Hawthorn's Friday night victory has saved the league the prospect of a semi final in Melbourne next weekend.
With the NFL coming to Melbourne for a game next Friday, the two interstate finals will allow ground staff at least seven days of turnaround before its next game on preliminary final weekend.
The Friday night semi final appears certain to be an Optus Stadium clash between the Dockers and the winner of Geelong and Carlton.
With Brisbane and Sydney facing off in the other semi final, there is no chance of a Victorian semi final.
The welcome news comes following a week of tension as news surfaced of both the AFL and NFL playing hardball over the timing of next year's NFL game.
The NFL is adamant the match will be played on the same weekend, but with the season pushed back a week by cricket's sesquicentennial test, that weekend will host four finals, rather than two meaning one is almost certain to be at the MCG.
Given the upheaval which would be caused, the AFL is unwilling to compromise.
The NFL has a three-game, four year deal.
