Scarves out. Snacks ready. Tissues? Hopefully not.

With Fremantle and Brisbane meeting in the AFL Grand Final on Saturday 26 September, we’ve dressed our footy-shaped pollen grain for the occasion. It has a scarf for each team, because we’re leaving the job of picking a winner to you. afl.com.au

Whichever colours you’re wearing, we hope your day involves plenty of cheering and very little sneezing.

Hay fever doesn’t pick a team

Nearly one in four Australians reported having allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, in the 2022 National Health Survey. It’s something plenty of supporters can relate to, regardless of who they’re backing. AIHW

That doesn’t mean one in four fans will be sneezing on match day. Symptoms depend on what someone is allergic to and what they’re exposed to. For people affected by pollen, those symptoms can include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Healthdirect

We’d rather the players did the running, not your nose.

Grass isn’t the only player

Grass pollen often gets the attention, but trees and weeds can also release pollen that triggers hay fever. The mix in the air changes with the season and location. So a low grass pollen forecast doesn’t necessarily mean a symptom-free day for someone who reacts to other pollen types. Healthdirect

Put pollen in your game plan

Before heading to the ground, a backyard barbecue or an outdoor screening, make a quick pollen check part of your preparations.

The Melbourne Pollen app provides pollen forecasts using measurements from our monitoring network. You can also turn on notifications to receive alerts when grass pollen levels in your area are high. Melbourne Pollen

Already have the app? Check your forecast before the first bounce. Not using it yet? Download the Melbourne Pollen app and turn on notifications to help you plan ahead.

Whether you’re backing Freo, cheering for Brisbane or simply hoping for a great game, enjoy the footy.

Good luck to the Dockers and the Lions from all of us at Melbourne Pollen!