The 2021 AFL Grand Final between the Melbourne Demons and Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in Perth this Saturday evening should be an absolute cracker, and we're not just talking about the footy.

The season-decider was moved away from the MCG for the second year running due to the Covid situation in Victoria, and it seems that the weather gods are smiling this year, with a fine and mild 25-degree day in the forecast for Perth.

It is also expected to stay dry and sunny all week in the lead-up to Saturday's big game, so the playing surface should be ideal.

Image: Should be a lot like this. Source: @karenlaptop via Pixabay.

Perth's dry week of weather is a stark contrast to 2020, when Richmond beat Geelong in the Grand Final at The Gabba in Brisbane.

As it turned out, rain cleared just in time for the bounce, and the 2020 Grand Final was played in mostly dry conditions, despite Brisbane being on the third day of a nine-day streak of wet days.

This year, we can all relax in the lead-up to Saturday, as no rain is expected between now and then.

The Grand Final bounce is at 5:15 pm AWST (7:15 pm AEST) which will be prime time in the eastern states market.

When the AFL Grand Final finally returns to its spiritual home of the MCG in 2022 (all going well), it's unknown whether the game will return to its traditional afternoon time slot, but strong TV ratings on Saturday night could have the final say.

What we can state with great confidence is that weather shouldn’t have much of a say on the outcome of the 2021 Grand Final. Both teams should have every chance on what should be perfect conditions for a fast, skilful game of footy.

A showery westerly change is due to move through Perth on Sunday, but there’s little indication at this stage that the weather systems will "speed up" and arrive a day early.

Oh, and Demons to win by 20-30 points. But don't hold us to that. We predict the weather, not the footy!