Blog: Grand Final shift should benefit AFL long term

By Lucas Holmes

It’s arguably the worst kept secret in the recent memory of the Australian Football League (AFL), but on September 2 it was announced that the Grand Final would be played at the GABBA in Brisbane on October 24. Making it the first time that the AFL’s showpiece event would be held outside Victoria for the first time in VFL/AFL 123-year history.

However controversial the decision may be, the time is right to increase the popularity of the sport outside of its traditional regions (Victoria, Western and South Australia).

In Queensland specifically, this season alone is one of the most successful seasons for the Gold Coast Suns since their introduction into the competition in 2012. In 2019, the Brisbane Lions made the finals for the first time in a decade (beaten in the Preliminary Final by eventual premiers Richmond) and is on track for a top 4 regular season finish.   

You have to remember as well; the state of Queensland has played a monumental role in the resumption of the 2020 AFL season. Firstly, hosting teams from Western and South Australia to now hosting the majority of Victorian clubs as well.

Not only will this be this first Grand Final to be held outside Victoria, but this year’s premiership decider will also be the first to be held in ‘primetime.’ With AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan confirming the match will be played either in twilight or as a night fixture.

Despite the unique circumstances that caused the location to be changed, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) contract to hold the event remains. With an additional year added to the contract which now runs until 2058

However controversial this decision may seem to those in Australian football ‘heartland’, the decision is crucial to continually expand the popularity of the game nation wide.