AFL Grand Final Poised for Major Twilight Overhaul
The Australian Football League is on the verge of implementing a significant change to its grand final, with Channel 7's respected journalist Caroline Wilson disclosing that a twilight start time is increasingly probable. This shift could fundamentally alter the traditional structure of the event, potentially moving the headline entertainment from its customary pre-match slot to a halftime spectacle under the lights.
Entertainment Shift and Extended Halftime Break
Traditionally, the grand final entertainment has been a pre-match act, but this could change if the start time is pushed later into the day. Should this occur, the halftime break might be extended to accommodate more time for performances, mirroring the approach taken by the NFL with its Super Bowl. This adjustment would allow for a more immersive and visually striking show, particularly if held after sunset.
Targeting Kylie Minogue for a Star-Studded Performance
According to Wilson, the league is once again strongly targeting Australian icon Kylie Minogue to perform at the grand final. "If it's not a twilight grand final this year, I'll be shocked," she stated on The Agenda Setters. "The AFL is targeting, among others, but very strongly targeting Kylie Minogue to perform at a twilight grand final." Minogue was also pursued in 2023 before the league ultimately selected US rockers KISS.
Executive Support and Traditionalist Wavering
Meanwhile, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has historically been a proponent of the traditional 2:30pm start time but is now "wavering" on the issue. Wilson elaborated, "Andrew Dillon, who was the one executive really strongly keeping it in the afternoon, is wavering. I think the new chairman doesn't mind the idea of a twilight grand final, and pretty much the rest of the executive at the AFL are pretty keen on it." This indicates a broad consensus within the league's leadership for the change.
Logistical Considerations and Excitement Builds
Wilson added that the commission will meet in early May to make a final decision, though it could come earlier during Gather Round. She noted, "It will be dark at halftime, but the AFL would need to extend halftime, and that is one option they're looking at, to have the key performer in the dark, but you could also have a performer in the daytime and then play it at twilight. It's going to be really exciting." The Agenda Setters host Craig Hutchison expressed support for Minogue's potential involvement, quipping, "You'd extend halftime for Kylie, surely."
Breaking the Trend of Imported Acts
An Australian grand final performer would mark a departure from the recent trend of imported acts dominating the AFL's showpiece event. In recent years:
- American rapper Snoop Dogg faced initial criticism for the 2025 grand final pre-game entertainment but was widely praised after an iconic performance.
- US pop star Katy Perry made a grand entrance on a silver car in 2024.
- Rockers KISS headlined in 2023.
- Robbie Williams delivered one of the best performances in 2022 when the grand final returned to the MCG after two years in Perth and Brisbane.
- American rockers The Killers performed, including a rare post-game show featuring Richmond hero Jack Riewoldt on stage.
This potential shift to a twilight grand final with a local superstar like Kylie Minogue promises to reinvigorate the event, blending tradition with innovation to create a memorable spectacle for fans nationwide.
