REX HUNT implored us to “listen to the fans”. It’s a pity the AFL doesn’t.

An AFL Grand Final at twilight seems inevitable. The growing media noise about the biggest day on our sporting calendar points to a timeslot change either this year or next.

Unfortunately, for all the noise the masses make, they are barely heard.

This debate has been going on for years and each time the fans’ poll delivers a “leave-it-alone” verdict. Yet the issue won’t go away. No, it’s too big of a cash cow for TV and AFL officials to let this one go.

In January, 59 per cent of respondents on a Herald Sun poll said they wanted the Grand Final start time to stay at 2.30pm.

But the fans get little or no airplay compared to those who would be the big winner with a twilight Grand Final — greedy TV executives whose prime considerations are bigger ratings and fatter advertising revenues.

The TV types are infatuated by lukewarm fans in our northern states. They want us to change the timetable of one of our greatest days to satisfy half-interested Queenslanders and New South Welshmen — those who haven’t cared to watch the Grand Final in the past but might if we put it on when they’ve nothing else to do.

The TV propaganda has dazzled senior administrators within the game.

“With traffic and lifestyle considerations, people can have a day at the beach and then go to the footy or watch it,” GWS Giants chief executive David Matthews said last week.

C’mon Dave, it’s Grand Final day. In September. Who goes to the beach if they’re serious about the footy?

No, the rhythm of the day is already perfect. Uncrushed with a balanced level of nerve-jangling build-up and celebration/let-down afterwards.

Not all of us can get to the game, unlike those TV and AFL execs.

For most of us, pre-match it’s mates over for a barbecue. From 2pm to 6pm it’s all about the game. Then post-match there’s plenty of time to dissect the result, laud the new champion or drown the sorrows.

For those lucky enough to be at the ground, the presentation of the winning team and concert have seamlessly become a welcome addition to the day.

And if you’re really lucky, the players, staff and supporters of the winning team have ample time to soak in what must be one of the most memorable nights of their lives at their Grand Final dinner.

The pre-match entertainment is a non-event and don’t try to tell me starting the game later with some extra fireworks will add to my enjoyment.

Fireworks are old hat. There’s few better sights than a packed MCG in September daylight, club colours shining. Football at night is a duller, darker spectacle.

A twilight Grand Final would be great, so outstanding is the product. It just won’t be any better than what we already have.