AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko has implored the AFL to bring fans along for the ride and release data that backs a change in timeslot for the grand final.
The start time for the biggest match on the footy calendar has become an annual debate in AFL circles, with language and tone gradually shifting towards favouring a later timeslot.
“We are asking Andrew Dillon and the AFL to release the data which supports his claim that a third of the fans are after a day grand final, a third are after a twilight grand final and a third are after a night grand final,” Issko told Zero Hanger.
“Over the last six to eight years, our surveys and polls show 75 per cent plus want a day grand final and our respondents are spread interstate and Victorians.
“Show us your survey because it is completely opposite to other surveys. If the AFL introduce a twilight grand final this year or next year, we are going to have to accept it, but let's base it on the fact only 15-20 per cent want a twilight grand final.
“We want some transparency and we'd like to see the data. It would be terrible to put something onto fans based on data that doesn't exist.”
The most recent AFL Fans Association survey about the grand final start time in 2025 revealed 82 per cent are in favour of the status quo.
Several other media organisations have conducted similar surveys, with results that always point to the day timeslot always preferred.
It starkly contrasts AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon's comments on 3AW earlier in the week which indicate that the split is about a third each for a day, twilight and night grand final.
“Let's base it on what the fans want, not AFL or broadcasters,” Issko said.
“I understand the AFL and broadcasters need to make revenue - I get all that. “So the AFL has got a balancing act. If your mantra is focusing on footy, fans and the future, don't take fans for granted and move the time of the grand final based on results of a survey we haven't seen the data for.”
A night grand final is viewed as less fan friendly, with children likely unable to watch the entire match.
Using the pandemic grand finals as anecdotal evidence, Issko also raised concern about the flow of the day if the grand final was played later.
“It's been tradition. When you think about the grand final, it's always been Saturday afternoon with only a couple of exceptions,” Issko said.
“What people are used to is getting up and having a routine that they follow and make a day of it and the great thing is the game finishes and you can still celebrate afterwards. It's a whole day event which starts in the afternoon and doesn't finish too late.
“It's a tradition which has been embedded in Melbourne and footy for generations.”
