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'No Compelling Case': AFL Resists Later Grand Final
- On Sunday, the AFL confirmed the 2026 and 2027 Grand Finals will remain at 2.30pm AEST at the MCG, stating there is "no compelling case for change now."
- AFL Commission chair Craig Drummond said it was "important to provide fans and clubs with certainty" for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, despite mixed views on the optimal start time.
- Prioritizing the Tasmania Devils' entry in 2028, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the decision "makes sense to lock in the grand final start time for the next two seasons and provide everyone with clarity."
- The league has only staged two night Grand Finals during the COVID-19 pandemic, held in 2020 at the Gabba and 2021 at Optus Stadium while Victoria was in lockdown.
- Despite this short-term lock, the league will continue to weigh the merits of a later ball-up as part of broader competition considerations ahead of the Tasmania Devils' 2028 entry.
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AFL Grand Final 2026: Kylie Minogue to Take the Stage as Traditional Day Slot Returns
Kylie Minogue is set to headline the pre-game entertainment at the 2026 AFL Grand Final, with the league confirming she will perform at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 26. The announcement puts one of Australia’s most recognizable pop stars at the center of the country’s biggest annual sporting event. Minogue said the performance will carry special meaning because it takes place in her hometown of Melbourne. The AFL also presented the …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources31
Leaning Left8Leaning Right6Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
47% Left
L 47%
C 18%
R 35%
Factuality
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