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AFL Schedule Shake-Up: October Grand Final and State of Origin Return Proposed
Radical revisions to the AFL schedule are under consideration, with the Grand Final potentially shifting to mid-October and the revival of State of Origin matches. These significant alterations, slated for introduction in 2026, aim to optimize the fixture and avoid clashes with other major sporting events.
October Grand Final at the MCG
Australian Rules Football fans are reacting to proposed changes from the AFL, most notably the potential move of the AFL Grand Final to October. Currently held in September, the shift to October at the MCG is a key part of a broader fixture restructure.
The proposal aims to accommodate the growing sports calendar, ensuring flagship AFL events do not overlap with other prominent competitions like the NRL finals, Formula One Melbourne Grand Prix, and international sporting fixtures such as the NFL game scheduled for September 2026 at the MCG featuring the Los Angeles Rams.
State of Origin Revival
Adding to the changes, the State of Origin concept is also poised for a comeback. This would see interstate representative matches reintroduced into the AFL calendar, creating a new dimension to the season.
Details Unveiled
Broadcasting personality Eddie McGuire disclosed these projected alterations on Channel 9’s Footy Classified program on Tuesday. He emphasized the seriousness of the discussions, stating, “This is not an April Fools’ Day joke; this is being discussed at the highest levels of the AFL.”
McGuire elaborated that the plan involves relocating the Grand Final to the second week of October for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Furthermore, a State of Origin series could commence the season, played across two weekends.
Strategic Scheduling
The envisioned Grand Final date is intended to circumvent scheduling conflicts. It would resolve the existing overlap with the Grand Prix early in the year. The NFL game would be strategically placed during a bye week between the regular season’s conclusion and the commencement of the finals series. Looking ahead, the revised timing would also prevent a clash with the 150th-anniversary day-night Test match between Australia and England the following year.
Fans have expressed strong opinions regarding the AFL’s bold proposals, including the possibility of October grand finals. (Pictured: Brisbane Lions celebrating their 2024 Grand Final victory).
Eddie McGuire recently outlined the potential fixture modifications.
Benefits Highlighted
According to McGuire, the revamped schedule offers multiple advantages:
- Improved Season Start: It grants players and supporters a more favorable commencement to the season.
- Reduced Clashes: It eliminates scheduling overlaps for the three biggest AFL games—the two preliminary finals and the Grand Final—with competing sports codes.
- Daylight Saving Grand Final: A 2026 October Grand Final would potentially be played during daylight saving time, opening the door for a twilight or night Grand Final.
The AFL’s overarching strategy is to amplify major events, transforming them into “mega events” to promote substantial growth in the sport over the coming decade.
Historical Context
Historically, October Grand Finals are not unprecedented. Twenty-nine VFL/AFL Grand Finals have previously taken place in October, including the 2020 premiership decider between Richmond and Geelong, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, calendar alignments resulted in games extending into October in 2015 (October 3rd) and 2016 (October 1st).
Fan Reaction
Supporters have swiftly voiced their opinions on social media platforms regarding these prospective adjustments.
One fan bluntly stated on social media platform X, “Nobody wants this.”
Another comment observed, “I’ve never seen the AFL look so unsettled. Ominous times for the [Andrew] Dillon administration.”
A further reaction critiqued the concept as “Absolutely brain-dead idea. Grand Final should always be an afternoon game on the last Saturday in September. Eliminating Opening Round and the pre-finals bye would resolve numerous problems.”
State of Origin Format
McGuire further explained that the revived Origin series would potentially feature two divisions. The premier division would include teams representing Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Indigenous All-Stars.
The second division would comprise state representative squads from Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.
Women’s International Rules
In related developments, plans are reportedly underway to introduce a women’s International Rules contest between Australia and Ireland, further expanding the AFL’s reach and appeal.