FOR many, one of the attractions of Australian Rules football is that it is a dynamic game, a game which is constantly evolving, yet remains distinct from any other football code.
Consider, for instance, the drop kick and flick pass. Once basic skills on the field, the drop kick was eclipsed by the more effective drop punt while the flick pass was ruled out of the game.
And game day tactics, such as flooding and tempo football, are forever changing.
At its most elite level, there have also been dramatic changes off the field over the decades.
The suggestion that a twilight grand final could be held as early as next year is bound to cause passionate debate among fans.
Should a twilight game be held, many will bemoan the lapsing of a tradition or claim the AFL is pandering to those with the broadcast rights to the game.
Yet, if the AFL is looking to tradition to guide this decision, then a twilight game would be as inevitable as the first night game.
Undoubtedly a twilight game is an irresistible proposition for television stations that would be agitating to make it a reality; the ratings would be astronomical along with the advertising revenue.
But is not a television audience also an audience of footy fans who greatly outnumber those lucky enough to have procured a ticket to the biggest single sporting event in this country aside from the Melbourne Cup?
The AFL has said a night grand final is not on its radar but has not ruled out a twilight decider to start at 5pm.
A night game would certainly alienate the very young fans and quite likely a few older ones as well.
But arguments for a twilight game will not be so easily dismissed.
Other significant sporting finals are played in the evening when once they were daytime fixtures such as the final of the Australian Tennis Open.
In making its decision the AFL must consult the players and, most importantly, ensure that the game is as accessible as it can be to the greatest number of fans - those who will be in the stands and those watching on television
and computer screens around the world.