Another day grand final will dawn in Melbourne next season

THE AFL is intent on returning to a traditional daytime slot next year at the MCG despite programming a second successive night grand final outside Victoria.

The league announced a 5.15pm Perth Stadium grand final on Monday, which will be beamed into Victoria at 7.15pm.

The game will start at twilight in Perth after pre-match entertainment that is yet to be announced. There will be a 26minute halftime right on dark for another stand-alone entertainment block.

The AFL’s best estimate is that the game will finish at 9.56pm barring a significant injury delay, which will allow families to watch the game together in Melbourne.

The league was determined to maximise ratings across Australia for the finale to the Covid-affected season as well as considering families.

The two-hour time difference meant it was more difficult to play a day grand final in Perth given host Seven is desperate not to interrupt its 6pm news start time.

But it is understood the strong view of the AFL’s commission this year was that an afternoon grand final in Melbourne was the best timeslot for a game in Victoria.

The league is certain to return to that slot next year as the game returns to the MCG in what the AFL hopes will be a season less ravaged by Covid.

The AFL might consider a twilight timeslot but after what will be two night grand finals, the 2.30pm timeslot for the season decider has huge appeal.

AFL fixtures boss Travis Auld said the league had attempted to weigh family issues with maximising ratings for the season decider.

“The start time aims to provide fans at the game with the ultimate grand final experience by maximising the stadium’s offering while taking into consideration the broadcast audience across the country,” Auld said.

“The AFL, together with the Seven Network, remain cognisant of finishing the match at a suitable time for younger footy fans and, as a result, landed on a timeslot that is earlier than the usual start time for night matches during the season and last year’s grand final.”

The league is set for a strong player presence at its Sunday night Brownlow Medal in grand final week regardless of the those in the season decider.

Geelong and Melbourne will be out of hotel quarantine this weekend and the Dogs will be out by next week.

Port Adelaide is in Adelaide but the state has open borders with WA.

It means players from the participating teams will be at the event when Gillon McLachlan reads out the votes.