The AFL continues to face pressure to move its Grand Final to a night slot, but the league’s decision to hold firm was vindicated after an incredible turnout and atmosphere for the 49ers and the Rams clash on Friday morning.
The AFL tested night grand finals when it moved from the MCG to Brisbane (2020) and Perth (2021) during Covid lockdowns.
And the expectation is it will soon move to a 3.20pm or later start to appease broadcasters and generate overseas interest.
That is despite the fact that last year’s AFL Fan’s Association survey found approximately 82 per cent of supporters preferred a 2.30pm Grand Final start time.
A later timeslot also would allow for the AFL to change to a halftime show under lights, something becoming increasingly popular.
But in the face of the added pressure of the 2025 NRL Grand Final being the highest-rated TV program of 2025, usurping the AFL Grand Final for the first time in a decade, the AFL held firm, confirming the 2.30pm slot will remain for the 2026 and 2027 showpiece events.
And after more than 100,000 people packed into the MCG for the NFL’s first foray into Australia, one could definitely argue a day final is still where it’s at.
Despite the one-sided match, the day game allowed for free-flowing football, and it had the footy world saying that the AFL’s decision to hold firm was vindicated.
“If there’s one thing for sure the #NFL confirms, is that the @AFL grand final should always be a day timeslot!” AFL Podcast The Glass Table said on X.
“The Jonas Brothers just killed it in beautiful daylight sunshine. You can shut up about the AFL going to a night grand final now,” Bryan Barish commented.
“Maybe the AFL has it wrong with an arvo grand final? 10:30am start next year? #NFL,” popular AFL fan account Warnie wrote.
“How good would a 10.30am AFL grand final be,” another said.
“The other thing this demonstrated is why the @AFL Grand Final should remain in the day time,” a fifth commented.
“This NFL game looking glorious in the sun with all the show that’s come with it is not helping the night time AFL Grand Final push,” another added.
The start time of the 2028 Grand Final will be reviewed at a later date, as part of a broader assessment of scheduling required to accommodate AFL newcomer Tasmania, the league’s 19th team.
Originally published as AFL’s controversial call vindicated by NFL’s Down Under showcase