The AFL has moved the Brownlow Medal to next Sunday night to avoid a clash with Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
The league’s night of nights — which will return to Melbourne for the first time since 2019 following Covid disruptions — was originally scheduled for Monday, September 19.
And although it’s yet to be officially confirmed, it’s the same night the late Queen’s high-profile state funeral is slated to be held.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan confirmed the Brownlow would be moved to the Sunday out of respect.
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“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 in a statement.
“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.”
It comes after the league has paid special tribute to the late Queen including a minute’s silence held before Melbourne’s semi-final clash with Brisbane at the MCG on Friday night.
The same memorial will held before Collingwood’s meeting with Fremantle at the same venue on Saturday evening as well as all AFLW matches this weekend.
The outside of the MCG was also lit up in purple in memory of the Queen, flags were flown at half mast inside the stadium and the AFL played part of God Save the Queen prior to the national anthem of the Demons-Lions match.
