Footy greats support calls for twilight Grand Final

Could this be the last Grand Final to be played in the traditional afternoon timeslot? If these footy icons had their way, the big dance would be played under lights as soon as next year.

Footy greats stand divided over whether Saturday’s AFL Grand Final should be the last in its traditional timeslot and the premiership decider moved from day to night next season.

Some of the game’s greatest players have called for the Grand Final to be played under lights as speculation mounts the AFL will soon change the starting time of the premiership decider.

Triple premiership Geelong captain Joel Selwood told the Herald Sun he hoped the Richmond-Greater Western Sydney final was the last to start at 2.30pm.

“I’d actually like it to be the last day Grand Final,’’ he said.

“We see the sports across the world that are played in that twilight, night time period and they are just outstanding the shows that they can put on.

“So I’m for it absolutely.’’

Carlton and West Coast great Chris Judd also supported an AFL Grand Final under lights.

“I’d be happy for a night Grand Final,’’ he said.

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said he was “sitting on the fence” but a Grand Final under lights had merit.

“There is something attractive about a twilight or even a night game at some stage,’’ he said.

“You can showcase the game in so many different ways and take it to so many more different people in terms of broadcasting.’’

The likes of Chris Judd and Joel Selwood are in favour of a later start time to the Grand Final. Picture: Ian Currie

Triple premiership Geelong and former Giants player Steve Johnson said: “I don’t mind the twilight slot.

“I love the day Grand Final because it’s just traditional and it’s not too late by the time the game finishes.

“I can’t see it ever being a night Grand Final because you need kids watching the game on TV but there could be a bit more of a build up to the game if a twilight start happened.’’

But Richmond great Matthew Richardson said the Grand Final should be kept in its traditional timeslot.

“I’ve always said leave it as it is and there is no reason to change that,’’ he said.

“I love the Saturday afternoon granny, getting up in the morning and having a BBQ.

“I get the idea of a twilight but I’m just more of a traditionalist and I’m happy for it to be on a Saturday afternoon.’’

Sydney star Josh Kennedy agreed.

The Grand Final has traditionally been played at 2.30pm. Picture: Alex Coppel.

“My view would strongly be to keep it during the day,’’ he said.

Collingwood’s preliminary final loss to GWS last week started at 4.45pm and finished after dark in a potential dress rehearsal for a twilight Grand Final.

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AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan was yesterday noncommittal about when year’s Grand Final would start and finish and what entertainment could look like under lights.

“This week I’m going to steer out of that one,’’ he said.

“The decision will be made post Grand Final but (this year) is going to be a daytime Grand Final.’’

More than 75percent of Herald Sun Footy Fan’s Survey respondents said they wanted the Grand Final played during the day with less than 19percent supporting a twilight match.

Less than 6percent were in favour of a night grand final but AFL commission chairman Richard Goyder this year said “I’d love a twilight Grand Final.’’

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