The AFL has moved the Brownlow Medal away from the traditional Monday night before the grand final to avoid a clash with the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The AFL’s biggest night of the year was scheduled to be held at Crown Casino in Melbourne on September 19.
But AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has confirmed the league will stage the Brownlow on Sunday, September 18 instead, out of respect for the late Queen.
The funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II has not been confirmed, but it will almost certainly be held on September 19.
The move is not without precedent, with the AFL rescheduling a qualifying final in 1997 so it did not clash with the funeral of Princess Diana.
“We have had a lot of practice over the last two years at being agile when needed and I want to thank the Seven Network, Crown Melbourne and all our partners for being so accommodating with this decision,” McLachlan said.
“It’s the right one, and we’re incredibly glad to have their support,” McLachlan said.
“In the lead up to the AFL grand final, the Brownlow is the AFL’s night of nights, and we look forward to celebrating the medal count accordingly on the Sunday night.”
Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale, Fremantle young gun Andrew Brayshaw and Melbourne premiership hero Clayton Oliver are the leading contenders for the AFL’s highest individual honour.
Clayton Oliver and Gold Coast’s Touk Miller shared this year’s AFL Coaches Association champion player award.Credit:AFL Photos / Getty Images
Tributes continue to flow for the late Queen, with the MCG lights turned off before the Melbourne-Brisbane semi-final on Friday night as 62,162 fans observed a minute’s silence.
The AFL also played part of God Save The Queen prior to the national anthem as the Demons and Lions teams stood on the field.
The outside of the MCG was also lit up in purple in memory of the Queen.
In the NRL, a minute’s silence was observed at Penrith’s BlueBet Stadium for the Panthers’ qualifying final against Parramatta.
AAP
