AFL locks in start time for historic Perth grand final

The AFL has confirmed the start time for the 2021 grand final as the competition yet again veers away from tradition during grand final week.

The AFL has locked in the start time for the 2021 grand final. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The first AFL grand final in Perth will begin at 5.15pm local time as the competition’s showpiece match takes place in the twilight

That time means the first bounce will be at 7.15pm in Eastern Standard Time as fans around the country tune in to watch the historic occasion.

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Optus Stadium in Perth will play host to the second consecutive AFL grand final to be played outside of the MCG in Victoria. The Gabba in Brisbane held the 2020 grand final due to Melbourne’s Covid concerns.

The decision represents a major backflip after AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said in March this year that the competition would look to return to a traditional grand final day.

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

AFL executive general manager Travis Auld was delighted to lock in a twilight starting time for the monumental occasion.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan confirmed Optus Stadium in Perth would be the 2021 grand final venue. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

“The 5.15pm AWST /7.15pm AEST start time aims to provide fans at the game with the ultimate grand final experience by maximising the stadium’s offering while taking into consideration the broadcast audience across the country,” Auld said.

“The AFL, together with the Seven Network, remain cognisant of finishing the match at a suitable time for younger footy fans and, as a result, landed on a timeslot that is earlier than the usual start time for night matches during the season and last year’s grand final.

“Historically, a really special part of grand final day is the build-up and anticipation, and we want to ensure we can share the excitement and atmosphere with the millions watching across the nation and around the world.”

Footy fans in Perth will catch a glimpse at the first team to qualify for the grand final, with Melbourne and Geelong’s preliminary final taking place at Optus Stadium on Friday night.

The winner of that game will be watching Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs’ clash with interest, with their preliminary final at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.