Cyclone Chaos and the Grand Final Debate: A Preview of the AFL's 2026 Season
The AFL is gearing up for another exciting season, but it's not just about the thrilling matches and the pursuit of premiership glory. As the league prepares for the 2026 season, a familiar debate is set to resurface: the annual Grand Final time slot. The new chairman, Craig Drummond, is expected to address this contentious issue promptly, aiming for an early decision rather than allowing it to linger into the season.
The debate revolves around whether the Grand Final should remain a daytime fixture or shift to a later time slot on the last Saturday of September. While the prospect of increased television audiences is enticing, it goes against the fans' sentiment, who have consistently backed the afternoon Grand Final in league surveys. The potential shift could also impact the traditional 2.30 pm start, a beloved tradition for many.
In the meantime, the league is also keeping a close eye on the weather, as Queensland's tropical cyclone is expected to hit land much further north of the two cities. The state is on 'high alert' heading into the weekend, but there's no suggestion that any fixtures will be postponed, unlike in 2025, which caused complexities for Essendon and the Suns.
Another intriguing story revolves around the Brisbane Lions and their two-time Brownlow Medallist, Lachie Neale. After a personal separation from his ex-partner, Jules, Neale stepped down from his co-captaincy role, leading to an unprecedented three-person co-captaincy. Despite the off-field issues, the Lions have proven to be an unflappable force, and Garry Lyon expects them to handle the situation with maturity and move on.
As the season unfolds, the AFL will navigate these challenges, ensuring that the excitement of the game remains at the forefront. Will the Grand Final time slot change? How will the weather impact the opening round? And what will the Lions' response be to Neale's departure? These questions and more will shape the 2026 AFL season, leaving fans eager to see how the league addresses these controversies and navigates the path ahead.
