The AFL can chalk up another win in the battle of Australia’s favourite football code as the NRL fails to sell out their grand final.

Just hours ahead of the kickoff between Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers, only alcohol-free and members’ tickets had sold out.

Ticketmaster was still displaying tickets available for as little as $55, while even Diamond packages and try-zone seats were still up for grabs.

The decider at Accor Stadium in Sydney promised a tantalising contest as the rampant Storm attempted to stop the Panthers from claiming an incredible four-peat off the back of last season’s remarkable come-from-behind heroics.

Last weekend, the AFL grand final between interstate clubs Brisbane and Sydney drew 100,013 fans to footy’s Mecca, the MCG.

The last six AFL deciders to be played at the MCG have all topped 100,000, while the two played during COVID years in Perth and Brisbane were also sold out.

This year’s decider in Melbourne was so popular fans were begging for tickets on the day outside of the ground.

The NRL grand final has topped 80,000, with Accor’s capacity down at 83,500, in the last two seasons.

No team has ever achieved a four-peat in the NRL era, since 1998, with the Panther’s current run the standing record.

However, the Storm claimed the minor premiership in 2024, two games clear of the reigning champions.