Weather News

The ups and downs of AFL final's weather

The remaining AFL finals will be affected by the springtime weather roller coaster, with this weekend's evening preliminary finals looking noticeably warmer than next week's daytime Grand Final, according to weatherzone.com.au.

"The roller coaster will reach a high point for this weekend's two preliminary finals, with temperatures in the high teens before a cooling descent for the following weekend's Grand Final," Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said.

"Friday evening's Sydney versus Collingwood clash in Sydney will begin at a breezy 19 degrees then gradually calm down and cool during the game, to about 16 degrees by the end. Early in the game the wind will be blowing at about 20km/h from the southwest, amounting to a one-goal breeze to the northern end, potentially strong enough for shots at goal to be blown off target. The wind should gradually drop off during the game, reducing the impact. However, in the last quarter and after the final siren spectators may start to feel a bit of chill in the cooling wind," Dutschke said.

"Saturday's Hawthorn versus Adelaide game in Melbourne will be played in similar temperatures to the Sydney match, but it will be much calmer. There will be virtually no wind advantage in the light northeasterlies. This weather should be conducive to skilful footy. The only concern for spectators, weatherwise, is a slight chill in the air as they head home."

Overall, the preliminary finals are looking good for footy and spectators.

By Saturday evening the two winning teams will be preparing for the Grand Final. This preparation warrants keeping an eye on the weather as the roller coaster continues.

A colder change due on Sunday will herald a chilly start to Grand Final week in Melbourne. This gives the Adelaide Crows or a Melbourne-based team a feel of the likely Grand Final weather, a potential advantage over the Sydney Swans if they make it.

"After some mid-week warmth in Melbourne, a second blustery cold change is likely to move in at the end of the week. The timing of this change means Friday's Grand Final Parade and Saturday's big game will be impacted by more winter-like weather. With the temperature struggling to warm past the mid teens both days, spectators may need a coat, particularly with the threat of brisk winds and showers."

The Grand Final should still be a bit warmer and sunnier than last year's gloomy 14 degrees but nowhere near as warm or as sunny as the Grand Final replay in 2010, when it got to a bright 21 degrees. It looks being slightly colder than the 17-degree average for Grand Finals in the last decade.

"That's what you get in spring, some days much warmer than others and some evenings warmer than some days. Some are good for footy, some not so good," Dutschke concluded.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2012

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