Despite the vast majority of footy fans pleading for the traditional 2.30pm timeslot to remain on grand final day at the MCG, the AFL is expected to soon announce a twilight centre bounce.
AFL chief Andrew Dillon is yet to comment publicly on the matter, but earlier this month he told reporters ‘tradition is really important, but so is progression.’
A final decision is likely when the AFL Commission meets next month or in May.
Daily Mail understands league powerbrokers are ‘strongly targeting’ pop sensation Kylie Minogue to headline the entertainment this September, with plans also advancing for a later start – reportedly from 5pm – that could transform the traditional pre-match spectacle.
Under the proposal, the halftime break would be extended to allow for a full-scale performance, mirroring the Super Bowl model in the US, and creating a primetime stage for global or marquee acts.
Some prominent footy figures believe the decision has already been made by the AFL.
The AFL is expected to move away from a 2.30pm start on grand final day (pictured from left, Brisbane Lions trio Kai Lohmann, Will Ashcroft and Dayne Zorko last September)
AFL chief Andrew Dillon is yet to comment publicly on the matter, but earlier this month told reporters ‘tradition is really important, but so is progression’
‘If it’s not a twilight grand final this year, I’ll be shocked,’ veteran journalist Caroline Wilson said this week on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters.
‘The AFL is targeting, among others, but very strongly targeting Kylie Minogue to perform at a twilight grand final.’
Carlton great Brendan Fevola admitted he is a proud ‘traditionalist’ – and urged the AFL not to be influenced by other footy codes.
‘I love a grand final at 2.30pm… but I (also) don’t like change,’ he said on Fox FM.
‘They (AFL) want the big spectacle of halftime fireworks and carry-on like the Super Bowl. But this is not the Super Bowl, it is our game.’
AFL Fans’ Association president Ron Issko is convinced the move to a twilight start is inevitable – and called for clarity from the league.
The 2025 AFL Fans’ Association survey found about 82 per cent of supporters preferred a 2.30pm start and just 13 per cent opted for twilight hours.
‘Sell us the benefits of a twilight grand final,’ Issko told News Corp.
The AFL is reportedly targeting Kylie Minogue to headline this year’s grand final entertainment amid a major twilight schedule overhaul push
The league is considering moving entertainment to extended halftime under lights, creating a Super Bowl-style spectacle for spectators
The AFL continues to attract global acts like Snoop Dogg (pictured), Katy Perry and Robbie Williams for the biggest day on the Australian sporting calendar
‘Tell us why it’s better for the fans. Tell us why it is better for football.
‘Don’t treat fans as consumers… treat them as an integral part of the game.
‘Change the narrative from “we do what we want and the fans will just suck it up” to “let’s work with the fans”.’
In recent years, the AFL has consistently attracted major international acts, including Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry, Robbie Williams and The Killers, reinforcing its reputation as the premier sporting stage for global performers.
Last year’s decision to bring in Snoop Dogg for the 2025 decider drew criticism in some quarters but the rapper was widely praised after his performance, once again highlighting the league’s ability to secure headline names.
It was in stark contrast to the NRL, who opted for American singer Teddy Swims.
He delivered a vocal-driven set featuring hits like Lose Control and The Door, along with a cover of AC/DC’s TNT.
