The AFL today announced that an Auslan interpreter would be included as part of the in-venue scoreboard broadcast for the official pre-game presentation (including the national anthem) and the official post-match presentation at the Toyota AFL Grand Final.

The AFL is committed to ensuring there are opportunities for people with disabilities, such as the deaf and hard of hearing community, to participate in all aspects of Australian football.

The introduction of the use of Auslan interpreters at AFL programs and events such as the Grand Final Parade is one a number of initiatives to support the deaf and hard of hearing community, which affects approximately one in six Australians.

Auslan is a visual language that uses manual communication to convey meaning. It combines movement of the hands, body and arms as well as non-manual features such as facial expressions to express ideas and concepts.

The AFL is committed to ensuring that the Toyota AFL Grand Final is an inclusive event and will continue to work with the deaf and hard of hearing community to ensure it can continue to grow programs such as Auslan-supported Auskick.