AFL twilight grand final proposal divides cast of Nine's Footy Show

The prospect of a twilight AFL grand final continues to divide pundits, fans and even players.

With a decision on whether to move the game’s biggest match from its traditional afternoon timeslot expected in the coming days, the panel on Nine’s AFL Footy Show expressed mixed opinions on the topic.

Sam Newman, host Rebecca Maddern and St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt favour keeping the match where it is, while Billy Brownless, Craig Hutchison and Geelong star Joel Selwood are in favour of a twilight match.

AFL Footy Show panel member Sam Newman.

Newman said rights holders Channel Seven stood to gain most by moving the match.

''The is nothing more than a gratuitous grab by Channel Seven for ratings,’’ he said.

''There is no reason to play the grand final at night ... It is ridiculous to move it to night.

''We are not trying to cater for Northern Hemisphere countries that want to get up at four in the morning and watch it.

''Just stick to what it is. It is a great day, let’s not ruin it by making it at night.’’

The Western Bulldogs celebrate winning the 2016 (day) grand final. (AAP)

Brownless and Hutchison both said the example set by the NFL’s Super Bowl was one worth following for Australian football.

''We’ve been to Super Bowls where it has been twilight, and it has been magnificent,’’ Brownless said.

''Most people who have gone to a Super Bowl at AFL land, who have gone to a Super Bowl, come back and change their minds straight away,’’ Hutchison added.

Selwood, who has won three premierships with the Cats, is open to a later start on the last Saturday in September.

''I’m not really a traditionalist. I personally think it would be a better event if we did have it later in the day,’’ he said.