afl live

AFL Live: Bombers and Saints Kick Off a Crucial Round 23 Double Header

Footy fans across Australia are glued to their screens as the 2025 AFL season hurtles towards the finals. Round 23 promises high-stakes clashes, with Essendon and St Kilda igniting the weekend in a Friday night showdown at Marvel Stadium. This match, part of a double header also featuring Fremantle and Brisbane, carries significant implications for teams vying for a coveted spot in the top eight.

Bombers vs. Saints: A Friday Night Battle at Marvel

The Essendon Bombers faced off against the St Kilda Saints on Friday, August 15th, 2025, at Marvel Stadium. St Kilda, hungry for their fourth consecutive win, went head-to-head with an Essendon side battling injuries. The match was broadcast live from 7.20pm AEST, marking the start of a pivotal round.

Essendon entered the game having suffered another injury setback, but still managed to hold a lead against the Saints. The game was closely watched, with commentary and updates available live via essendonfc.com.au and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Fremantle Dockers vs. Brisbane Lions: A Western Showdown

Adding to the Friday night excitement, the Fremantle Dockers hosted the Brisbane Lions in a game crucial for finals contention. This match held significant weight, with positions in the top four and the top eight hanging in the balance. For fans of the nine teams still in the finals race, every permutation was being closely analyzed.

The Race to the Finals: What's at Stake

With only a couple of weeks remaining in the regular season, the battle for finals spots is intensifying. The Fremantle vs. Brisbane game was particularly season-shaping, impacting both the top four and the overall composition of the top eight.

How to Catch the AFL Action Live

For fans wanting to catch every moment of the AFL action, several options are available:

• Free-to-Air TV: The Seven Network broadcasts three to four games live each week, including Thursday night matches, Friday night footy, Saturday night games, and Sunday afternoon games. The AFL Grand Final is exclusively live and free on Seven.
• Streaming: 7plus live streams matches that are broadcast on Channel 7.
• Kayo Sports: FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, offers live coverage of every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play.
• Watch AFL (Overseas): For fans outside Australia, Watch AFL is the official streaming service for every match of the Toyota AFL Premiership.

Contextual Background: The Evolution of AFL Viewing

The way Australians consume AFL has dramatically evolved over the years. From traditional broadcast television to streaming services and digital platforms, fans now have unprecedented access to live games, replays, and analysis.

The Seven Network has long been a staple for free-to-air AFL coverage, bringing the game into homes across the country. However, the rise of streaming services like Kayo Sports and 7plus has provided fans with more flexible viewing options, allowing them to watch games on their preferred devices, anytime and anywhere.

The AFL's embrace of digital platforms has also expanded its reach to international audiences. Watch AFL caters specifically to fans living overseas, offering live and on-demand access to matches and related content.

Immediate Effects: Engagement and Economic Impact

The live broadcast of AFL games has a significant impact on both fan engagement and the Australian economy. The high viewership numbers generate substantial advertising revenue for broadcasters and streaming services.

Moreover, the excitement surrounding live games drives attendance at stadiums and boosts spending on merchandise, food, and beverages. The AFL's popularity also contributes to the tourism industry, with fans travelling from interstate and overseas to attend matches.

Future Outlook: The Future of AFL Broadcasting

Looking ahead, the future of AFL broadcasting is likely to be shaped by further technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. We can anticipate:

• Increased streaming: As internet speeds improve and streaming devices become more prevalent, more fans will choose to watch AFL games online.
• Personalized viewing experiences: Streaming services may offer personalized viewing experiences, allowing fans to customize their viewing angles, access real-time statistics, and interact with other viewers.
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): AR and VR technologies could revolutionize the way fans experience AFL, offering immersive and interactive viewing experiences.

AFL: More Than Just a Game

AFL is more than just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon that unites Australians from all walks of life. The passion, rivalry, and community spirit surrounding the sport make it an integral part of the nation's identity.

Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, the AFL offers something for everyone. So grab your scarf, gather your friends, and tune in to witness the excitement of the 2025 season unfold.