Umbrellas and ponchos were popular accessories for fans at this year’s AFL Grand Final Parade in Melbourne this morning.

Thousands of dedicated supporters, including many donning the red and white, braved the city’s inclement conditions to cheer on their team ahead of tomorrow’s AFL decider between the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn at the MCG.

While the rain and cold conditions forced the players to sit inside their cars, fans were still treated to the usual fun and excitement of one of AFL Grand Final week’s most popular events, with players posing for photos and signing autographs for the dedicated supporters.

The players travelled around the parade’s famous route, beginning on St Kilda Road and Swanston Street before veering right at Collins Street before finishing up outside the Old Treasury Building in the centre of Melbourne.

Former Xavier College students Dan Hannebery and Alex Johnson shared a car at today’s parade, and both young Swans said they enjoyed soaking up the Grand Final experience.

Swans midfielder Hannebery said he couldn’t wait to play in his first Grand Final tomorrow afternoon.

“I’m really excited. I get to go with my mate Alex Johnson and we’re both ex-Xavers (Xavier College students) and we’re looking forward to the day and just soaking it up and just trying to relax and enjoy the day,” he said.

Click on the video player above to watch all the SwansTV action from this morning's AFL Grand Final Parade from the streets of Melbourne

“It’s my first Grand Final and I’m really excited and it’s been good because our week’s been really normal and has been a routine week in Sydney … and so far everyone seems relaxed and really looking forward to the game.”

Johnson, who is in just his second season at the Swans, said he loved taking part in the Grand Final celebrations alongside his team mates, despite Melbourne’s poor weather.

“Obviously Melbourne hasn’t turned on too great of a day, but it should be good and all the boys are pretty excited about it and it’s a really good feeling at the moment,” he said.

“Whether it’s rain, hail or shine out there tomorrow, I think we’ll be fine.

“I’m really excited about it and I obviously didn’t think I’d be playing in an AFL Grand Final in my second year of footy but to get that opportunity tomorrow is really exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”

Johnson said he expected a number of his family members to be at the parade, and added that he would save a special wave for his mum, Joan.

“If I see mum and dad, I’ll give them a wave, there’s no doubt about that,” he said before the parade began.

“I’m always happy to say I love my mum and give her a wave.”

While most players travelled in the back of the cars in pairs, a number of Swans chose to bring their biggest - or smallest - fans along for the ride.

Levi O’Keefe and Lewis Oliver Jetta had the best seats in the house for the parade, riding through the fanfare of Grand Final week on their dad’s knee.

Swans midfielder Ryan O’Keefe said it was great to share the experience with his young son.

“It’s really good and it’s good to share it with (Levi) given the last time I was here in these parades (was before his time),” he said.

“I think to share it with family is something really special.”

O’Keefe said he was expecting tomorrow’s clash with the Hawks to be a fierce and contested battle.

“I’m looking forward to (the game), I think it’s going to be good and it looks like the weather is going to be pretty similar to what it is (today) so it could be a nice physical contest, which is something I enjoy.”