The Australian Football League is poised to make a historic break from tradition by shifting the grand final start time to a twilight slot, despite overwhelming opposition from the majority of football fans who favour the classic 2.30pm centre bounce at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Decision Expected Within Weeks
A final announcement is anticipated when the AFL Commission convenes next month or in May, with league powerbrokers reportedly advancing plans for a later start time around 5pm. This move would fundamentally transform the pre-match spectacle and create a primetime stage for major entertainment acts.
Super Bowl-Style Entertainment Planned
Under the proposed changes, the halftime interval would be significantly extended to accommodate a full-scale performance, mirroring the entertainment model of the American Super Bowl. This would allow for more elaborate productions and create a global platform for headline artists.
The AFL is reportedly "strongly targeting" international pop icon Kylie Minogue to headline this September's grand final entertainment as part of the twilight schedule overhaul. The league has consistently attracted major global performers in recent years, including Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry, Robbie Williams and The Killers, solidifying its reputation as Australia's premier sporting stage for international acts.
Mixed Reactions from Football Community
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has remained publicly silent on the specific timing issue, but earlier this month he told reporters that "tradition is really important, but so is progression," hinting at the league's balancing act between heritage and innovation.
Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson expressed certainty about the impending change, stating on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters: "If it's not a twilight grand final this year, I'll be shocked. The AFL is targeting, among others, but very strongly targeting Kylie Minogue to perform at a twilight grand final."
Carlton legend Brendan Fevola admitted his traditionalist leanings, telling Fox FM: "I love a grand final at 2.30pm... but I (also) don't like change. They (AFL) want the big spectacle of halftime fireworks and carry-on like the Super Bowl. But this is not the Super Bowl, it is our game."
Fan Opposition Documented
The 2025 AFL Fans' Association survey revealed that approximately 82 percent of supporters preferred maintaining the 2.30pm start time, with only 13 percent opting for twilight hours. Association president Ron Issko called for greater transparency from the league regarding the proposed changes.
"Sell us the benefits of a twilight grand final," Issko told News Corp. "Tell us why it's better for the fans. Tell us why it is better for football. Don't treat fans as consumers... treat them as an integral part of the game. Change the narrative from 'we do what we want and the fans will just suck it up' to 'let's work with the fans.'"
Entertainment Success Contrasts with Rival Code
The AFL's ability to secure major international acts was highlighted last year when Snoop Dogg's booking for the 2025 decider initially drew criticism but ultimately earned widespread praise following his performance. This success stood in stark contrast to the NRL's choice of American singer Teddy Swims, who delivered a vocal-driven set featuring hits like Lose Control and The Door, along with a cover of AC/DC's TNT.
As the decision deadline approaches, the AFL faces the challenge of balancing fan preferences with its ambitions for a more spectacular, globally-oriented grand final experience that could redefine Australian sporting events for years to come.
