AFL makes decision on date, time and venue for 2021 Grand Final

After last year’s experimental season finale, the AFL has made a decision on whether to attempt another night-time Grand Final.

Nic Savage

@nic_savage1

2 min read

March 10, 2021 - 6:31PM

History made in 2020 as AFL Grand Final held in Queensland

The AFL Grand Final will revert to its traditional afternoon timeslot in 2021, with the MCG poised to host the event in late September.

Last year’s AFL premiership was full of historic firsts, and the delayed season finale was no exception.

The sport’s pinnacle event took place in a different venue in a different state at a different timeslot, with the Grand Final played under lights at the Gabba in Brisbane.

The experiment was primarily implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic and strict biosecurity protocols, with several factors preventing the game from taking place in Victoria.

According to The Age, television broadcaster Channel 7 wanted the AFL Grand Final to continue to be played at night, with last year’s match attracting strong ratings.

But many footy traditionalists were not impressed by the twilight spectacle, and will be cheering after reports revealed this year’s Grand Final would start at 2:30pm on Saturday, September 25th at the MCG.

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AFL.com.au reported that the AFL Commission informed club presidents of the decision on Wednesday afternoon.

Pending COVID-19 restrictions, it is hoped the MCG will host the event at full capacity.

The 2019 AFL Grand Final match at the MCG.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said in a statement: “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. 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.

“Ultimately, the AFL Commission decided that while we will keep some of the unique components of the 2020 season, the prestige, nostalgia and atmosphere of the day Grand Final is something that people can look forward to.

“Wherever they are located around Australia, we want to give footy fans that familiar feeling back on Grand Final Day – 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.

“We still have a lot of work as a league and a community to get the finish line, but I would love nothing more to see 100,000 back at the MCG on the last Saturday in September.”

Wednesday’s announcement was met with a mixed response, some fans and pundits eager for another night-time Grand Final.

Surprised and disappointed the @AFL is returning to a day Grand Final.
I thought twilight would have been perfect.
— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) March 10, 2021

.@Gawndog37 suggested today that the grand final be played at 1:10 on a Sunday. AFL donâ€™t listen eh.
— Daniel Cherny ðŸ“° (@DanielCherny) March 10, 2021