The AFL has resisted calls to delay this year’s grand final to a twilight hour, with the decider to begin with a traditional Saturday 2.30pm bounce.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said there was no compelling reason to push back the start time of the Saturday, September 30 showpiece match.

That’s despite admitting earlier this month the move had broad fan acceptance, with several AFL captains including Scott Pendlebury, Nat Fyfe and Joel Selwood also offering support.