Cyclone Chaos and the Great GF Debate: A Preview of the AFL's 2026 Season
The AFL is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, but it's not all smooth sailing. The league's upcoming season is set to be a rollercoaster, with a major debate looming over the Grand Final's time slot. The question on everyone's mind: will the decider stay in the afternoon or make a dramatic shift to a twilight fixture?
The Age reported that the new chairman, Craig Drummond, is expected to address this issue promptly, aiming for an early decision. This comes as a relief, as the matter has been a long-standing debate, with the league's chief executive, Andrew Dillon, and the AFL executive providing valuable input. The traditional 2:30 pm start has been a fan favorite, but the prospect of increased television audiences might tempt the league to reconsider.
But here's where it gets controversial: the league's decision could go against the fans' wishes, who have consistently backed the afternoon Grand Final in league surveys. The potential shift to a twilight fixture, similar to the 2021 Grand Final in Perth, is a likely alternative. This change would accommodate the time required for presentations and post-match celebrations, but it might not sit well with the traditionalists.
As the season unfolds, the weather is also a concern. Just a year ago, Queensland's weather forced the abandonment of two Opening Round fixtures, and keen AFL observers are keeping an eye on the state's forecast this weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts heavy rainfall across the southeast of Queensland, but the worst of the tropical cyclone is expected to hit land much further north.
The focus now shifts to Brisbane's back-to-back reigning premiers, the Lions. The team is preparing to defend their crown for a second straight year, with the return of two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale. However, off-field issues have emerged, as Neale stepped down from his co-captaincy role due to personal matters with his ex-partner, Jules.
The Lions have adopted an unprecedented three-person co-captaincy, with Harris Andrews, Josh Dunkley, and Hugh McCluggage taking the reins. Despite the challenges, Chris Fagan's side has proven to be an unflappable force, and AFL 360's Garry Lyon believes they will handle the situation.
Lyon stated, 'It's hard for us to know, but the bottom line is, it will affect some players more than others. The team will have to separate the football field from the off-field drama. The older players might have relationships with Lachie's ex-partner, which could become an issue. However, the Lions are a good football club, and they will have dealt with it by now, moving on with determination.'
