AFL Grand Final to Remain in Afternoon Slot for Next Two Years
The Australian Football League has firmly declared there is 'no compelling case' to move the grand final to a twilight or night start time this season, effectively locking in the traditional afternoon schedule for the championship decider over the next two years. This decision provides immediate certainty for fans, clubs, and broadcasters while the league continues broader strategic planning ahead of the Tasmania Devils' anticipated entry into the competition in 2028.
Commission Chair Confirms Traditional Timing
AFL Commission chair Craig Drummond officially confirmed that the iconic 2.30pm Melbourne time start will be maintained for the grand finals in both 2026 and 2027. 'Everyone who loves footy has a view on the right start time for our biggest game of the year, and for at least the next two seasons it will remain in its traditional afternoon timeslot at the MCG,' Drummond stated. He emphasised that the Commission agreed it was crucial to offer clarity now, allowing the AFL to simultaneously focus on integrating the league's 19th club in two years' time.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the ruling delivers essential stability for all stakeholders. 'We are already undertaking significant work on Tasmania entering the AFL in 2028, so it makes sense to lock in the grand final start time for the next two seasons and provide everyone with clarity,' Dillon explained. The grand final will therefore kick off at 2.30pm Melbourne time this year and next, reinforcing a century-old tradition.
Surprise Decision Amidst Widespread Speculation
This announcement arrives as a considerable surprise to many within the football community, given intense speculation over recent weeks that a shift to a twilight start was imminent for this year's decider. Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson had publicly predicted a change, remarking 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.'
Historically, the AFL has only staged two grand finals under lights—both during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 at the Gabba and 2021 at Optus Stadium. These exceptions were driven by extraordinary circumstances rather than a permanent policy shift.
Fan Sentiment and Future Considerations
AFL Fans' Association president Ron Issko has long argued that a move to twilight is inevitable and has urged the league to transparently communicate its rationale. The 2025 AFL Fans' Association survey revealed overwhelming support for the afternoon slot, with approximately 82 percent of supporters preferring the 2.30pm start and only 13 percent opting for twilight hours.
Issko passionately called for greater fan engagement, stating, 'Sell us the benefits of a twilight grand final. 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".'
Despite the current decision, the league will continue to evaluate the merits of a later start as part of wider competition reviews, particularly with the Tasmania Devils' entry on the horizon. This ongoing assessment ensures that the tradition is preserved for now while leaving room for future evolution in response to fan feedback and logistical demands.
