For the second year running, the AFL Grand Final will be broadcast at nighttime for Australia’s east coast, with league executives agreeing the opening bounce of the Perth fixture will be some time between 7pm and 7.20pm AEST.
For those in Western Australia, where the grand final is being held at Optus Stadium for the first time, that means a twilight match.
The AFL Grand Final has traditionally been played in an afternoon timeslot, but with the showpiece forced to relocate for two consecutive years now due to COVID-19, the league has opted to part ways with tradition.
Last year’s grand final kicked off at 7.30pm (AEDT), which was 6.30pm at the Gabba. The 2021 grand final appears to be following suit.
However, the later time slot has reportedly raised concerns for audience viewership, with an estimated 10pm finish proving a tough bill for young families.
According to a report in The Age, AFL executives met with broadcasters yesterday afternoon where the bounce time for this year’s match was narrowed down to a 20-minute period between 7pm and 7.20pm (AEST).
“West Australian footy fans are as passionate as any in the country and the stadium in Perth with a capacity crowd of 60,000 in attendance will be an amazing spectacle,” AFL boss Gillon McLachlan said last week.
“This is the biggest single day of sport in Australia’s calendar and we’re going to do it properly. Perth’s going to do it properly and we’re going to lead in properly and that’s the opportunity by playing in Western Australia.”
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