The AFL has resisted calls to delay this year’s grand final to a twilight start but the showpiece game appears destined for a new time slot post-2017. The grand final will begin with a traditional 2:30pm AEST bounce on Saturday, 30 September, after the league decided there was no compelling reason to change this year.

However, a twilight decider remains firmly on the table, according to AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan. “I don’t want to revisit it like this every year but I guess what I’m saying is it doesn’t mean it’s going to be 2:30 forever either,” McLachlan told 3AW. “There is a sense of inevitability. I think at some point it’ll be tried.”

“We’ve had a good look at it this year and it’s not right ... but I’m not trying to say this is forever either. I think what I’ve said is it’s inevitable in this broadcast cycle it’ll be tried.”

McLachlan says he could not yet guarantee a later start time would enhance the experience for fans. “If you’re going to move and break tradition ... you want to make sure every part of that move you’ve got buttoned down and you feel it’s going to be bulletproof,” he said. “You couldn’t say every aspect of this is going to be tight, better, improved and clearly we need to lead on this.”

McLachlan says stakeholder consultation was extensive and included clubs and players. He says every aspect of the event was considered, right down to player performance, transport, profitability and the scheduling of related functions. It has been argued a later start could grow the audience, and therefore sponsorship.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, who’s guided the club to four victorious grand final appearances, backed a twilight or night grand final. “It’s something that’s much better for television, sponsorship and viewership. I think at some point in time it’s going to change,” Clarkson told reporters. “Maybe it’s just exploratory for a year or two.

“If it works, it could be a bonanza for the AFL and everyone involved in the game. If it doesn’t, what do you have to lose – just go back to 2:30.”

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin was non-committal when asked his reaction to the decision. “Afternoon footy’s always nice when the sun’s out for whoever it is who’s playing,” Cotchin told Melbourne radio station SEN on Friday. “I think when the AFL powers asked most of the captains, we all said if we’re in the grand final, we don’t really care when it’s played.”



