A coronavirus-disrupted AFL season unveiled some innovations that should stay but others that should go

Through a footy season like no other, “agile” and “flexible” were buzz words used by AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan as the game navigated complex challenges to arrive at Saturday night’s history-making conclusion.

In completing 153 home and away matches and nine finals, the AFL and its players broke new ground, achieving things never previously thought possible.

But what innovations should remain and what should be cast to oblivion when the AFL re-emerges in a post-pandemic environment?

Night grand final

The AFL and its TV broadcast partners have long wanted to gauge the success of a night grand final and its capacity to maximise ratings in primetime.

The unconventional 2020 season was a logical opportunity to trial an evening…