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Jordan McArdle
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2 Apr 2026
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In a move from recent tradition the 2026 Sullivan Logistics WAFL Grand Final could be staged on a Saturday night at Optus Stadium.
Plans are in place for the game to be played on September 19, producing the first night decider in the competition’s history.
Should the proposal go ahead the Grand Final would follow the second AFL Preliminary Final.
WA Football and Optus Stadium have begun discussions about the scheduling change.
Recent Grand Finals have been played as a Sunday twilight match ahead of a public holiday Monday.
If the Dockers or the Eagles host an AFL Preliminary Final on September 19 the Sullivan Logistics WAFL decider would be unable to go ahead on that day.
WA Football Head of WAFL competitions Luke Sanders has revealed the reasons behind the proposal.
“It may be a good time to try something new in a different timeslot because there is no longer a public holiday on the Monday after the weekend, we normally play our decider,” Sanders said.
“It’s an opportunity we’re exploring with Optus Stadium to enable a different match day proposition to showcase the WAFL Grand Final.
“It’s dependent on the AFL agreement with Optus Stadium, as they have a contract with the stadium until the Saturday night to play the AFL Preliminary Final at the venue if required.
“It will be dependent on the use of that facility for an AFL game.”
Sanders is hopeful a night Grand Final would produce better attendance numbers.
“While there are still some unknowns, we’re eager to explore the concept to understand its feasibility, shape the match-day proposition, and consider whether it could bring new people to WAFL footy whilst catering for the loyal supporters,” he said.
“Showcasing WAFL football at Optus Stadium is always a fantastic opportunity for the competition.”
Optus Stadium has hosted six Sullivan Logistics Grand Final with an average crowd of more than 25,000.
This year’s match between South Fremantle and East Perth attracted nearly 24,000 fans on a Sunday afternoon.
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