The AFL has moved the Brownlow Medal away from the traditional Monday night before the grand final to avoid a potential clash with the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The AFL's biggest night of the year was scheduled to be held at Crown Casino in Melbourne on September 19.
But AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has confirmed the league will stage the Brownlow on September 18 instead, out of respect for the late Queen.
The funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II has not been confirmed, but it will be held the week beginning September 19.
The move is not without precedent, with the AFL rescheduling a qualifying final in 1997 so it did not clash with the funeral of Princess Diana.
"In the lead up to the AFL grand final, the Brownlow is the AFL's night of nights, and we look forward to celebrating the medal count accordingly on the Sunday night," McLachlan said.
Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale, Fremantle young gun Andrew Brayshaw and Melbourne premiership hero Clayton Oliver are the leading contenders for the AFL's highest individual honour.
Tributes continue to flow for the late Queen, with the MCG lights turned off before the Melbourne-Brisbane semi-final on Friday night as 62,162 fans observed a minute's silence.
The AFL also played part of God Save The Queen prior to the national anthem as the Demons and Lions teams stood on the field.
The MCG's exterior was also lit up in purple in memory of the Queen.
In the NRL, a minute's silence was observed at Penrith Stadium for the Panthers' qualifying final against Parramatta.
AAP/ABC
