20 year-first change to AFL finals fixture

The AFL is reportedly going back to the future with Channel 7 bending on an official request to make a radical change to the finals schedule.

The Bulldogs will get their way.

The AFL is set for its first daytime semi-final fixture in 20 years, according to a report.

With Covid-19 restrictions continuing to cause major logistical headaches, the league has been considering its options for Saturday’s semi-final between Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba.

The AFL announced an unconfirmed fixture for the second and third weeks of this year’s finals series on Sunday.

And it emerged on Monday morning that the delay was the result of the league continuing talks with Channel 7 and the Bulldogs about moving the game with the Lions to a daytime time slot.

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SEN reporter Sam Edmund first reported the fixture has been moved to a twilight game following an official request from the Dogs for the game to be moved forward as a result of the strict quarantine protocols they will experience in Queensland.

Edmund posted on Twitter the game is expected to begin from 4.45pm (AEST) on Saturday.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admitted in his post-match press conference that he would like the team’s travel plans be taken into consideration for the semi-final.

The Bulldogs are marching into the second week.

As a result of Queensland’s border security, the Bulldogs will remain in Launceston for rest of the week — after their thrashing of Essendon in the elimination final on Sunday — before flying to Brisbane on Friday. The players and staff will be restricted to their hotel rooms before the game on Saturday.

Edmund said on SEN Breakfast Monday morning Channel 7 preferred a Saturday night, prime time fixture because of the ratings boost.

The AFL on Sunday also confirmed that Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval would each host a preliminary final in the third week of the finals.

“It has been an incredible start to the finals series with great contests combined with the energy and atmosphere from crowds at Adelaide Oval and UTAS Stadium this weekend,” said AFL general manager of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld.

“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to thank all Clubs, players, coaches, staff and their families, umpires, AFLPA, fans, broadcast and commercial partners, venues and all State Governments for their ongoing support of the 2021 Toyota AFL Finals Series.”

The Giants may have to contend without Toby Greene next weekend, pending the small forward’s tribunal hearing this week. (Photo by Grant Viney/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

In the first weekend of the finals, the Giants held on to defeat local rivals Sydney by one point and book their spot in the semi-finals.

Leon Cameron’s side may be without All-Australian forward Toby Greene for next week’s game against Geelong, after he was referred directly to the tribunal for intentional umpire contact.

The Cats suffered an upset defeat in their last clash with the Giants, so Chris Scott’s men will hope they can flip the script come Friday and advance to week three.

The Lions enjoy the home advantage for Saturday’s game but they’ll have to contend without key forward Daniel McStay, who has already been ruled out through concussion.

With Eric Hipwood already sidelined, Chris Fagan has the unenviable task of re-jigging his forward line this week.

Ryan Lester and Grant Birchall are set to line up but Rhys Mathieson, the man who replaced McStay on Saturday, is also in doubt for Brisbane.

Earlier this week, the AFL named Optus Stadium as its preferred grand final venue should hosting the decider at the MCG prove unfeasible.

It would be just the second time in history that the AFL/VFL Grand Final has been played outside Victoria, following last year’s clash at the Gabba.

The fixture for weeks two and three of the AFL finals series is:

Friday, September 3

Second Semi Final – Geelong Cats vs. GWS Giants at Optus Stadium, 7:50pm AEST / 5:50pm AWST.

Saturday, September 4

First Semi Final – Brisbane Lions vs. Western Bulldogs, The Gabba, start time to be confirmed.

Friday, September 10

First Preliminary Final – Melbourne vs. Winner of Second Semi Final (Geelong Cats vs. GWS GIANTS) at Optus Stadium, 7:50pm AEST / 5:50pm AWST.

Saturday, September 11

Second Preliminary Final – Port Adelaide vs. Winner of First Semi Final (Brisbane Lions vs. Western Bulldogs), at Adelaide Oval, 7:40pm AEST / 7:10pm ACST.

— with Jasper Bruce, NCA Newswire