THE AFL has today announced the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final on Saturday, September 30 at the MCG will once again begin in its traditional time slot of 2.30pm AEST.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said the AFL Executive and Commission reviewed the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final and while acknowledging the great presentation of a twilight event, they shared a strong view that the Toyota AFL Grand Final should remain in its traditional slot for 2023.

"The Toyota AFL Grand Final is the biggest and best sporting event in the country. It is our game's biggest moment, and this year the bounce of the ball will again be at 2.30pm," Mr McLachlan said.

"The Commission will continue to review the start time for future Grand Finals. The AFL's role is to deliver the best possible game experience, both for fans at the ground and for the millions watching the broadcast, and together with our broadcast partner the Seven Network, we remain committed to creating an amazing event, both in the build-up during the week and culminating in 100,000 fans at the MCG.

"The fans this season have been incredible with more than three million fans attending matches across the first nine rounds – the biggest and loudest crowds in the history of the game to this point of the season - and come the last Saturday in September, it will be by far the biggest event of the year."

Local start times by each State / Territory:
AEST 2.30pm – ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC
AWST 12.30pm – WA
ACST 2pm – NT, SA

The AFL has also today confirmed the Brownlow Medal will return to the traditional Monday night event on Monday, September 25 after having to be moved in 2022 due to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

The Brownlow Medal will be broadcast exclusively on the Seven Network.