Under its new chief executive officer Andrew Dillon, the AFL is shifting towards a permanent traditional grand final timeslot.
Set to take his position one week after this year's AFL Grand Final, the CEO-elect has strongly suggested the 2:30pm (AEST) season finale will continue during his tenure as football boss.
Last season's AFL Grand Final was held at the traditional daylight timeslot, following a night fixture at the Gabba in 2020, and a twilight game at Optus Stadium in 2021.
Appearing on Fox Footy's AFL 360ย for a series of quickfire questions on Monday, Dillon clarified his opinion on the matter.
"Best time? 2.30pm," he stated.
The CEO-elects comment came after he had earlier told reporters he'd enjoyed last year's daytime grand final.
"I went to my first Grand Final in 1976," Dillon said.
"I've been to two drawn Grand Finals, I've been to a Grand Final at Waverley, and I was fortunate enough over the last three years to go to a Grand Final at the Gabba that was at night, one at Optus Stadium that was a twilight Grand Final, and last year back at the MCG for a day Grand Final.
"They've all been amazing. I haven't been to a bad Grand Final. But last year's Grand Final was really good."
The return to tradition was met with mixed responses, with AFL fans excited to see the family-orientated timeslot return, and the AFL's commercial partners unhappy with poor broadcast ratings.
It was announced on Monday that Dillion would take the AFL CEO position from Gillon McLachlan, following a competitive, year-long appointment process.
Adding to his responsibilities, Dillon will be tasked with overseeing the almost-inevitable inclusion of a Tasmanian side in the competition.
