The AFL grand final will be kept in its traditional afternoon timeslot for at least the next two years in a surprise win for traditionalist fans.

The set game time will be announced on Monday, with the premiership decider to start at 2.30pm this year and next, shutting down speculation the biggest day in Australian sport was set to be moved to a twilight fixture.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal the 2026 and 2027 grand finals will be played during the day, in a move that will thrill traditionalists who support the family friendly timeslot.

The start time of the 2028 grand final will then be reviewed, as part of a broader assessment of scheduling required to accommodate the addition of a 19th team into the league in AFL newcomer Tasmania. A decision on the grand final start time had not been expected til late April or early May, when the AFL Commission is due to meet. And it was widely thought the league might move to a twilight grand final this year or next, to step up its off-field entertainment offering and attract a global act to rival the Super Bowl.

But new AFL commissioner Craig Drummond said the league had decided to give fans, clubs and stakeholders early clarity about the MCG blockbuster.

“The AFL grand final is the best day on the Australian sporting calendar. It is the biggest moment in our game,” he said.

“Everyone who loves footy has a view on the right start time for our biggest game of the year, and for at least the next two seasons it will remain in its traditional afternoon timeslot of 2.30pm at the MCG.

“The Commission agreed it was important to provide fans and clubs with certainty now, while also allowing the AFL to continue to plan on our 19th club entering the competition in two years’ time.”

It is believed to be the first time the AFL has locked in the grand final start time over multiple years.

Last year’s AFL Fan’s Association survey found about 82 per cent of supporters preferred a 2.30pm grand final start.

But there’s speculation that the league has faced increasing pressure from broadcasters to move the match after dark to step up entertainment and broaden the appeal of a huge TV audience.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said planning was already well under way for the Tasmania Devils’ entry into the competition in 2028.

“So it makes sense to lock in the grand final start time for the next two seasons and provide everyone with clarity.” Mr 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.”

Mr Dillon said a daytime AFL grand final was befitting of an event that drew huge crowds and broadcast audiences.

“We remain committed to making it the biggest and best sporting event in the country,” he said.

Ticketing information and on-sale dates would be announced later in the year, with club and AFL members to get first crack at all final’s tickets.

AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko said the decision to keep the grand final start time at 2.30pm reflected “the clear and consistent voice of fans”.

“This decision shows that when fans speak clearly, the AFL listens – and that must continue across all major decisions,” Mr Issko said.

He said listening to fans was more important than ever as cost-of-living pressures put strain on people’s ability to attend games.

“Fans – particularly those who regularly attend – are increasingly concerned that some AFL decisions are being driven primarily by broadcast and commercial consideration,” Mr Issko said.

“The strength of the AFL has always been its fans and the game is at its best when their voices are not just heard, but embedded in every major decision.”