An endless argument we all know and love is the time of the day when the grand final should be played.
This argument is just as ongoing as whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie. About the grand final this year, let’s express a few points.
1. The date
The date of the event is October 25, which isn’t the traditional October long weekend we’re usually set for.
If the event is played at night, it would be hard for those who have work the next day to get home with all the public transport and traffic plus anyone travelling interstate.
2. The location
What we don’t know is where the event will be played. With the Sydney Football Stadium and Stadium Australia both under construction, that leaves a lot of question marks.
If crowds can come to the match, the Sydney Cricket Ground looks to be the go but if it’s behind closed doors, Bankwest looks like the favourite.
The Queensland government has given Lang Park the green light.
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
3. My opinion
I understand my opinion is just an opinion – it’s not right nor wrong, as will be everyone else’s opinions. But I believe afternoon matches are a better time for children and the elderly to watch the event, whereas night time has a better atmosphere with fireworks.
I’m in the one per cent of those who actually don’t care which time slot the grand final is played in. At the end of the day, footy is footy.
4. Where should the game be played this year?
In my opinion, I believe the game should be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Sydney is the heartland of the NRL and home is where the heart is.
An AFL grand final played in Sydney or anywhere else that’s not the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be a bad take.
So Roarers, what’s your opinion? Which time and location would you set for this year’s grand final?
Also, about my mention of the Die Hard argument, Die Hard is definitely not a Christmas movie.
Mooty
Roar Rookie
I think that may be the scheduled day for the AFL grand final
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Why not bring it forward a day to the Saturday? Broadcasters get their wish with a night GF, and people don't have to get up for work and school the next day.
Mooty
Roar Rookie
I’ll begin this by saying that I’m not an NRL follower, I support AFL, but both leagues have similar problems this year. As far as the timing of the GF is concerned the AFL has always been in the afternoon but are trying to push for a twighlight game driven by the tv I imagine. I’ve always watched the RL GF and must admit the night atmosphere at the ground looks great, but the finish time on a Sunday night I always found hard, particularly for the people there with their kids. This year I don’t care where and when either GF is played if there are no fans, there won’t be any atmosphere. Try watching one of those European soccer games where the crowds have been locked out, it’s creepy.
Nat
Roar Guru
You seem to attach an amount of sarcasm to that but where are +2m people watching? Our game is a TV product max.
matth
Roar Guru
Given the state of the game's finances, it will go wherever the best pay off is. So the timing will suit Channel Nine and location will be determined by a couple of factors: 1. In what states will crowds be allowed? 2. Will the crowd spend offset whatever break fee is negotiated between the NRL and the NSW government for taking the game away from "the heartland". "Sydney is the heartland of the NRL and home is where the heart is." Umm, no. Sydney is the financial capital of Australia and that's where the money is. QLD were playing rugby league from virtually the same time as NSW. There were QLD players on the first Kangaroo tour. But you believe what you want to believe. Actually if you look at where the true "heartland of rugby league" is I'd have to say it's in Newcastle and North Queensland.
matth
Roar Guru
I don't know. Let me sleep on it and I'll give you an answer in the morning.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Problem with Brisbane for the GF is that there is no daylight saving in Qld making for a later finish in NSW and Vic.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
To tell you the truth, I’d be happy to see it played Lang Park every now and again. At least most of the crowd could see what was happening.
Big Daddy
Guest
This issue has been around for years and the fans have clearly indicated when they want it. They did bring it forward a few years ago but got back to their old habits and went for the later kick off
Clanger McClunk
Roar Rookie
No concerns there, playing in March is no different to late October. In October 2018 I had my log fire burning right up til the third week so it's not too hot then.
Paul
Roar Guru
Your comment is so bad, it's really good!! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Enquiry into Meat Loaf "performance". You took the words right out of my mouth!
Greg
Roar Pro
for those in favour of an afternoon grand final, any concerns over playing in the late October heat?
Paul
Roar Guru
The one thing the AFL does get right IMO, is the time they play the Grand Final. That's in part because they realise the game is not just for Victorians or in the NRL's case, for those on the east coast, but for fans across Australia, many of whom have work the next day or kids to get to school. It's a national disgrace the NRL Grand Final is on at night. In the spirit of boosting the economy post-virus, there needs to a Royal Commission into the timing of the grand final and the same commission could find out what possessed the AFL to pay 600K for that Meatloaf performance at their 2011 GF. I just found out it was only 12 minutes - it seemed like way longer. :crying: :crying:
Clanger McClunk
Roar Rookie
Scheduled 3pm kickoff for sure. It's too easy to get to a state where your vision is blurred courtesy of a grog or two with a 7.30KO. While they are at it they should cut out all the music that's served up as entertainment. It's a footy day not a pop concert. The schedule for the day is stretched out too much with an hour between games on the day. If they want to have fillers between games then get some kids' teams on for some exposure on the big stage, they'd love it and talk about it for years to come.
max power
Guest
yep, lets move a game there because it comes off better on the screen?
Adam
Roar Guru
4 pm. Leads into the news perfectly for them. Then have the post game wrap on the secondary channel
P Air
Guest
Afternoon. Mates or family come around for a lunch-time bbq then all get in front of the TV for a 3pm kick-off. Finished by 5pm and everyone heads off home to get ready for work and school the next day.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
He's always been a little disappointing Nat so it may be a mutual thing.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Fans would like a return to afternoon GF however Channel 9 benefits greater with an early evening kick off as more people are home to watch plus the advertising revenue is greater. Fans v TV channel who pays big money for the sole coverage. This may be Peter's biggest test to date.