Twilight Grand Final back on agenda
June 19th 2008 01:03
The traditiobnal Grand Final on a Saturday afternoon may not be happening as soon as next yaer, with the AFL considering a twilight final game of the season.
AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou told News Limited that he expects the current rights holders, Networks Seven and Ten, to push for a 5pm "twilight" match before their broadcasting contract expires in 2011.
"I think they would be looking at a five o'clock start to finish at 7.30," Demetriou said.
"I know that between now and the end of the broadcast agreement, 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 trial (a twilight final), 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."
Ten's general manager of sport, David White says that he is keen on the idea of a twilight match, and would like to see the AFL implement it.
"I have spoken to Andrew about it in the past and I will be speaking to him about it in the future," he said.
"I've got little doubt at some point in the future there will be a twilight Grand Final; not sure how far into the future."
Should a night Grand Final be given the green light by the AFL, the networks, along with Foxtel, will not be required to pay more than the $780 million they have already paid to televise the matches.
2009 and 2010 loom as being the years in which a twilight Grand Final is a distinct possibilty. He ruled out a switch at the end of the year as the fixture had already been set.
AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou told News Limited that he expects the current rights holders, Networks Seven and Ten, to push for a 5pm "twilight" match before their broadcasting contract expires in 2011.
"I think they would be looking at a five o'clock start to finish at 7.30," Demetriou said.
"I know that between now and the end of the broadcast agreement, we will be asked about it (a twilight grand final) again.
"I reckon if they are going to trial (a twilight final), 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."
Ten's general manager of sport, David White says that he is keen on the idea of a twilight match, and would like to see the AFL implement it.
"I have spoken to Andrew about it in the past and I will be speaking to him about it in the future," he said.
"I've got little doubt at some point in the future there will be a twilight Grand Final; not sure how far into the future."
Should a night Grand Final be given the green light by the AFL, the networks, along with Foxtel, will not be required to pay more than the $780 million they have already paid to televise the matches.
2009 and 2010 loom as being the years in which a twilight Grand Final is a distinct possibilty. He ruled out a switch at the end of the year as the fixture had already been set.
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