Speculation swirls that the AFL may move the 2024 Grand Final to a twilight timeslot

Pies star Scott Pendlebury says moving the Grand Final to a twilight start would be “really cool” but others aren’t convinced. Vote in our poll.

Footy greats stand divided over whether this year’s AFL grand final should be the last played in its traditional afternoon timeslot.

The AFL’s decision to play last week’s Brisbane-Carlton preliminary final at 5.15pm, fuelled speculation the league might have used the timeslot as a dress rehearsal for next year’s grand final.

Past and present AFL stars say there are pros and cons of keeping the grand final in its usual 2.30pm starting position or finishing it after dark.

Premiership Pies star Scott Pendlebury told the Herald Sun he saw merit it moving the start time back to allow for better off-field entertainment.

Scott Pendlebury says there is merit in having a twilight Grand Final. Picture: Getty

“I’m not a traditionalist and I don’t feel like it matters too much what time the grand final is,’’ he said.

“I think a twilight one would be really cool.

“But I also like the idea of a 2.30pm day game for the sides to enjoy after it as well.

“I feel like there is not a lot of tradition left in the game besides the bounce at the 2.30pm grand final.

“But you would play it whenever.’’

The 2021 AFL Grand Final in Perth was a twilight game. Picture: Kelsey Reid

Brownlow Medallist Jason Akermanis said he could see why the AFL might have trialled the 5.15pm opening bounce as a test grand final time.

“It’s a good slot, at the end of the day,’’ he said.

“The night is obviously great for TV ratings and a few other things but in the end tradition is 2.30pm and if you’re a player you like 2.30pm because if you win you can go out.

“I’m happy either way and tradition says 2.30pm is good but if they went to night I’d be just as happy.’’

Collingwood won this year’s premiership in a traditional 2.30pm game. Picture: Michael Klein

Essendon captain Zach Merrett said he “quite liked” the 5.15pm start time.

“As a spectator and viewer it is good timing,’’ he said.

“I thought it was a pretty cool slot (last week) and not too late for kids either.

“So I actually quite liked it.’’

Melbourne midfielder Christian Petracca also saw benefits in playing the game later

“We were twilight for our game in Perth and I really enjoyed it,’’ he said.

“But at the same time I’m a bit of a traditionalist, so I guess 2.30pm is good too.’’

“As long as I’m there I don’t care.

“I’d play at 2 o’clock in the morning.’’

Christian Petracca in action during the 2021 Grand Final in Perth. Picture: Michael Klein

But the AFL Fans’ Association say spectators are passionate in their defence of the premiership decider staying a day time only event.

Fans Association president Ron Issko urged incoming AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon to keep the status quo.

“I am surprised about the talk about a twilight GF for next year given that Andrew Dillon has publicly stated he is a fan of the 2.30m start,’’ he said.

He said a recent AFLFA survey found 73 per cent of fans — almost three out of four — want the grand final to remain at the traditional 2.30pm start time.