The AFL’s showpiece event will once again start under the Melbourne sun, with the League confirming the 2025 Grand Final will begin at the traditional time of 2:30 pm AEST.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon announced the decision this week, following approval from the AFL Commission.
While there had been talk of shifting the bounce to a later slot, either twilight or night, Dillon backed the status quo, describing the afternoon kickoff as the competition’s “best moment”.
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“The Toyota AFL Grand Final is our competition's best moment, there is nothing like the roar that goes around the MCG when the ball is bounced to start the biggest game of the season,” Dillon said.
The League acknowledged the broader appeal and broadcast potential of a later start but opted to retain tradition, at least for another year.
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“We will continue to work closely with our broadcast partner, the Seven Network, to create the most amazing sporting event in the country, both in the build-up during the week and on the last Saturday in September,” Dillon added.
The 2025 Grand Final will take place on Saturday, 27 September. Fans across Australia can tune in live on the Seven Network and 7plus.