AFL's radical plans for October Grand Final

AFL powerbrokers are considering radical changes to the fixture which would see the Grand Final moved from its traditional end of September date.

In a bid to avoid conflict with future Australian Grands Prix and to accommodate an NFL fixture and cricket Test match at the MCG in September 2026 and March 2027 respectively, the “highest echelons” of the AFL are seriously discussing a bombshell shake-up.

If approved the Grand Final would be played in the second week of October in 2026 and 2027.

The plans would also see the season open with two weekends of State of Origin football and ensure a blockbuster finals series with no conflicts with rival codes.

“This is not an April Fools Day joke, this is being discussed at the highest echelons of the AFL,” Eddie McGuire said on Footy Classified.

“That is to move the Grand Final in ’26 and ’27 into the second week of October and the season would start with a State of Origin played over two weekends.

“The Grand Final move would stop clashes with the Grand Prix at the start of the year, the NFL game for points would fit nicely into the bye weekend between the end of the season and the finals and then the following year, the 150th anniversary Test match between Australia and England.

“Most importantly, it gives players and fans a better start to the season. It also means no clashes with rival codes for the three biggest game – the two prelim finals and the final.

“It would also be a daylight savings Grand Final in 2026 which could lead to a night Grand Final.

"The AFL is working with the theme of turning major events into mega events to set up major growth in the game over the next decade."

The AFL needs to be seen as a sport that evolves and, given the lacklustre reception fans gave the “Opening Round” concept this year and the NRL’s success in Las Vegas, a revamp is much needed.

Some will argue that State of Origin as a curtain-raiser is not the answer given the series was axed in 1999 due to a lack of interest, but given the detail McGuire disclosed earlier in the week, it seems plans are advanced.

"I'd like to see that the division one be the Indigenous All-Stars, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia,” he told Channel 9.

"And then a Northern Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland.

"And maybe you do this all over two weekends.

“I'm pretty confident that plans, tentative plans, discussions, are being held and we could see some State of Origin next year.”