The Australian Football League is making a bold and strategic move to secure one of Australia's most iconic performers, Kylie Minogue, for this year's grand final. This comes as the league edges closer to a dramatic and comprehensive overhaul of its showpiece event, potentially transforming the traditional pre-match spectacle into a primetime extravaganza.
Twilight Grand Final and Super Bowl-Style Entertainment
League powerbrokers are 'strongly targeting' Kylie Minogue to headline the entertainment, with plans advancing for a twilight start that could fundamentally change the grand final experience. Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson stated on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters, 'If it's not a twilight grand final this year, I'll be shocked. The AFL is targeting, among others, but very strongly targeting Kylie Minogue to perform at a twilight grand final.'
This proposed shift would mark a significant departure from how the AFL delivers its biggest day. Officials are considering moving the entertainment from its long-standing pre-game slot to an extended halftime break under lights. Under this proposal, the halftime would be lengthened to allow for a full-scale performance, mirroring the Super Bowl model and creating a primetime stage for global or marquee acts.
Battle with NRL and Securing Global Acts
The push for Minogue comes as the AFL continues to flex its muscle in the long-running battle with the National Rugby League over grand final entertainment. In recent years, the AFL has consistently attracted major international acts, including Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, and The Killers, reinforcing its reputation as the premier sporting stage for global performers.
Last year's decision to bring in Snoop Dogg for the 2025 decider initially drew criticism but was widely praised after his performance, highlighting the league's ability to secure headline names. In contrast, the NRL opted for American singer Teddy Swims, who delivered a vocal-driven set featuring hits like Lose Control and The Door, along with a cover of AC/DC's TNT.
While many fans praised Swims' performance, with one declaring 'NRL finally beat the AFL entertainment', the comparison with the AFL's star power has reignited debate over which code delivers the better spectacle.
Internal Support and Fan Reactions
A decision on the grand final start time and entertainment format is expected in the coming months, with the AFL Commission set to weigh up the proposal amid growing internal support. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, long a supporter of the traditional afternoon time slot, is understood to be softening his stance, while senior figures within the league are increasingly open to change.
However, there are still plenty of footy fans who remain stoically opposed to a twilight grand final. One fan posted, 'EVERY poll is overwhelmingly for a day GF! LISTEN to the people AFL,' while another added, 'Another survey the AFL will ignore and wonder why crowds are down.' Critics argue, 'They just can’t help themselves can they with changing the GF time. It’s not about fans it’s about greed,' and 'The AFL seem pretty keen to find the point that fans will just turn away and look to another sport.'
But there were some in favour of the change. One footy supporter suggested, 'No issue with trying a twilight grand final. People will love it and the game will be better off for it.'
Potential Impact and Future Prospects
If approved, the shift would not only reshape the grand final schedule but also redefine how the AFL presents its biggest stage, potentially ushering in a new era of primetime spectacle. As broadcaster Craig Hutchison noted, 'You'd extend halftime for Kylie, surely.' This move could enhance viewer engagement and attract a broader audience, aligning with global sports entertainment trends.
