Thousands of fans have gathered in Melbourne’s CBD to cheer on their football heroes ahead of the AFL grand final.

Adelaide Crows and Richmond Tigers fans on Friday packed Spring Street to see the stars, including Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin.

“I’m a third-generation Richmond fan and it’s just amazing to see them here,” Carrum Downs woman Nina Baird told AAP, adding that the Tigers’ grand final berth is particularly special.

“My dad passed away five years ago and he was the biggest fan so this means a lot to us,” she said in tears.

“He’d be beside himself if he was here.”

Her family is planning a big party on Saturday and were hoping for a big win.

“Everyone loves the underdog and we are feeling like it’s our year,” Ms Baird said.

The parade started near Parliament House at midday.

It’s the third year a public holiday has been held on grand final eve after the Labor government introduced it in 2015.

The parade, which has been part of the game since 1977, ends near the MCG, where the Adelaide and Richmond teams will be presented on stage and the captains will raise the premiership cup.