The AFL Commission has confirmed that this year’s grand final will return at its traditional start at 2.30pm.
It follows a one-night grand finale in Gabba in 2020 and the start of a twilight in Perth last year, both seasons that were interrupted by COVID-19.
The expectation was that this year’s decider, which will be played at the MCG on Saturday, September 24, would also be a twilight match.
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However, AFL boss Gillon McLachlan admits that the tradition of starting at 2.30pm has finally won.
“Before the start of this season, we emphasized that after two really challenging years, we’re all looking forward to going back to football and going back to football, we’re going to go back to the footsteps and routines that set the rhythm of our lives.,“She said.
“That return-conduct policy is based on our decision to approve a traditional start-up time – the prestige of the day’s grand finale, the nostalgia and the atmosphere is something we all know and love.”
Earlier this week, footy classified host Caroline Wilson and Eddie McGuire clashed at the start, Wilson was due to return at 2.30pm, while McGuire was scheduled to start an evening that he said would bring more money to the game’s coffers.
“Our role is to provide the fans with the best possible playing experience possible, whether it’s a match or millions of people watching the broadcast,” McLachlan said.
“We’re committed to creating an amazing event, and we’re seeing 100,000 fans return to MCG on that last Saturday in September.
“The 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be a fantastic sight for fans and millions of spectators both at home and abroad.”
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