The AFL is reportedly considering a majorly restructured fixture for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
With an NFL game at the MCG set to be played in September 2026 and a 150th-anniversary cricket test match between Australia and England to be held in March 2027, the AFL is considering rescheduling the AFL fixture to maximise its commercial activity and ratings, according to Footy Classified's Eddie McGuire.
The rescheduled fixturing would include a season start pushed back to late March or the start of April, which would therefore push the AFL grand final back to the middle of October.
That way, not only would the AFL avoid ground clashes with the cricket and NFL, but would also avoid competing against the NRL for its finals TV ratings, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in early March.
McGuire said that daylight savings in October could also encourage the AFL to host a night grand final.
The AFL has also considered that this change would allow for potentially two state of origin games to take place before the season commences, providing representation for all of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Indigenous All Stars.
In a separate division, there would also be teams for Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
"Winners play off in the All-Australian final, and an International Rules game between Australia and Ireland in the women's group," McGuire added.
A later start to the season would also provide greater weather conditions to begin the season, helping northern state teams avoid hot and humid fixtures.
In a blockbuster-themed Round 1, all Victorian clubs would face off, while the New South Wales and Queensland derbies would take place too. The South Australian and Western Australian clubs would face off against one another to ensure the Showdown and Western Derby continue to be played at a later date with their own spotlight.
"All Victorian players play each other in Victoria, the Queensland and Sydney teams play at home while WA and South Australia teams would play each other, allowing their two showdowns and derbies to be played during the season," McGuire said.
"The AFL would expect an opening record attendance played in more appropriate climatic conditions than what we saw this year.
"The later start would also provide players more time to prepare for the season, which has been a big complaint.
"There would be mini-Gather Rounds for Queensland and New South Wales, which would be scheduled for later in the year rather than the Opening Round... All up, more blockbusters for clubs and a football tourism bonanza for fans."
There have been 28 V/AFL grand finals to take place in October, with the latest being the COVID-impacted 2020 season. Prior to that, the 2016 grand final was held on the first Saturday of October, as was the 2015 decider.
2015 was also the last time an AFL season began in April.
