MCC CEO Stuart Fox would like to see the AFL Grand Final return to its traditional afternoon time slot in 2021.
Due to the unprecedented COVID-19 affected season, the 2020 Grand Final was played under lights at the Gabba in Brisbane – the first premiership decider played outside of Victoria.
“The day slot is really special, we don’t need to copy other sports,” Fox told SEN’s Whateley.
“I don’t subscribe to the thought it’s about lights and entertainment, I think people just love our game so much.
“If we can focus on that more than the bells and whistles and bands, that’s why our game is so special. The tradition of starting off with breakfast and then lunch and getting our families home at a responsible time, I think they’re the positives of the game and that’s why our game has been so special.
“That’s a personal opinion - the G’ is just happy to have it and if the AFL schedule it at night we’re there to host it and wouldn’t want it anywhere else.”
Fox is optimistic large crowds will be welcomed back at the MCG by the start of next season.
“I’m very, very confident that if we can keep progressing forward without too many more outbreaks, I think it sets us up for a stronger return come March or April,” he said.
“Hopefully by then we’re talking 75 per cent or who knows even a 100 per cent return of crowds.
“Who knows, let’s keep our fingers crossed that we can start in a really positive manner because it has been pretty dormant in Victoria for a long time in terms of the AFL landscape.”
Richmond and Carlton will open the 2021 season and Fox understands the AFL is likely to release part of next year’s fixture before Christmas.