It was reported this week that AFL executives were becoming increasingly warm to the idea of a 5:00pm first bounce to allow for a Superbowl-style half-time show after sunset that could better incorporate the use of fireworks, pyrotechnics and other lighting spectaculars.
That was despite the 2025 AFL Fans' Association survey seeing 80% of more than 5,600 respondents voting in favour of the traditional 2:30pm start.
League executives have bought themselves another two years to test the waters and perhaps shift the tides in favour of a twilight or even a night grand final whilst offering certainty for this year's showpiece edition.
“Everyone who loves footy has a view on the right start time for our biggest game of the year, and for at least the next two seasons it will remain in its traditional afternoon timeslot at the MCG," AFL Commission Chair Craig Drummond said overnight.
“The Commission agreed it was important to provide fans and clubs with certainty now, while also allowing the AFL to continue to plan on our 19th club entering the competition in two years’ time.”
The 2026 AFL Grand Final will take place on Saturday 26 September.