AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon and the Seven Network have today announced that Friday Night Footy for the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will now start 10 minutes earlier, with the ball to be bounced each Friday at 7:40pm AEST.
After spending time gathering feedback from fans on the traditional 7:50pm start, Mr Dillon and the AFL fixturing team worked with the Seven Network on a solution best suited for all stakeholders, with fans at the forefront of that decision making.
“Since its inception over three decades ago Friday night footy has been the cornerstone of the growth of our national competition,” Mr Dillon said.
“Matches under the Friday night lights have consistently delivered our biggest crowds and our biggest national TV audiences.
“Fans are at the core of our game; the feedback has been strong and clear about starting Friday night matches earlier and I am pleased that in partnership with Channel 7 we have been able to deliver for them.
“Friday night footy is a major national event every week, whether that be in Victoria or interstate and bringing the start time forward by ten minutes will only amplify the prominence of the timeslot and footy across the country.
“On behalf of the AFL I want to thank Kerry Stokes, James Warburton, Lewis Martin and the entire network for their long-standing and continued partnership in our game.”
Seven Network Head of Sport Lewis Martin said:
“The 2023 AFL Premiership Season marked a phenomenal year for our great game. Together with the AFL, we are taking the 2024 season to another level,” he said.
“Delivering mass cultural moments to all Australians is at the heart of everything we do at Seven, and there is no greater moment each week than Friday Night Footy.
“Since its inception, through a longstanding partnership with Seven and the AFL, Friday Night Footy has become the giant it is today, and we look forward to broadcasting the excitement of Friday Night Footy, direct to fans at an earlier start time every week of the 2023 AFL Premiership Season.”
“In every discussion and decision together with the AFL, the fans remain at the forefront of everything we do. Their passion for the sport, loyalty, and energy makes every bounce, goal and victory resonate through the screen, connecting communities right across the country.
“It’s all about every Australian having the best opportunity and access to enjoy the sport they love, live and free on Seven.
“On behalf of the Seven Network, I would like to thank the AFL and its clubs, led by Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Dillon for their continued support of the Seven Network.”
Friday night matches now starting 10 minutes earlier at 7:40pm, Thursday night football will start at 7:30pm.
The full 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture will be released today, Thursday 16 November at 3:30pm AEDT.
