Channel 7 prepares for another big rating night Grand Final as AFL commentators head to Perth

The AFL has confirmed the 2021 AFL Grand Final will commence at 5:15pm local time at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

The announcement means East Coast viewers will see the opening bounce of the ball at 7:15pm AEST on Saturday, September 25. Its the second year in a row the Grand Final has been played at night and comes after last years match delivered massive ratings result for Channel 7.

Last years match, played in Queensland and featuring Richmond vs Geelong delivered Seven a national audience of 3.812 million people (2.979 mil 5 City Metro). The result was the biggest for an AFL Grand Final in four years, and the biggest Grand Final audience ever in Melbourne.
 
This years Grand Final is the first AFL premiership-decider to be held in Perth and the second held outside of Victoria as a result of the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent seasons.

AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld explained the decision stating:

“The 5:15pm AWST / 7:15pm AEST start time aims to provide fans at the game with the ultimate Grand Final experience by maximising the stadium’s offering while taking into consideration the broadcast audience across the country,” Mr Auld said.
 
“The AFL, together with the Seven Network, remain cognisant of finishing the match at a suitable time for younger footy fans and, as a result, landed on a timeslot that is earlier than the usual start time for night matches during the season and last year’s Grand Final.
 
“Historically, a really special part of Grand Final day is the build-up and anticipation, and we want to ensure we can share the excitement and atmosphere with the millions watching across the nation and around the world.”

Seven is yet to confirm details of its Grand Final coverage, but TV Blackbox understands network commentators Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw and Daisy Pearce have now commenced a 14-day quarantine program in Western Australia. Wayne Carey has opted to remain in Melbourne for the coverage.

Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said:

“The AFL’s decision ensures the Grand Final will be enjoyed by as many fans as possible around Australia, and gives this landmark occasion a prime time stage across most of the country.

“We congratulate the AFL on delivering a spectacular season despite 2021’s seemingly never-ending series of challenges, and we sincerely thank all the clubs for the sacrifices they have made to ensure fans could again enjoy a full fixture of footy.

“At Seven, we look forward to being part of this historic moment in Perth and bringing viewers a Grand Final they’ll never forget,” he said.