AFL grand final start time locked in
Amid ongoing annual debate about shifting the game to a night-time, or even a twilight spot, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon confirmed the decider would start at 2:30pm.
A day after Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge suggested a night-time grand final could impact celebration time, Dillon said there was no move to shift away from a timeslot which remains the preferred among most fans.
The AFL Commission ratified the recommendation of a 2:30pm start at the Commission meeting in Melbourne on Tuesday.
But the Commission will continue to review the start time for future grand finals.
'The Toyota AFL Grand Final is our competition's best moment, there is nothing like the roar that goes around the MCG when the ball is bounced to start the biggest game of the season.' Dillon said. Brisbane Lions players celebrate winning the AFL Grand Final after defeating the Sydney Swans at the MCG. Picture Lachie Millard Credit: News Corp Australia
'We will continue to work closely with our broadcast partner the Seven Network to create the most amazing sporting event in the country, both in the build-up during the week and on the last Saturday in September.'
Beveridge, who has been involved in multiple grand finals at various club, including coaching the Bulldogs to the 2016 flag, said there was a key reason to play in the day time.
'Having experienced some success on that day whether it be with our club, the Hawks, the Pies at this level, or even at St Bedes, the simple thing for me is the winning team gets all night to celebrate,' he said.
'Regardless of what the best broadcast time is, but if you play a night time and the game finishes late at night, it would be a shame for the winning team to be too cooked to celebrate it.'
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