Get Ready to Watch the 2022 AFL and Rugby Grand Finals

With AFL and Rugby finals quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to check that your TV aerial and Wi-Fi connection are up to speed. Use the steps below to fix any potential issues before the viewing parties begin to avoid missing out on the game day match.  

First and foremost – how do you plan to watch the AFL and/or Rugby Finals? Are you keeping up with the game live on your TV or are you streaming on another device?

If you’re not sure how you’ll be watching yet, here’s how you can get in on the action.

Where to watch the 2022 AFL Grand Final:

• The Grand Final is aired free on Channel Seven or 7Plus
• If you are busy that day but still want to catch the game, streaming service Kayo will have it available for re-runs
• For those who’ll be overseas for the big day, there is the option of purchasing a  WatchAFL Finals Pass

Where to watch the 2022 Rugby Grand Final:

• The Grand Final is aired free on Channel 9 or 9Now
• It is also streamed on live and on-demand on Stan Sport
• For those who’ll be overseas for the big day, Rugby.com.au has a list of sites you can stream the match on, depending on which country you’ll be in

Streaming

Check Your Modem

It is recommended that you first check your Wi-Fi network by connecting directly to your modem via an Ethernet or LAN cable. Once you have connected your laptop to the modem, disable any wireless connections on your computer to make sure that it is only able to receive the Ethernet connection. Then test your connection from directly from the modem using a free internet speed test site such as Fast.com or speedtest.net. A download speed of at least 7.5Mbps is recommended for a quality streaming experience on Watch AFL and Stan Sport. If the speed test indicates that you have less than 5Mpbs of bandwidth you should contact your internet service provider.

That said, you can still encounter playback problems with a strong internet connection. To avoid issues while watching the match, ensure that the network isn’t overcrowded i.e. that others aren’t downloading music, games, or videos on the same network you are streaming on.

Run an Internet Speed Test

If your internet speed from the modem appears ok, but you are still experiencing playback issues or buffering, try conducting internet speed tests around different areas of the home to rule out the possibility of a blackspot. Low range, or incorrectly placed wireless modems and routers are a common issue when it comes to slow and unreliable Wi-Fi. If your Wi-Fi is slow or weak in a particular area of the home, a common solution is to install a Wireless Access Point.

Try Resetting Your Device and/or Router

Sometimes something as simple as switching the device you are streaming from or your router on and off again can help improve your internet. To reset your router or modem first unplug it from the power source. Wait 20 seconds, then plug it back in again, switch it back on, wait a minute and then re-connect to the internet, and re-start your stream.

(If you are outside of Australia using Watch AFL) Make sure your VPN is switched off

Watch AFL is a geo-location-based service only available to customers outside of Australia. If using a VPN or Proxy Server, the app is unable to detect your location and for these reasons may not allow you to stream the match. Try disabling your VPN or proxy server, before attempting to watch again. If you experience issues with the app on game day, contact the Watch AFL Customer Care team.

TV

If you have a Smart TV and often experience reception issues you may like to consider hardwiring your TV using high-speed network cabling to ensure fast and reliable internet. For those experiencing reception issues on free-to-air TV, our Jim’s Antennas technicians are available to help diagnose and resolve your reception issues. We are also able to help businesses holding game day events with large-scale aerial installations including TV wall-mounting, sound-system installation and repairs.

If you are having issues with your internet speed/reliability, Smart TV or Free To Air TV reception, don’t hesitate to give your local Jim’s Antennas a call on 131 546 or book online 24/7 – our experienced and licensed team will make sure that your eyes are back on the game in no time.