AFL must preserve tradition of a day Grand Final, says Mark Robinson

YOU want to create an early legacy, Gill McLachlan? Then keep the Grand Final start time where it is, writes MARK ROBINSON.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan.

YOU want to create an early legacy, Gill McLachlan?

Then keep the Grand Final start time where it is.

Don’t worry about the progressives who want rock bands and fireworks, and the fun and frivolity of night time.

In 50 years, if the game is played as the sun shines, and when every other major sporting event in the world is being played under lights or under roofs, the Grand Final will command even greater significance.

We would stand alone.

Gill, you say that money is not involved, so let’s not make change for the sake of change.

The argument that a twilight Grand Final would extend the reach of the TV audience, especially into New South Wales and Queensland, isn’t strong enough to change 100 years of tradition.

Is everything for sale?

This has been classic AFL form. It planted the seed in February, tested the market and then treated everyone with contempt when you said, Gill, that you forgot to raise it at the commission.

By the time it’s announced, which it probably will be on Thursday or Friday, it won’t be a surprise to anyone.

It’s been weak by the AFL.

The league knew it was a contentious issue, but didn’t have the ­courage to announce it.

The AFL says it wants to improve the experience for the 100,000 people at the game. You have to wonder how a night game would make a better experience for the tens of thousands already half-cut from their lunches in every nook and cranny of the ’G.

Isn’t it an odd change just after one of the great Grand Finals when the Bulldogs broke records?

The past 120 Grand Finals have been played with a red ball, but the unrelenting push of commercialisation means we will play with a yellow ball. What’s next, the centre bounce?

Gill, you’ve ended an honourable stance on Good Friday footy. For all the wonderful ­elements of Anzac Day, there’s still an element of profiteering.

There’s advertising on the 50m line, in the goalsquare, there’s the advertising on the jumpers, socks, the ball and coaches’ collars. There are hamburgers on the goalposts.

Just for once, can we stop the sale of our game.

That would be a legacy.