Grand final fever has descended on Victoria this week with a number of festivities planned across the city for the AFL Grand Final long weekend.
North West Metro Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen said Victoria Police would field a strong, around-the-clock police presence across the CBD and City of Yarra.
"People will notice a highly visible police presence at the Grand Final Parade, in and around the MCG on game day, and well into the night as fans enjoy the post-match celebrations," he said.
"There is a palpable energy across the city during the Grand Final week. It's a fantastic time to be in Melbourne and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy all the fantastic family-friendly events on offer."
Victoria Police has undertaken extensive planning to ensure everyone can enjoy the match in a safe and secure environment.
"For those heading to the MCG on Saturday, security measures including bag checks and wanding will be in effect, so it may take a bit of extra time to get through the gates," Mr Hansen said.
"Likewise public transport and nearby roads are likely to be busy so please be patient and plan ahead.
"Police will be present in public, membership and corporate areas and as always there will be a strong focus on responsible service of alcohol."
Police ask that all Victorians celebrate grand final day safely and responsibly, whether they're at the game, live sites across the city or watching from home.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Hansen assured the community the policing operation doesn't end when the final siren sounds
"We will be there every step of the way for fans heading home or onto further celebrations in the CBD, Richmond and other entertainment precincts," Mr Hansen said.
Swan Street will be closed to all cars and trams on Grand Final Day from 4.30pm until police deem it safe to reopen. Drinking alcohol in unlicensed areas on the streets of Yarra is not permitted at any time.
"We know Swan Street is a popular entertainment precinct and natural place to congregate after the game, especially for Richmond fans," Mr Hansen said.
"Let us be clear - police will not tolerate any antisocial or violent behaviour that compromises the safety of others.
"If you're going to Swan Street after the game, be aware that police are authorised to issue fines of $100 if people do not follow a direction to stop consuming alcohol or seal a container of alcohol.
Operation Tennyson will be running in Richmond, Collingwood and the wider Yarra area, with uniform and plain clothes police working in and around licenced venues to ensure public order and compliance with liquor licencing.
Police ask that motorists, pedestrians and public transport users be aware of the following road closures:
• Brunton Avenue, East Melbourne will be closed to all east-bound traffic from 6am Saturday until 4am Sunday and all city-bound traffic from 6am until 11pm on Saturday to allow safe access to the ground and public transport.
• Jolimont Street and Jolimont Terrace, East Melbourne will be closed from 6am to 10pm on Saturday.
• Wellington Parade, between Lansdowne and Powlett Streets will be closed post-match on Saturday from about 5pm until 9pm.
• Swan Street, Richmond will be closed from 4.30pm Saturday until it is deemed safe to reopen by police.
• Stewart Street, Richmond will also be closed from 4am Saturday to 7am Sunday.
• Punt Road, Richmond will operate with lowered speed limits.
