The AFL today announced it would no longer use a replay for any drawn match in the Toyota AFL Grand Final. 

The AFL Commission met in Melbourne today and approved a recommendation from General Manager Football Operations Mark Evans and the Executive that would now see extra time played for all finals, including the Grand Final, in the case of scores being level at the end of normal time. 

For any drawn match, effective from this year’s 2016  Toyota AFL Final Series, teams will play two five-minute halves of extra time, changing ends during a break in play between the two halves. 

The Commission determined that for all finals, including the Grand Final, only one period of extra time would be played. If scores remain level at the end of the second half of extra time, the siren will not sound and play will continue until the next score by either team. The siren will then sound directly after the score is confirmed, signalling the end of the match.   

AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said the Commission today agreed to amend the method of dealing with a drawn Toyota AFL Grand Final. 

“The AFL Grand Final Replay has been a unique and historic aspect of the AFL, but ultimately this is the right time to implement a change,” Mr Fitzpatrick said. 

“The AFL is  a truly national competition and this change eliminates the possibility of non-Victorian teams being disadvantaged by a significant travel burden if they had been required to return to the MCG for a Grand Final Replay. 

“This decision also reflects the majority view of AFL clubs and fans who support playing extra time to determine the Grand Final instead of a replay the following week.”