AFL FANS ASSOCIATION (AFLFA): “GIVING FOOTY FANS A VOICE”
The AFL Fans Association has called on the AFL to respect the clear and consistent preference of fans for the traditional 2:30pm AFL Grand Final start time.
Comments made by AFL CEO Andrew Dillon on Melbourne radio station 3AW suggested that fan preferences were “about a third, a third and a third” between day, twilight and night Grand Finals.
The AFLFA said those comments appear significantly different to every other publicly available fan survey on the issue.
The most recent 2025 AFL Fans Association survey shows:
• 82% of fans preferring the traditional 2:30pm day Grand Final
• 13% favouring a twilight start
• 5% preferring a night Grand Final
Similar results have also been seen in surveys conducted by media outlets, including radio stations and newspapers, where a clear majority of fans continue to back the traditional daytime Grand Final.
Given the significant difference between the AFLFA survey results and the comments made by Andrew Dillon, the AFLFA is calling on the AFL to publicly release the research it has relied upon when assessing fan views on the Grand Final start time, so fans and supporters can better understand how such a different conclusion was reached.
AFL Fans Association President Ron Issko said: “If the AFL has conducted research showing that only one third of fans prefer a day Grand Final, then we would welcome the opportunity to see that data.”
“Fans have been very clear on this issue for many years. Our surveys consistently show a strong majority want the Grand Final to remain a 2:30pm day game, and in our most recent survey, that support has grown to 82% of fans.”
“Fans understand the commercial realities of modern sport, but they are increasingly concerned that some decisions affecting the game experience appear to place commercial outcomes ahead of what supporters want.”
“Fans tell us every year they love the tradition of an afternoon Grand Final at the MCG. When more than eight out of ten supporters want the game played at 2:30pm, it’s hard to see why that tradition should change.”
AFLFA membership is free, and fans are encouraged to join at www.aflfans.org.au
More information: Email: media@aflfans.org.au.