The AFL is hoping to gain approval for 75 per cent crowd capacity to kickstart the 2021 season, conjuring a proposal to the state government that could see close to 75,000 fans attend Richmond vs Carlton on Thursday, March 18.

According to SEN's Sam Edmund, the AFL and the Melbourne Cricket Club are hopeful the bold figure remain achievable given Victoria's hold on the COVID-19 virus.

The current estimations suggest a capacity of 50 per cent is more than likely should case state COVID-19 case numbers remain steady, with the league dreaming a little higher.

The MCG had been given the green light to hold 50 per cent capacity for the Big Bash League before a patron that attended the Boxing Day Test tested positive to the virus.

Any figures above 50 per cent would be a major boost for Victorian fans, who were starved of live action last year with the league moving interstate after the opening third of the season.