'No compelling case': AFL resists later grand final

The AFL has declared there is "no compelling case" to stage a twilight or night grand final this season, locking in the traditional afternoon start time for the next two years.

But the league will continue to weigh up the merits of a later ball-up as part of broader competition considerations ahead of the Tasmania Devils' entry in 2028.

AFL Commission chair Craig Drummond confirmed the 2.30pm start time will remain for grand finals in 2026 and 2027.

"Everyone who loves footy has a view on the right start time for our biggest game of the year, and for at least the next two seasons it will remain in its traditional afternoon timeslot at the MCG," Drummond said.

"The Commission agreed it was important to provide fans and clubs with certainty now, while also allowing the AFL to continue to plan on our 19th club entering the competition in two years' time."

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the decision will provide certainty for all stakeholders for the next two seasons.

"We are already undertaking significant work on Tasmania entering the AFL in 2028, so it makes sense to lock in the grand final start time for the next two seasons and provide everyone with clarity," Dillon said.

The AFL has only staged two grand finals under lights - in 2020 (at the Gabba) and 2021 (Optus Stadium) during the COVID-19 pandemic.