Thoughts on a Twilight Grand Final in 2022?

ADMIN EDIT:

The AFL has announced that it will be returning to a Day Grand Final in 2022.

Discussion of the Day Grand Final starts here: https://demonland.com/forums/topic/52929-day-grand-final-2022/?do=findComment&comment=2134801

 

My thoughts are that I would be thrilled to watch Melbourne win a premiership at 11:32am on a Tuesday.

 

Yuck. Just wanted one normal one before they ruin it with disco lights etc. 

I would prefer that the AFL give the fans what they want and keep it as a daytime event but understand that money and the wishes of TV stations rule supreme.

I shall miss the Red Sherrin 

2 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

I would prefer that the AFL give the fans what they want and keep it as a daytime event but understand that money and the wishes of TV stations rule supreme.

They've never done that before, so why start now?

Indirectly, though, this is giving the fans what they want. Fans want the best possible game on Grand Final day, whenever it's played. That only comes about if there's enough money to pay the players what they deserve. And that, as we know, fundamentally means that the game needs TV money to be as high as possible.

Another sell out to media interests. Thin end of the wedge.

OK, but I don't want to be missing any of the news at 6 because the second quarter went longer than expected.

Inevitable after the success of last year's GF. Also the comparison of the ceremonies between our Anzac eve and the unmentionables' in the daytime.

Edited May 12, 20222 yr by Mazer Rackham

3 minutes ago, hemingway said:

Another sell out to media interests. Thin end of the wedge.

I'm afraid we're mid-way into the wedge and rapidly approaching the thick end as Gil readjusts his grip on the sledgehammer. Wait til the Yanks get their hands on the broadcast rights.

So maybe 2 hours later than usual  No biggie. As long as this isn't a precursor to a night grand final down the track. 

1 minute ago, Rab D Nesbitt said:

So maybe 2 hours later than usual  No biggie. As long as this isn't a precursor to a night grand final down the track. 

Of course it is. 

2 minutes ago, Rab D Nesbitt said:

As long as this isn't a precursor to a night grand final down the track. 

<compares 4PM advertising rates with 8PM advertising rates>

Yes, so long as it's not we'll be okay.

8 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

They've never done that before, so why start now?

Indirectly, though, this is giving the fans what they want. Fans want the best possible game on Grand Final day, whenever it's played. That only comes about if there's enough money to pay the players what they deserve. And that, as we know, fundamentally means that the game needs TV money to be as high as possible.

Yep, it's about the TV money

And it's a lot of money and money talks

I'd prefer a daylight game starting at 2pm (with the red sherrin) but those days are going to be a thing of the past

Eventually the starting game time may be pushed out to 6pm or 6.30pm so as to maximise advertising revenue for the broadcasters

2 minutes ago, Mazer Rackham said:

I'm afraid we're mid-way into the wedge and rapidly approaching the thick end as Gil readjusts his grip on the sledgehammer. Wait til the Yanks get their hands on the broadcast rights.

The AFL will have sold footy’s soul. And it will lose its supporter heartland. The game will be irrevocably changed. 

Twilight is perfect time I reckon.  Have lunch out, a few beers then walk down to the G. Fantastic build up

Not to mention ending at 7pm to go nuts if we manage to win another!

I favour a twilight/night grand final. The entertainment and fireworks will be spectacular.

25 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

They've never done that before, so why start now?

Indirectly, though, this is giving the fans what they want. Fans want the best possible game on Grand Final day, whenever it's played. That only comes about if there's enough money to pay the players what they deserve. And that, as we know, fundamentally means that the game needs TV money to be as high as 

A version of this argument gets trotted out for every unpopular change to the game's traditions. It made sense when the game was semi-professional but not now that the players earn big bucks. What would be the impact on the standard of play if the players' wages increased by 2% instead of 4%? A small amount of extra profit does not automatically equal a better game. 

Edited May 12, 20222 yr by Kozzie4PM

5 minutes ago, Fat Tony said:

I favour a twilight/night grand final. The entertainment and fireworks will be spectacular.

The league can use the money normally reserved for washed up, has-been music acts to give us decent fireworks.

If i have to hear "Up there Cazaly" one more time.........

DGAF if its morning, noon or night, as long as we are there, and I am there and its at the G

Twilight over Night GF. Would have liked one at least one more traditional day GF before they pulled this lever but money does talk. 

Twilight is the best compromise we'll have I think. 

I think the AFL will hold this back and offer it to the new screening rights holder. Throw it in for bit extra with the new deal. 

Worked for us in Perth….

But 2 hours less celebratory drinking time.

a tough call….

as little as a couple of years ago i was dead set against any other time than the traditional mid afternoon.

i've now come around to acceptance of a twilight time to be just as good, maybe even better.

not sold on a full night game but

51 minutes ago, Kozzie4PM said:

A version of this argument gets trotted out for every unpopular change to the game's traditions. It made sense when the game was semi-professional but not now that the players earn big bucks. What would be the impact on the standard of play if the players' wages increased by 2% instead of 4%? A small amount of extra profit does not automatically equal a better game. 

It's more about the total broadcast rights money ... the last broadcast deal was worth $2.518Billion

That buys you a big say in proceedings

So it's not necessarily about the extra 2% or 4%

Not that I'm siding either way, more so pointing out the reality of the situation

As it stands, 7 of the other 8 finals games are played in the evening with the other final played as a twilight fixture (in the 1st week of the finals)

Again, I'd prefer a day GF

Edited May 12, 20222 yr by Macca