The AFL has today confirmed the start time for Saturday, September 25‘s grand final, taking place at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
Footy fans will be treated to a night grand final for the second year in a row, with the AFL confirming the game will commence at 5:15pm local time and 7:15pm in eastern states.
Last year’s grand final, held at The Gabba in Brisbane, was the first night grand final in history.
In a statement, the AFL’s general mananger of broadcasting, Travis Auld, said both the league and Channel Seven were “cognisant of finishing the match at a suitable time for younger footy fans.”
He pointed to the fact that the 7:15pm bounce is earlier than most Saturday night matches during the home-and-away season – which usually begin at 7:20pm or 7:40pm.
“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.”
Moving the grand final to the evening means the game will now notionally clash with an NRL preliminary final, unless the NRL elects to move that game to the afternoon.
The game will also go head-to-head with a Rugby Championship double-header of New Zealand vs South Africa and the Wallabies versus Argentina.
Brepen
Roar Rookie
I'm pretty sure both codes and their advertisers would definitely miss out on viewers, as there would be a percentage that would watch both codes if timeslot permitted.
The PTA has disbanded
Guest
Doubtful These will likely be the lowest ratings. There will be an NRL prelim at the same time, and no NSW/QLD team in the hunt. Bye bye NSW and Qld ratings.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
I reckon Charlie of PA has trouble marking unless he shoves his opponent out of the way. He's a bit of a spud is big Charlie.
Samuel Power
Roar Rookie
Not referring to the night game specifically, but just the game in general. The last 5 years have just seen a downward spiral of the league in terms of quality, tradition and engagement. Apologies for any confusion.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
You're right. It doesn't matter which state you're in. Victorian Media has the AFL in its pocket or is it the other way around? It's only people with no long-term experience of Australian Rules Grand Finals who want a night final anyway. Daylight makes our game brilliant for spectators and players alike.
GWSingapore
Roar Rookie
Expect mammoth TV ratings and advertising fees.
dab
Roar Rookie
I reckon Charlie of PA has trouble marking under lights.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
We don’t care what other games do - we have our own traditions, and traditions and tribalism are the very fabric of our game. Some people just don’t seem to understand that. You take those away and you have the BBL - something that people can take or leave but will watch if there’s nothing else on. A grand final day bbq, with a kick before the game and a half time, with all the build up including the longest kick and the half time sprint are what make grand final day great. Enjoying the spring sunshine with your friends along with the build up are one of Australia’s great traditions. It’s just a shame they don’t play the under 19s and reserves before the big game anymore.
Noodles
Roar Rookie
Well if Melbourne Storm aren't playing that night then i'll probably watch the Granny. Really hope Melbourne win the flag. People will watch what they love so Contention with other codes won't matter. Happy to see the GF being hosted somewhere else.
Cat
Roar Guru
Okay I’ll bite … how exactly is a night game ‘ruining the game’? PS: not ‘perfect’ for me. Stop confusing yourself with everyone.
XI
Roar Guru
I'm from NSW and I do not want it at night
ElDiablo14
Guest
Most major sports globally schedule their GF on nigh time, I don't see what's the big deal just have a dinner BBQ. TBH no major sport league thinks of the kids when scheduling their main events, because kids have no purchasing power.
Samuel Power
Roar Rookie
A 2:30 pm AWST start would've been perfect for everyone. 4pm start in South Australia and a 4:30 pm start for the Eastern states. The AFL are ruining the game of Australian rules football.
RT
Roar Rookie
The majority then.
dab
Roar Rookie
New Zealand vs South Africa Noted. Something to watch when the cats are 15 goals in front of Port. At quarter time.
Cat
Roar Guru
This Victorian prefers a night game.
RT
Roar Rookie
Wrong conspiracy. Truth is, AFL want to push a night Grand Final on us so millions of people from NSW and Qld suddenly tune in and never watch rugby again. Victorian fans want it at 2.30 AEST, but I imagine most would agree a 12.30 start in Perth is unreasonable.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
I think most fans prefer a day grand final - it's got nothing to do with what state people are in. Even the Vics would understand a 5pm start because it's in WA. The AFL could have satisfied everyone but yet again chose $$$$ over everything else. Geez I hate the AFL.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Cognisant of the fact that Victorian fans wanted it that way. Dewy ground , lights kick in at half-time,local fans fully consulted, yeah right. AFL puffery again.
Rich_daddy
Roar Guru
"cognisant of finishing the match at a suitable time for younger footy fans" By scheduling the match so that it finishes the same time as last year's GF well after 10pm.