AFL Grand Final Parade

Richmond and GWS players have been feted at the traditional parade through Melbourne's streets today ahead of the AFL Grand Final.

The Tigers head into the decider as hot favourites after dismantling Geelong last week, while the Giants upset Collingwood to reach the final game of the season for the first time in their short history.

IN PICTURES: AFL Grand FInal parade day

More than 25 extra metropolitan and regional train services are scheduled to get people to and from the event.

The parade, which has been part of the game since 1977, kicked off at the Old Treasury Building and ends at the AFL Grand Final Live Site near the MCG in Yarra Park.

Parts of Spring Street, Wellington Parade, Flinders Street and Flinders Lane will be among the roads closed for the parade from the morning and into the early afternoon.

This is the fifth year Victorians are enjoying a public holiday to mark the sporting event.

The Tigers have picked Marlion Pickett to make his AFL debut in a grand final - the first player to do so in 67 years.

Pickett's selection, replacing the injured Jack Graham, is a remarkable step on a personal journey.

Pickett spent time in jail for burglary as a teenager before rising through WAFL ranks and to Richmond via the midseason draft.

He won a premiership with the club's VFL side last weekend and was awarded best on ground honours.

"I'm still pinching myself - I didn't think my debut would come around this early, but it has, and I will just take it with both hands," Pickett said.

Polarising forward Toby Greene returns from suspension for the Giants alongside star winger Lachie Whitfield, who had an appendix removed last week.

The brilliant duo replace Lachie Keefe and Ian "Bobby" Hill for the Giants' first grand final side.