The Australian Football League (AFL) is reportedly on the cusp of a monumental shift, with strong indications that the iconic Grand Final could be moved to a twilight slot at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as early as this year. The AFL Commission is said to be bracing for a significant decision that could redefine the season’s pinnacle event.
The timing of the Grand Final has been a perennial topic of discussion within the sport. However, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the 2020 and 2021 deciders played outside the traditional afternoon slot, have amplified the debate this year, pushing it to a fever pitch.
In recent years, the AFL has experimented with different timings, with varying degrees of success and commentary. The 2020 Grand Final saw Richmond triumph over Geelong under the lights at the Gabba in Brisbane. Subsequently, Melbourne ended its 57-year premiership drought with a dominant performance against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in Perth as the sun dipped below the horizon. These occasions, while successful in their own right, have fuelled further speculation about a permanent move to a twilight or night fixture at the MCG.
The Allure of a Twilight Spectacle
The prospect of a twilight Grand Final at the MCG represents a seismic shift from the long-held tradition of an afternoon commencement. Adding considerable weight to these rumours, Channel Seven’s program, The Agenda Setters, recently provided further detail, including speculation that global superstar Kylie Minogue could headline the pre-game entertainment.
This potential booking follows a trend of high-profile international acts performing at the AFL’s showpiece event. Last year, American rapper Snoop Dogg entertained the crowds, and despite initial mixed reactions to his selection, his performance was widely praised on the hallowed turf of the MCG. Prior to Snoop Dogg, the likes of Katy Perry (2024), rock band KISS (2023), and Robbie Williams (2022) have graced the Grand Final stage in the years since the competition navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Traditionalists Voice Concerns
However, not everyone is eager to embrace a departure from tradition. Former AFL spearhead Brendan Fevola, speaking on the Fifi, Fev and Nick radio show, expressed his preference for the established afternoon slot.
“I love a Grand Final at 2:30… I don’t like change. It should be a red Sherrin; if it’s a night-time grand final, it’ll be a yellow Sherrin,” Fevola stated. He elaborated on his concerns, suggesting that the push for a twilight game is driven by a desire for a “big spectacle of half-time fireworks and carry-on like the Superbowl.” Fevola firmly believes this is not in keeping with the AFL’s identity, asserting, “This is not the Superbowl, it’s our game… the AFL. If Kylie wants to do it, she can do it at 1:30 like everybody else…”
The Commission’s Decision
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has historically favoured the traditional 2:30pm (AEST) match time. However, he has indicated that the ultimate decision rests with the AFL Commission, now under the leadership of Craig Drummond following Richard Goyder’s departure.
“Any discussions about that will be decisions of the Commission,” Dillon stated earlier this month. “We’ll run all of those decisions through the filter of our three focuses for this year — what’s best for the footy, our fans and future.”
He anticipates that the matter will be a significant agenda item for the Commission in the near future. “I imagine that will be a decision on the Commissioner’s agenda pretty shortly,” Dillon added. “Our next Commission meeting is in sort of late April, early May. I imagine there will be a decision made at that meeting.”
The timing for the 2025 Grand Final has already been confirmed as of June last year, suggesting that if a change is to be implemented, it will most likely affect the upcoming 2024 season. This potential shift to a twilight Grand Final at the MCG marks a pivotal moment for the AFL, balancing the allure of modern entertainment spectacle with the deep-rooted traditions of Australian Rules Football. The outcome of the Commission’s deliberations will be keenly watched by fans and stakeholders across the nation.
