AFL Grand Final 2020 – Richmond Wins Third Flag at the Gabba
The 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final was unlike any other in Australian football history. Played at the Gabba in Brisbane rather than the traditional MCG, the match saw the Richmond Tigers defeat the Geelong Cats by 31 points, securing their third premiership in four years. The final score of Richmond 12.9 (81) to Geelong 7.8 (50) reflected a commanding performance that confirmed Richmond’s place as one of the great modern teams. But the story of the day went far beyond the scoreboard. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the entire finals series into Queensland, with strict biosecurity protocols, no interstate fans, and the smallest Grand Final crowd since 1945. It was a year when everything changed, and the grand final became a symbol of resilience as much as a football match.
The game itself delivered high drama. After a tight opening quarter in which Geelong led by five points, Richmond gradually asserted dominance. By three-quarter time the margin was 19 points, and the Tigers pulled away in the final term. Dustin Martin produced another grand final masterclass, kicking four goals and collecting 21 disposals to win his second Norm Smith Medal. For Geelong, it was a fourth grand final defeat since 2007 and another missed opportunity to add to their 2011 premiership. The match was broadcast live on the Seven Network and Fox Footy, with a pre-recorded national anthem by Mike Brady.
2020 AFL Grand Final Results: Who Won and the Final Score
| Winner Richmond Tigers |
Final Score Richmond 12.9 (81) def. Geelong 7.8 (50) |
| Venue The Gabba, Brisbane |
Norm Smith Medal Dustin Martin (Richmond) |
Richmond’s 31-point victory was built on efficiency. The Tigers dominated inside 50s with a 42.9 per cent conversion rate and had 25 scoring shots to Geelong’s 16. Dion Prestia opened Richmond’s account early with a goal from team build-up, and the momentum never truly shifted back to Geelong after quarter time.
- The 2020 Grand Final was the first ever played outside Victoria due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Richmond won their third premiership in four years (2017, 2019, 2020), cementing a dynasty.
- Dustin Martin won his second Norm Smith Medal (also 2017), becoming the first player to win two by age 29.
- The match had the lowest attendance for an AFL Grand Final since 1909 due to COVID-19 capacity limits, estimated at around 29,000.
- Geelong failed to convert scoring opportunities, kicking only 7.8 (50) compared to Richmond’s 12.9 (81).
- Richmond led at every change after the first quarter, with a 19-point margin at three-quarter time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 24 October 2020 |
| Venue | The Gabba, Brisbane, Queensland |
| Attendance | 29,707 (COVID-19 restricted) |
| Umpires | Shaun Ryan, Matt Stevic, Ray Chamberlain |
| Best on Ground | Dustin Martin (21 disposals, 4 goals) |
| TV Broadcast | Seven Network, Fox Footy |
| National Anthem | Mike Brady (pre-recorded) |
Why Was the 2020 AFL Grand Final Played at the Gabba?
The relocation was a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the AFL season was suspended in March 2020 following Round 1, the competition resumed in June with all matches played in Queensland hubs. Victoria’s escalating case numbers made it impossible to hold the grand final at the MCG, and in August the AFL formally confirmed the game would be moved to the Gabba. It was the first time the grand final had been played outside Victoria, and only the second time it had been held outside Melbourne (the 1991 grand final was played at Waverley Park).
No interstate fans were permitted to attend the 2020 Grand Final. Players lived in a modified bubble environment and were tested regularly for COVID-19. The crowd of 29,707 was the smallest for a grand final since 1909, reflecting Queensland’s biosecurity requirements and border closures. The AFL reached an agreement with the Queensland government to host the match, including strict quarantine measures for all participants.
What restrictions were in place for fans?
Only Queensland residents could purchase tickets, and capacity was capped to comply with social distancing rules. There were no general admission areas, and all seating was allocated to maintain spacing. The Gabba’s usual capacity of approximately 42,000 was reduced to just under 30,000. Masks were required in many areas, and movement within the stadium was restricted.
Was the 2020 Grand Final the first ever played outside Victoria?
Yes, the 2020 grand final was the first to be played outside Victoria. Traditionally held at the MCG since 1902 (with the exception of 1991 at Waverley Park and 1942–1945 due to World War II), the move to the Gabba marked a historic shift necessitated by the pandemic. The AFL had never before relocated the grand final interstate.
Richmond vs Geelong 2020 Grand Final: Key Players and Match Details
Dustin Martin was the clear standout. His four goals included a spectacular checkside goal on the run in the third quarter that gave Richmond a two-point lead at three-quarter time. He also produced a trademark fend-off for a snap goal earlier in the game. Martin addressed the media post-match alongside coach Damien Hardwick. Richmond’s attack also received contributions from Tom Lynch, Jack Riewoldt, and Daniel Rioli. Geelong’s best performers included Jack Henry (14 disposals), Gryan Miers (14 disposals, 1 goal), Mark Blicavs (13 disposals), and Sam Menegola (13 disposals, 2 goals).
Who were the goalkickers for both teams?
For Richmond, Dustin Martin kicked four goals, Tom Lynch kicked three, and Jack Riewoldt and Daniel Rioli each added two. For Geelong, Sam Menegola kicked two goals, while Gryan Miers, Tom Hawkins, Gary Ablett, Gary Rohan, and Brandan Parfitt each kicked one. The Cats struggled to convert their opportunities, finishing with 7.8 (50) compared to Richmond’s 12.9 (81).
What was the margin of victory?
Richmond won by 31 points. The quarter-by-quarter scores were: Q1 Richmond 2.3 (15) to Geelong 3.2 (20); Q2 Richmond 5.5 (35) to Geelong 3.4 (22); Q3 Richmond 8.7 (55) to Geelong 5.6 (36); Q4 Richmond 12.9 (81) to Geelong 7.8 (50). Richmond led at half-time by 13 points and extended the margin in each subsequent quarter.
