The AFL has confirmed the grand final will be a twilight fixture, with bouncedown at 5.15pm on Saturday, September 25.

This will allow for a prime time 7:15pm start for Melbourne audiences. It also means the premiership winner will be crowned at night for a second year in a row.

The late start for those on the east coast comes despite complaints from families about last year’s decider in Brisbane finishing after 10 o’clock at night. Other complaints include people will be too drunk by 7:15pm and former AFL star Brendan Fevola tweeted he is in bed by that time.

Horrible time. Kids will be asleep, I’m in bed at 7-7.30 😡 always remember as a kids watching the GF on a Saturday afternoon with my family. Great memories my kids and other kids around Australia won’t have the same memories.

— Brendan Fevola (@BrendanFevola25) September 7, 2021

6PR sports reporter Mitch Turner told Oliver Peterson the twilight time is perfect to showcase Optus Stadium’s lighting.

“It looks amazing at night under lights. It’s just to maximise the spectacle for those at the ground and also on TV as the pictures are great.

“Maximise the stadium you’ve got.”

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