Footy fans lash out over radical AFL plan that would turn the schedule upside-down and make a huge change to grand finals: ‘Nobody wants this’

• Proposed changes set to be introduced in 2026
• Include October AFL Grand Finals at the MCG
• State of Origin also set to be revived on fixture list

By ANDREW PRENTICE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Footy fans have slammed a series of bold plans from the AFL that could be introduced from next year – including holding grand finals in the middle of October.

State of Origin is also set to revived, as the radical fixture list will avoid finals clashes with the NRL, major events such as the Melbourne Grand Prix and the historic NFL game to be played in September 2026 at the MCG featuring the Los Angeles Rams.

Speaking on Channel 9’s Footy Classified on Tuesday night, footy and media identity Eddie McGuire revealed the proposed changes. 

‘This is not an April Fools’ Day joke, this is being discussed at the highest echelons of the AFL,’ he said.

‘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 would fit nicely into a bye weekend between the end of the season and the finals and then the following year, the 150th anniversary [cricket day-night] Test match between Australia and England.

Footy fans have slammed a series of bold plans from the AFL set to be introduced next year – including October grand finals (pictured, Brisbane Lions celebrate after winning the 2024 decider against the Swans)

Eddie McGuire (pictured) revealed the proposed changes on Tuesday night 

‘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 games – the two preliminary finals and the [grand] 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.’

Previously, 29 VFL/AFL Grand Finals have been played in October, including the 2020 decider between Richmond and Geelong which was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Other games spilled into October due to how the calendar fell, notably in 2015 (October 3) and 2016 (October 1).

Bemused supporters were quick to react to the developments on social media.

‘Nobody wants this,’ one fan bluntly declared on X.

‘I’ve never seen the AFL look so rattled. Grim times for the [Andrew] Dillon era,’ posted another.

A third weighed in with: ‘Absolutely brain-dead idea. Grand Final should always be an afternoon game on the last Saturday in September. Removing Opening Round and the pre-finals bye would solve a lot of issues.’

McGuire later added that the Origin games would feature Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Indigenous All-Stars in a premier division.

The second division would be comprised of state squads from Queensland, NSW, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Plans are also reportedly in place to introduce a women’s International Rules match between Australia and Ireland.

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Footy fans lash out over radical AFL plan that would turn the schedule upside-down and make a huge change to grand finals: ‘Nobody wants this’

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