AFL Grand Final Parade: Eagles and Pies descend on Melbourne

Thousands of excited AFL fans have defied showers and cold temperatures to soak in the Grand Final Parade in the CBD.

A sea of blue and gold and black and white lined Spring Street from the early hours of this morning, with crowds keen to catch a glimpse from their idols before the blockbuster final at the MCG tomorrow.

At midday, players and coaches from Collingwood and the West Coast Eagles began their journey from the Old Treasury Building to Yarra Park in a convoy of Toyota Hiluxes.

Snaking down Wellington Parade, fans cheered as the parade passed by.

Star Pies player Mason Cox said he did not expect such a bumper turnout.

"It's awesome, great to see all the fans out here," Cox told 9NEWS.

The parade wasn’t without drama this afternoon, with reports Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern was close to pulling out of festivities moments before start time.

Read more: Bizarre parade drama leaves questions over McGovern

Road closures and travel

All roads re-opened at 3pm after earlier closures on:

• Spring Street (between Flinders and Bourke Street north and southbound)

• Wellington Parade (between Spring and Hoddle Street)

• Flinders Street and Lane (between Spring Street and Exhibition Street)

• Collins Street (between Spring Street and Exhibition Street)

Attendees continue to be advised the best way to get around this weekend is public transport, with free trams available in the heart of the city.

Weather 

It’s been a grey and cool day for Melbourne’s public holiday with a maximum of 15 degrees.

There's been a light shower or two in the city, with more to come tonight, according to the Bureau of Meteorology's forecast.

Food and entertainment

Crowds didn't go hungry after the parade today, with dozens of food outlets offering tasty snacks at Yarra Park; cheesy toasted sandwiches from Toasta, kebabs from Biggie Smalls and delicious Eagles and Pies-themed doughnuts from Manny's Doughnuts will all be on offer.

After the parade 

A Grand Final Eve concert, featuring Thundamentals and DJ Horizon, will be held at Yarra Park from 5pm to get crowds in the spirit for the big dance tomorrow.