Night finals are still on the SANFL's agenda, but any serious consideration will depend upon the crowd at Sunday's preliminary final between Glenelg and Sturt. While the double-header concept has proved popular this season – landing crowds of 15,825 and 22,568 – the preliminary final could be used to test the September market under lights.

Only 7794 attended last year's preliminary final – between North Adelaide and Woodville-West Torrens – prompting talk of change.

Several SANFL observers have raised the concept of a twilight preliminary final, moving the start time from 3.10pm to 5.10pm to create a unique atmosphere in the major round.

"It's been discussed and it will be discussed again in the future," SANFL partnerships and strategy manager Rob Nelson said. "There's a number of factors to consider, our host broadcaster the ABC and what is the best fit to get the biggest crowd around AFL finals scheduling. We've got an open mind on all these things but looking at the results this year, Sunday is a pretty strong timeslot for us.

"Everything we look at would need to have clear benefits to the fans ultimately. It's not off the agenda but any change must consider AFL finals and the ABC's broadcasting schedule."

The league is hopeful of a crowd in excess of 20,000 to watch the Tigers and Double Blues battle for a berth in the grand final against Central District. Nearly 12,000 fans crammed into Challenge Recruitment Oval in round 13 to see the arch-rivals of the 1970s play out a heartstopper at the Bay.

"If that's anything to go by we'd be suggesting Sunday is something not to be missed," Nelson said.

"Whether you're a Glenelg or Sturt fan or for that matter a neutral footy fan, it should be a great day.

"I think 20,000 is possible – these two teams have just got such strong supporter bases."

Sturt chief executive Stuart Totham was receptive to the twilight preliminary final idea, provided the match avoided AFL finals and wasn't too late in the evening.

"It's an interesting one – I reckon it would be worth a go to be honest," Totham said. "You honestly don't know with these things unless you have a go. I would have thought given the right weather conditions it could work really well. If it could be worked in it could be interesting to look at."

Sturt co-captain Ben Nelson said the twilight final concept would be great for the fans but as a player, day games in the major round were preferable. "There could be an option for that down the track here at Adelaide Oval – it would be great for the spectators," Nelson said.

"I hate sitting around all day. I quite liked the 12.10pm start. However, it's close to the city and people could go back there (city) after the game at night time."

 Courtesy of The Advertiser

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