They were conditions more befitting Swans than Hawks.

But the AFL grand final still went ahead in miserable, rainy conditions through Melbourne’s city centre streets on Friday.

While the players were spared the rain – put inside dual cab utes rather than riding in the open air as they would normally – the fans braved the weather in their thousands regardless.

Hawthorn and Sydney fans lined Swanston and Collins Streets as the parade – led by AFL Rising Star Daniel Talia from Adelaide and Brownlow Medallist Jobe Watson – made its way through the city to Treasury Place.

“It just shows how great the support is when people turn out like they have today,” Swans ruck-forward Mike Pyke said as he prepares for his first grand final.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou had hinted on Thursday that severely bad weather could curtail the parade.

Instead the decision was made to put players inside cars rather than have them outside in the elements 24 hours before kick-off.

More wet and wild weather is predicted for Melbourne on Saturday, with high winds and possible hail expected as well as rain and low temperatures for the MCG.

Hawthorn are aiming for their first premiership since 2008.

The Swans last won the flag in 2005.