The VIP’s took to the blue carpet, and then it was time for North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw to officially open proceedings at the Grand Final Breakfast.

An institution on Grand Final day since 1966, the Breakfast was held at Etihad Stadium this year and broadcast on Fox Sports.

Brayshaw paid tribute to what’s an iconic event on the AFL calendar.

“The Grand Final Breakfast is in its 47th year which is a staggering thing,” Brayshaw said.

“The people who started this breakfast, the great Allen Aylett and Keith McKenzie all those years ago would be staggered that it has got to this size and importance and it’s a great credit to the people that had the foresight back then.

“Innovation has always been a big part of the North Melbourne Football Club and they are two great innovators.”

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou and Prime Minister took spoke soon after, while former Bulldog, Swan and Saint Barry Hall was awarded Football Personality of the Year.