AFL boss torn on GF time
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan was blow away by how “spectacular” Saturday’s twilight grand final was in Perth and couldn’t rule out a similar timeslot when the game returns to the MCG in 2022.
Barring another Covid-19 disaster, the grand final will be back in Melbourne next year, where the AFL has a contract play the game until 2058.
After two years on the road, first in Brisbane in 2020 then Perth this year, the grand final has been played as a night game at the Gabba, then a twilight game in Perth with a 5:15pm local start.
A return to the MCG could see a return to the traditional day grand final, but having witnessed the effects of a twilight game, McLachlan said “nothing could be taken for granted”.
“It was pretty spectacular,” he said on 3AW.
“I don’t know if it picked it up on television, but the light late in the day … it was a beautiful day here, and the light just faded into black.
“It was a pretty good slot, I thought. I like where it was for this stadium – I think it worked perfectly.
“But the MCG’s different. We’ll process it and have a look.”
The grand final’s timing is an annual hot topic and fans remain divided on the best timeslot.
McLachlan said the MCG’s likely 2022 hosting time would be reviewed by the AFL Commission, with no decision imminent.
“I don’t think anything should be taken for granted. We’ll have a look at it,” he told 3AW.
“I know how many people want it during the day at the MCG.
“I think you play it on its merits given the venue, the state, the circumstance.” McLachlan also had sympathy for grand final MC Basil Zempilas, who was critised for not allowing winning Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin to make a speech.