Auslan Access at the AFL Grand Final: Setting a New Standard for Inclusion

Since 2016, the AFL has demonstrated its commitment to accessibility by providing Auslan interpreters at every final, no matter where they take place in Australia. The 2025 AFL Grand Final was more than just a thrilling showcase of football—like every final it was an event of inclusion. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Telstra, Expression Australia, and Deaf Interpreters Ramas McRae and Joanna Agius, Auslan users were able to fully experience one of Australia’s biggest sporting events.

While AFL games are largely visual, the pre-game entertainment, National Anthem, Welcome to Country, and quarter-time breaks are filled with spoken content, music, and atmosphere that Deaf fans have historically missed out on. Post-game interviews and celebrations—moments that capture the spirit of the match—also remain inaccessible without interpretation. This is where Auslan access makes all the difference.

At this year’s Grand Final, Deaf Interpreter Ramas McRae brought the passion, energy, and cultural depth of Auslan to tens of thousands of fans, showcasing the unique power of Deaf-led interpreting on a national stage.

Meanwhile, Linda Beales, the Eagles’ long-standing Auslan interpreter, has been making history by providing access at every Eagles home game since 2023. Consistent presence highlights the powerful impact of access done right and ensures Deaf Auslan users have the access to be involved members of the AFL community.

The Eagles have set a strong precedent. They have proven what is possible when a club makes a genuine commitment to inclusion. But this should not remain the exception—it should become the standard. Every AFL club has the opportunity and responsibility to provide Auslan interpreting at their games, ensuring Deaf Australians have equal access and an equal experience.

The Grand Final also underlined another vital point: the importance of showcasing Deaf Interpreters like Ramas McRae and Joanna Agius. Having a Deaf interpreter at such a high-profile event not only ensures cultural and linguistic accuracy for Deaf audiences, but also highlights Auslan as a vibrant, powerful language. It empowers young Deaf Australians by providing role models for them to look up to, and opportunities to see their culture reflected within the wider community. Overall, creating a much-needed platform for Deaf professionals to be seen and celebrated.

Chris Mahar, Founder of the CID Foundation and a family member of Deaf relatives, reflected on the significance of the event:

“For the first time in my life, corporate had an impact on the Deaf community,” he said of the Grand Final. “When I met the Director of Deaf Australia to collaborate on projects, she expressed her appreciation by saying, ‘Thank you, as I feel like we’re being heard and seen for the first time.’ This is where other corporate entities can show their support.”

These words capture what access truly means: recognition, inclusion, and respect. It is not simply about providing an interpreter for one game—it is about ensuring the Deaf community can enjoy the same experiences that much of the world takes for granted.

The 2025 Grand Final was a success story, but it must not end here. The AFL, its clubs, and corporate partners now have the chance to normalise Auslan access at every game, not just on special occasions, and why stop there? Having interpreted games is a great step, but what about those watching at home? Maybe it’s time for Australia to catch up with other countries and provide on screen live interpreting. By doing so, we can help to break down barriers, foster greater inclusion, and embody the true spirit of Australian sport: that everyone belongs.

We thank Telstra, Expression Australia, Deaf Australia, the Eagles, Ramas McRae, and Linda Beales for leading the way. Now it’s time for the rest of the AFL and other organisations to step up and make Auslan access part of every experience.

– Felix Jahn, Lead of Auslan Project, CID Foundation