EARLIER GAMES ON THE CARDS
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan says he is open to an earlier 7.20pm start-time to Friday night games next year as the league attempts to win back fans post-Covid.
The concession will thrill fans as well as Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, who has long believed Friday night games at 7.50pm are way too late.
The change would likely come in for next year, with the league traditionally starting games late to help maximise broadcaster Seven’s lead-in as well promote strong attendances.
But with many workers now spending Fridays working from home, the challenge of returning to pick up kids and then getting into the city is no longer such an issue.
The league has trialled several different initiatives this year including Friday night double-headers, with Friday night’s starting time in Melbourne 7pm and 8.40pm for the game in Perth.
But the AFL will grant fans plastic memberships instead of digital-only versions next year after strong complaints from fans.
The league will also release rounds 1-15 next year in a fixed format for greater certainty and has scheduled a day Grand Final based on the strong feedback from fans.
McLachlan said on Friday that he was open to a change to the Friday start time if fans were keen.
“If we can get it at 7.20pm and if that’s where our punters and supporters want to be, that’s where we want to start. Absolutely,” he told 3AW.
“If we can get there … It’s only ever been a 7.50pm (start time) when it’s a big city and people are going home to pick up kids and come back in to get to the game.”
McLachlan refused to discuss the league’s TV rights negotiations after organisations including News Corp, Nine, Seven and Ten all pitched deals within the past fortnight.
It remains to be seen whether the AFL would split its free-to-air broadcast rights between multiple broadcasters to allow Nine or Ten to secure at least one match per weekend.
But McLachlan would not comment on the progress of a deal that will underpin expansion into Tasmania and fund the men’s pay deal.