How to Watch the 2020 AFL Grand Final Replay and Highlights
The full match replay is available through the official AFL match centre, which includes a quarter-by-quarter timeline, team stats, interchange data, and video highlights. The official AFL YouTube channel also published a 7-minute 56-second highlights package titled “Richmond v Geelong Cats Highlights | 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final,” which has accumulated more than 403,000 views since its upload on October 24, 2020. The Richmond FC website provides post-match media, including interviews with Damien Hardwick and Dustin Martin.
The AFL’s official YouTube channel offers the full highlights package at no cost. The AFL match centre also provides a detailed timeline with video clips of key moments. For users with a Kayo or Foxtel subscription, the full replay is available through those platforms as well. The AFL YouTube highlights video remains the most accessible free option.
Is the 2020 Grand Final available on AFL.com.au?
Yes, the AFL.com.au match centre includes the full replay, photo galleries, and a play-by-play timeline. The page also shows interchange rotations, quarter breakdowns, and links to news articles from the day.
What YouTube channels have the highlights?
The official AFL YouTube channel uploaded the highlights on the day of the match. Other sports channels and fan channels may have uploaded additional analysis or extended cuts, but the official upload from the AFL is the most reliable source for high-quality footage.
Key Dates: How the 2020 AFL Grand Final Came Together
- – The AFL season is suspended after Round 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- – The season resumes with all matches played in Queensland hubs under strict biosecurity protocols.
- – The AFL confirms the grand final will be moved to Queensland, with the Gabba chosen as the venue.
- – The grand final is played at the Gabba; Richmond defeats Geelong by 31 points.
- – The AFL announces the grand final will return to the MCG for the 2021 season.
What Facts About the 2020 Grand Final Are Certain?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The winner and final score are undisputed: Richmond 12.9 (81) defeated Geelong 7.8 (50). | Some debate exists over whether the season should have been cancelled entirely, but that is speculative and not based on established facts. |
| The official attendance of 29,707 is recorded by the AFL and widely cited, though minor rounding discrepancies appear in some reports. | Exact breakdowns of how many tickets went to Queensland residents versus AFL members have not been fully published. |
| The venue move to the Gabba is thoroughly documented through AFL announcements and Queensland government health agreements. | No official public records detail every internal negotiation between the AFL and government bodies. |
| Dustin Martin’s Norm Smith Medal win is undisputed and widely celebrated. | Minor discrepancies in disposal counts exist between different stat providers, but these are within normal margins for live scoring. |
What Did the 2020 Grand Final Mean for the AFL?
Richmond’s third flag in four years placed the Tigers among the greatest modern teams. The 2020 premiership followed victories in 2017 and 2019, creating a dynasty that few clubs have matched in the AFL era. For Geelong, the loss extended a pattern of grand final disappointment. The Cats have now lost four grand finals since their 2011 victory—2008, 2018, 2020, and 2022—and their failure to score more than eight goals in the 2020 decider highlighted a struggle to convert pressure into scoreboard results.
The COVID-19 context cannot be separated from the achievement. The entire finals series was played in Queensland, with teams living in hubs and minimal crowds. Richmond adapted to the conditions better than any other side, and their ability to perform under the unique pressures of 2020 added weight to their premiership. The 2021 AFL Grand Final returned to the MCG with a full crowd, marking the end of the pandemic-disrupted era for the league.
What Did Players and Officials Say After the Game?
“It’s obviously been a different year and a different build-up, but we found a way to get it done.”
Trent Cotchin (Richmond captain) – AFL.com.au
“We just didn’t take our chances when we had them.”
Joel Selwood (Geelong captain) – Fox Sports
“The decision to move the Grand Final to Queensland was not taken lightly, but it was the safest option.”
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan – AFL.com.au
What Is the Lasting Legacy of the 2020 AFL Grand Final?
The 2020 AFL Grand Final will be remembered as the pandemic grand final, but also as the match that cemented Richmond’s dynasty and Dustin Martin’s status as one of the game’s greatest big-game players. It was the first grand final played outside Victoria, the first at the Gabba, and the first with a crowd under 30,000 since 1909. The game itself delivered a compelling contest that turned into a controlled Richmond victory. For fans seeking the next chapter, the 2021 AFL Grand Final saw Melbourne defeat the Western Bulldogs to break a 57-year premiership drought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who kicked the first goal of the 2020 Grand Final?
Richmond’s Tom Lynch kicked the first goal at the 2-minute mark of the first quarter.
How many times have Richmond and Geelong met in a Grand Final?
This was the fourth meeting. Richmond has won three (1967, 1974, 2020) and Geelong has won one (1963).
Was the 2020 Grand Final the first night Grand Final?
No, the first night Grand Final was in 2000. The 2020 Grand Final started at 7:30pm AEDT.
What was the half-time score?
Richmond led 6.6 (42) to Geelong 3.5 (23) at half-time.
Did any player break a record in the 2020 Grand Final?
Dustin Martin became the first player to win two Norm Smith Medals before turning 30.
How many disposals did Dustin Martin have?
Martin had 21 disposals, 4 goals, and 5 marks in a best-on-ground performance.
What was the weather like on grand final day?
The match was played in clear conditions with a temperature of around 28°C at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Who umpired the 2020 AFL Grand Final?
The umpires were Shaun Ryan, Matt Stevic, and Ray Chamberlain.
Did any Richmond player make their grand final debut?
Several Richmond players had not previously played in a grand final, including Shai Bolton and Liam Baker, who both contributed to the win.
Where can I find official statistics for the match?
Official statistics are available at the ESPN box score and FootyWire, as well as the AFL match centre.
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