Chief Executive, Andrew Demetriou, said he is expecting commercial broadcasters Channel 7 and Channel 10 to push for a twilight final before their rights deal expires. Speaking to the Herald Sun, he said: "I know that between now and the end of the broadcast agreement (2011), 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 push for a trial, 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."
Mr Demetriou said that the AFL opposed a night Grand Final, but added: "Our view on the twilight Grand Final is something we said we wouldn't do this year. Our view hasn't changed, but you have to anticipate what is coming up. The broadcasters are paying a very substantial amount of money for the rights, and they have been very good". He also confirmed that the broadcasters would not be required increase their rights fees, should a twilight final be granted.
The Grand Final has never started after 2.55pm, started last year at 2.30pm start. A twilight final would start around 5pm and finish at 7.30pm.
