Eddie McGuire has urged the AFL to abandon its “small-minded” thinking by pushing back the start time of the grand final. McGuire believes that sticking to tradition only gives the NRL an advantage. To support his argument, he pointed to the Logies, where the Nine Network’s State of Origin coverage won Most Outstanding Sports Coverage, surpassing major sporting events such as the AFL grand final, the FIFA World Cup, the Melbourne Cup carnival, the Australian Open, and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
McGuire has been vocal about the need for the AFL to adapt to modern times and schedule the grand final during prime time television. He believes the AFL should follow the NRL’s example of hosting the grand final on a Sunday night. According to McGuire, the AFL needs to consider both the business and entertainment aspects of the sport. The grand final should not be any less spectacular than the preliminary final. McGuire suggests Sunday night would be the ideal time, as it would provide a holiday for viewers the next day.
By moving the grand final to a prime time slot, McGuire argues that the AFL could attract a larger audience in New South Wales and Queensland. He believes that broadcasting the grand final at this time would generate more revenue and attract viewers from these states, just like the State of Origin does. McGuire points out that the timing of a sporting event significantly impacts viewership, as seen in the recent cricket and Women’s World Cup matches. If the AFL wants to expand its reach in Queensland and New South Wales, it must present its product to those audiences.
While traditionalists may resist the change in timing, McGuire is confident that people will eventually embrace it, much like they did with Friday night football in the 90s. He recalls how there was initially backlash when Friday night games were introduced, but eventually, everyone got on board. McGuire believes that embracing change and adapting to new opportunities is crucial for the growth of the sport.
In conclusion, McGuire emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond tradition and considering the business and entertainment aspects of the AFL. Moving the grand final to prime time would not only attract a larger audience and generate more revenue but also help the AFL expand its reach in Queensland and New South Wales. Ultimately, McGuire believes that it’s essential for the AFL to evolve with the times and seize the opportunities available to them.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
