be taken offline to prevent misuse of accessible seating. Remaining accessible seating will be available to redeem via the Ticketek Accessible Ticketing form on a first-in, first-served basis, subject to availability.
Accessible seating is available on Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Members' Reserve. We encourage members to pre-book these spaces during the 2026 AFL Finals Series. However, unreserved spaces will also be available on match day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Companions attending on a government issued companion card (of either a member or a visitor) receive free entry to the Reserve when a companion ticket has been redeemed via Ticketek – for more details visit companioncard.vic.gov.au.
Further details on accessible tickets can be found at Ticketek's Accessible Ticketing Hub.
Member Dining
Access to the Members’ Dining Room, Jim Stynes Grill, Missymu by Shirley, Committee Room and 1956 restaurant will be confirmed as the AFL Finals Series progresses.
