As plans are being developed to upgrade the MCG, AFL boss Andrew Dillon has floated the idea that the Grand Final could be played elsewhere for one or two years.
The MCC, in partnership with the MCG Trust, Victorian Government and other key stakeholders, will lead an investigation into the future requirements of the stadium to help ensure its world-class status.
The business case will evaluate MCG's current state, including the Shane Warne Stand, and propose redevelopment options to enhance facilities for athletes and spectators.
The northern side of the ground was redeveloped and opened in 2005 ahead of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
"We're really happy the MCC and the Victorian Government have put the money in for the feasibility for the revamp of the Shane Warne stand," Dillon said on SEN.
"It was built in 1992, it's served its purpose, but the MCG is such an iconic venue that we have to continue to invest in it.
"We will work closely with the MCC on that. We're really looking forward to how it unfolds.”
"I want to know more about it (a knock-down rebuild plan), but I think that makes the most sense. I've spoken to the MCC about it; do you do it in small increments over time or just pull the pin? And that is what this feasibility report is about.
"Ultimately, it's going to be a stand that will be around for the long term. I think we have to look at that (the Grand Final being played elsewhere).
"We did Perth and Brisbane for different reasons during Covid, and they worked really well, but there is something special about the ‘G. But we have to make sure the ‘G remains the preeminent stadium worldwide.
"Given the weekend we just had, we could have sold it out a couple of times over. If we can get another 5,000 or so, that will be great."
A roof over the MCG has also been floated, and could cost up to $6 billion, according to MCC boss Stuart Fox.
"We've got to come up with a sensible plan, because this has to be funded and delivered at some stage into the future," Fox said.
"If we overscope it, a roof might cost $5bn or $6bn alone to retrofit.
"We're here to make sure this asset doesn't become old and redundant, and if we sit on our hands and do nothing, people will grab more events from us."
In 2024, the MCG contributed $720 million to the Victorian economy, with over four million fans witnessing 69 major events.
In a fair competition the Grand final (or any final) would be played at the home ground of the highest ranked team ofter the Home and a way fixture as a “home final”.
… but then, in a “fair” competition that was more about competition than executive bonuses, there’d also be a fair draw instead of the fix(ed)ture…… that favours the few (just as the “grand final at the MCG” does).