AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan says the AFL Grand Final could be moved away from its traditional Saturday afternoon timeslot as part of the competition’s new multi-billion dollar broadcast deal.

Speaking at Friday’s Access All Areas Business Lunch in Melbourne, McLachlan also hinted the League was edging closer towards securing a match on Good Friday next season.

Saturday afternoon has long been the domain of the Grand Final, but the premiership season fixture has become far more versatile in recent seasons. Prime time night matches have proven a winner with fans and broadcasters alike, including the emergence of Thursday night football, which has been a feature of Adelaide’s own fixture since 2014.

While McLachlan wouldn’t commit to a particular year, the AFL CEO said more fixture innovations were on the cards in the future and the competition’s most celebrated event wasn’t off limits.

“I think there’s a possibility in the next broadcast deal,” McLachlan said on shifting the timing of the Grand Final.

“I’ve also been public that I’ve been okay with Good Friday footy. I think there’s an emerging pressure in and around the AFL. People strongly want to have a look at it.

“I see the upside, and I have to say at four o’clock on Good Friday I’d love to be watching AFL football.

“The outside theory is you alienate some fans, maybe a small group, but a very passionate group of our supporter base, and for what game? That’s the challenge.

“If it was 50-50 last year, it’s probably 60-40 for next year.”

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The SANFL, VFL and WAFL have all experienced a largely positive response to their own introduction of Good Friday football, including bumper crowds and healthy television ratings. The SANFL scheduled two games on Good Friday this year as part of the League’s opening round.

McLachlan said the AFL would only commit to one game if Good Friday football went ahead next season, but any changes had to serve fans, clubs, and broadcast considerations.

“I think you go with one (game),” McLachlan said.

“It has to work in too with the broadcasters. Channel Seven are very committed to the Good Friday appeal and News Limited too.

“It’s not as obvious as it might seem.”

The potential inclusion of a mid-season trade period was also put to the CEO at Friday’s luncheon. McLachlan said the idea had promise, indicating the system could benefit clubs at either end of the ladder in a given season.

While unlikely to be added to next year’s schedule, he said it was an option the AFL was open to exploring.

“I quite like it,” McLachlan said.

“It’s not a draft, it’s a trade (period) so it doesn’t affect second-tier competitions.

“For the first time, the leverage is with the lesser club further down (on the ladder). They don’t have to do it, the other club may need (a particular player) to make the eight, so the leverage is with the lower club.”

Several of footy’s hot topics were on the agenda during an insightful panel discussion with McLachlan at Friday’s Access All Areas event, which also featured current Crows board member Mark Ricciuto and esteemed football journalist Caroline Wilson.

Adelaide CEO Andrew Fagan and revered horse trainer David Hayes also presented to the packed function of 250 people at MAIA in Docklands.