AFL Confirms Daytime Start for 2026 and 2027 Grand Finals

The Australian Football League (AFL) has officially confirmed that the 2026 and 2027 AFL Grand Finals will start at the traditional time of 2:30 pm AEST.

orgAustralian Football League

orgAFL

eventAFL Grand Final

Announced by the AFL in March 2026, this decision aims to provide clarity for fans, clubs, and stakeholders.

orgAFL

For many, the 2:30 pm slot is synonymous with the history of the sport, maintaining the iconic afternoon atmosphere at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

locationMelbourne Cricket Ground

While some commercial partners have pushed for night or twilight games to maximize television viewership, the AFL Commission, under CEO Andrew Dillon, determined there was no compelling reason to shift away from tradition right now.

orgAFL Commission

personAndrew Dillon

This choice also helps the organization focus its long-term strategic efforts on the historic addition of the Tasmania Devils as the league's 19th club in 2028.

orgTasmania Devils

Aside from unique logistical shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the afternoon Grand Final remains the standard.

conceptCOVID-19

By locking in these times, the AFL hopes to stabilize the schedule, allowing everyone to prioritize the future growth and structural evolution of the game.

orgAFL

🎉

End of article

You read 7 focus sentences.

Challenge Mode

Comprehension Questions

What is the official start time for the 2026 and 2027 AFL Grand Finals?

12:00 pm AEST

2:30 pm AEST

7:30 pm AEST

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

2:30 pm AEST

Why did the AFL decide to lock in the daytime start time for the next two years?

Because they were forced by broadcast partners.

To focus on long-term planning for the Tasmania Devils' entry in 2028.

To increase ticket prices for the MCG.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

To focus on long-term planning for the Tasmania Devils' entry in 2028.

When were the only exceptions to the traditional afternoon start time in AFL history?

During the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

During the 2020 and 2021 seasons impacted by COVID-19.

Every year during the past decade.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

During the 2020 and 2021 seasons impacted by COVID-19.

Who is the CEO of the AFL who helped finalize this decision?

Andrew Dillon

Craig Drummond

The Tasmania Devils' chairman

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Andrew Dillon

What is the primary argument used by those who oppose the traditional afternoon start time?

Players prefer to play at night to avoid the heat.

The desire to potentially boost television ratings.

The MCG is not suitable for daytime play.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

The desire to potentially boost television ratings.

Learn faster with Ringoo apps

Trace your learning progress and get real-time feedback with interactive exercises.

App Store Google Play