More than 600 people flocked to Crown Palladium on Thursday for the 2023 Grand Final Comedy Debate.

Hosted by Fox Footy's Sarah Jones, the event began with a Welcome to Country from Aunty Stacie, as well as a Grand Final panel headed by Jay Clark, Dale Thomas, and Kelli Underwood.

The Debate panel was moderated by comedian Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann, centred around the topic 'has football gone soft?'.

The winning affirmative side was fronted by Adam Rozenbachs, Bronwyn Kuss, and Claire Hooper, while the negative side was headed by Lawrence Mooney, Emma Race, and Dane Simpson.

The AFL's Executive General Manager of Football Laura Kane took home Fujitsu General Woman of the Year honours, while Amanda Flynn claimed the EWN Community Award.

Thank you to the Essendon Women's Network, NEC Australia and Fujitsu General Australia for supporting the event.