AFL announces grand final start time to remain 2.30pm in 2026 and 2027

The AFL has announced the grand final will continue to start at 2.30pm this year and next amid mounting expectation that a twilight fixture was on the cards.

Confirmation that the traditional start time would be retained arrived before 7am on Sunday morning.

The statement, attributed to AFL Commission chair Craig Drummond and CEO Andrew Dillon, said the two-year call “would provide fans, clubs and stakeholders with certainty”.

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But a change has been flagged with the AFL “to consider the broader competition” ahead of the Tasmania Devils’ arrival in 2028.

“While there continues to be mixed views amongst fans, players, broadcasters, sponsors, and everyone with a stake in the game, there is no compelling case for change now and the decision was that the AFL Grand Final should remain in its traditional afternoon timeslot for the next two seasons,” the statement said.

Drummond noted “everyone who loves footy has a view on the right start time”.

Dillon linked the two-year 2.30pm decision to planning for the Devils’ entry into the competition, without detailing why or how it could have an impact on the grand final start time.

“We are already undertaking significant work on Tasmania entering the AFL in 2028, so it makes sense to lock in the Grand Final start time for the next two seasons and provide everyone with clarity, “Dillon said.

“Our role is to deliver the best possible Grand Final experience — for the 100,000 fans at the MCG and the millions watching on broadcast — and together with our Grand Final broadcast partner, the Seven Network, we remain committed to making it the biggest and best sporting event in the country.

“The season has started strongly, the footy has been exciting, crowds have been strong, and there is plenty to look forward to over the next month with Gather Round and Anzac Day ahead.”

The AFL tested night grand finals when the showpiece moved to Brisbane (2020) and Perth (2021) during COVID.

Meanwhile, speculation continues around the 2027 season dates with the real prospect of an October grand final.

Cricket Australia’s 150th anniversary Test against England will take place at the MCG on March 11-15 — a busy period for the ground under the new AFL regime.

The MCG hosted a whopping seven games between March 8-21 this season.

The grand final will start at 2.30pm in 2026 and 2027. Credit: Getty Images

The clash could lead to the AFL pushing the entire season back by at least one week, should they decide that is the better option than increased use of Marvel Stadium or more interstate games.

Round 1 is often the most-attended weekend of the season thanks to multiple MCG fixtures.

There was a similar situation in 2015 when Australia and New Zealand hosted the Cricket World Cup.

The final was held at the MCG on March 29 with the AFL season kicking off five days later on Thursday, April 2.

That later start pushed the grand final to the first weekend of October, rather than the traditional last Saturday of September.

However, back then the AFL season went for just 23 weeks with each team playing 22 matches and having a mid-season bye.

Since then, the league have created an extra three weeks of the season with Opening Round, Gather Round and the pre-finals bye, which has been replaced by the wildcard finals round from this year.

The AFL traditionally releases the fixture for the following season in November.