Gabba set for ‘Grand Final for the ages’

Night-time decider put to the test

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan says the success of Saturday evening’s Gabba Grand Final “for the ages” will determine whether the decider makes a permanent move to a nighttime slot.

For the first time in AFL history, the Grand Final is being played not only outside Victoria, but also at night.

McLachlan, pictured, was excited by the impact the Richmond- Geelong de cider would have in determining the future times lot of the biggest game on the AFL calendar.

“What it does now in a way that’s unemotional, it’s out of Victoria, different state, I think people feel it’s a good time to have a look at it,” McLachlan said on Thursday at the G abba of the night de cider.

“We’ll see where we get to … by the full-times ire non Saturday night. Everyone then will be able to have an objective view. Have a look at the start to finish, it’s going to be a beautiful winding lead-in to the game, there’ll be something at halftime, and then a winner, hopefully after double extra-time.

“Then everyone can judge a night Grand Final on its merits … We actually get to objectively have a look at it, without all the overlay of the traditional elements of the MCG on a Saturday( afternoon ).”

McLachlan said Grand Final week in Brisbane had been“different” but“positive ”.

“That’s in no way diminishing what Grand Final week looks like in Melbourne and the MCG, which is recognised around the world as something special and significant,” he said. “But in 2020 we aren’t able to play there and this has been a lovely change of pace.

“Queensland has embraced our game. The ratings say that, the ticketing says that, and the energy … it feels like we’re in a footy town now.

“I just reckon this is going to be a Grand Final for the ages .”

McLachlan was at the Gabba to introduce the Grand Final entertainment line-up, which includes Wolfmother’s Andrew Stockdale, Sheppard, DMA’s, Cub Sport, Electric Fields featuring Thelma Plum and Busby Marou, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and Tim McCall um.

Sheppard will perform at halftime, while Brisbane-born Stockdale will be part of the pre-match entertainment, performing Wolfmother hit Joker and the Thief with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.