Revealed: MCG will host the 2021 AFL Grand Final as a daytime fixture
The AFL Grand Final will return to the MCG in 2021 and be played in its traditional afternoon timeslot. Do you agree with the decision? Take our poll.
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The AFL Grand Final will return to its traditional timeslot and home ground in 2021.
After the COVID-19 season saw the first Grand Final held outside of Victoria and the first time it was held at night, the AFL Commission on Wednesday made a call to revert to the traditional afternoon timeslot this year.
Returning to the MCG, with hopes for a full house of 100,000, on September 25, the first bounce of the 2021 decider will be at 2.30pm AEST.
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AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the call was made by the Commission after it sought the views of players, clubs, supporters as well as commercial and broadcast partners.
“We know that season 2020 was a unique season, and by necessity we had to make some exceptional decisions surrounding the competition including moving most teams to Queensland and moving the grand final and the start time for the first time in its history,” he said.
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“The build-up and event in Queensland was a huge success.
“Our members and supporters were incredible in continuing to support their teams last year and they are wanting a season where they can return to some of the traditions and rituals around footy.”
McLachlan said “the prestige, nostalgia and atmosphere” of a day grand final would be something fans could look forward to in 2021.
“Wherever they are located around Australia, we want to give footy fans that familiar feeling back on grand final day,” he said.
“A Saturday afternoon start-time, the build-up, the anticipation, friends, family and the BBQ in the backyard, all combining to make it the best event on the Australian sporting calendar.”
McLachlan said while there was still “a lot of work” to get to the finish line he would “love nothing more” than to see 100,000 at the 2021 decider.
AFL Fans Association president Cheryl Critchley welcomed the decision.
“Our polls, media polls and the AFL’s own polls have consistently shown that most fans prefer a day Grand Final,” she said.
“They love the lead-up, the day-time barbecues, the atmosphere for those attending and the fact that families can celebrate together afterwards.
“Fans accepted the AFL’s decision to hold the 2020 Grand Final at night given the COVID-compromised season, but most still prefer it to be played during the day.”
AFL Fans Association president Cheryl Critchley welcomed the decision.
“Our polls, media polls and the AFL’s own polls have consistently shown that most fans prefer a day Grand Final,” she said.
“They love the lead-up, the day-time barbecues, the atmosphere for those attending and the fact that families can celebrate together afterwards.
“Fans accepted the AFL’s decision to hold the 2020 Grand Final at night given the COVID-compromised season, but most still prefer it to be played during the day.”
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