The Coon Dog
19-06-2008, 08:40 AM
AFL considers twilight grand final push (http://news.realfooty.com.au/sport/afl-considers-twilight-grand-final-push-20080619-2t0y.html)
The traditional Saturday afternoon AFL grand final could be a thing of the past as soon as next year, with the AFL considering a TV-driven push to start the grand final at 5pm.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has told News Limited he expected the Seven and Ten networks to push for a 5pm "twilight" game before their football broadcasting contract expires in 2011.
"I think they would be looking at a five o'clock start to finish at 7.30," Mr Demetriou said.
"I know that between now and the end of the broadcast agreement, we will be asked about it (a twilight grand final) again.
"If and when that occurs ... we will consider it then.
"I reckon if they are going to trial (a twilight final), they will want to trial it two years out because in the last year of the agreement, the agreement (for 2012 onwards) will be done."
Network Ten's general manager of sport, David White, said he was keen on a twilight match, perhaps starting at 5.40pm.
"I have spoken to Andrew about it in the past and I will be speaking to him about it in the future," he said.
"I've got little doubt at some point in the future there will be a twilight Grand Final. Not sure how far into the future."
The Seven Network did not comment but has previously discussed its desire for a later game.
The grand final started at 2.30pm last year, and has never started after 2.55pm
The traditional Saturday afternoon AFL grand final could be a thing of the past as soon as next year, with the AFL considering a TV-driven push to start the grand final at 5pm.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has told News Limited he expected the Seven and Ten networks to push for a 5pm "twilight" game before their football broadcasting contract expires in 2011.
"I think they would be looking at a five o'clock start to finish at 7.30," Mr Demetriou said.
"I know that between now and the end of the broadcast agreement, we will be asked about it (a twilight grand final) again.
"If and when that occurs ... we will consider it then.
"I reckon if they are going to trial (a twilight final), they will want to trial it two years out because in the last year of the agreement, the agreement (for 2012 onwards) will be done."
Network Ten's general manager of sport, David White, said he was keen on a twilight match, perhaps starting at 5.40pm.
"I have spoken to Andrew about it in the past and I will be speaking to him about it in the future," he said.
"I've got little doubt at some point in the future there will be a twilight Grand Final. Not sure how far into the future."
The Seven Network did not comment but has previously discussed its desire for a later game.
The grand final started at 2.30pm last year, and has never started after 2.55pm