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Protect the Spring Carnival: Racing boss fires back at AFL’s reported Grand Final plan
Lachlan Geleit • April 2nd, 2025 2:11 pm
Racing Victoria (RV) CEO Aaron Morrison has not received a proposal from the AFL about the potential of the Grand Final being moved from its traditional September date to mid-October.
It comes after Eddie McGuire said on Nine’s Footy Classified that a move is being “discussed at the highest echelons of the AFL” to avoid conflict with the Australian Grand Prix every March and to clear the MCG for a September NFL fixture in 2026 and a March Test match against England in 2027.
Another reason for a move to October would ensure no conflicts with rival codes like the NRL.
While it would give the AFL clear air from a code point of view, a shift to October would see the AFL finals series clash with the Spring Carnival.
As a result, the Racing Victoria boss is moving to protect the Spring Carnival with a new AFL Grand Final date likely to clash with either the Caulfield Guineas or Caulfield Cup.
“We’ve not received a proposal from anyone and whilst we are aware that there are discussions around some of the major events in Victoria, we understand that nothing has been officially endorsed by the Victorian Government or AFL at this time,” Morrison said via a statement.
“On first pass, this idea could be detrimental to the Spring Racing Carnival which is one of Australia’s most significant major events and an important social and economic contributor, both in metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria.
“Moving the AFL Grand Final back into October could have an impact on the Spring Racing Carnival in terms of engagement, share of voice and programming.
“We’ll be taking this up with the relevant parties to understand more around the idea and to ensure they’re clear that we are committed to protecting the Spring Racing Carnival and the benefits it delivers to Victoria, our Clubs and our participants.”
If the Grand Final was moved back one week to the first Saturday of October, it would clash with the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
A shift back for the Grand Final could also see the Trade Period run from after the Caulfield Cup to the week of Derby Day, one of the busiest periods of the Spring Carnival calendar.
