Will a night grand final return?

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has not ruled out returning to a twilight or night grand final next year, despite the shift back to tradition in 2021.

The league has already confirmed this year’s big game will take place during the day, with Gerard Whateley speculating that this move would make it tough for the CEO to go back to what we saw at the Gabba last year in the immediate future.

McLachlan however said it remained a year-by-year proposition.

“I don’t think it’s a given. I think we saw last year, and people can have their views, that we had an incredibly successful twilight/night grand final and then seamlessly moved back to a day grand final this year,” the AFL CEO told SEN’s Whateley.

“While I’ve been CEO we’ve had a day Grand Final at the MCG and I talked about why this year, I don’t think it precludes a different decision next year, it was a decision made for 2021.

“We have articulated that it is in part or in whole respecting what our supporters and our members want, particularly in 2021, which is going back to rituals and traditions and a day grand final.

“I think it’s not teasing people and it’s not being cute, every year you make a decision on the merits and what’s the right outcome for our members and supporters, knowing that progression is important but making sure you don’t break or stretch the relationship with heritage and tradition.

“That’s the challenge every day.”

McLachlan also asserted that the pre-finals bye will likely remain in place for the 2021 season, pending any COVID interruptions.

– BY NIC NEGREPONTIS/ SEN