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AFL Grand Final set to go interstate amid MCG upgrades
SEN • September 25th, 2025 12:55 pm
Proposed upgrades to the MCG will likely see the AFL Grand Final played interstate for one if not two years, according to Andrew Dillon.
The Victorian Government and MCC will contribute the funds for a feasibility report to upgrade the 100,024-capacity stadium with a new Shane Warne Stand which will allow an extra 5,000 patrons to attend events.
The works could cost in excess of $1 billion, but are a necessity to accommodate demand.
“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 told Gerard Whateley on SEN.
“It was built in 1992, it’s served its purpose, but the MCG is such an iconic venue 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.”
Coy on whether the AFL would back a stage-by-stage approach to any upgrades or take the plunge and get it done in one go, Dillon concedes that the Grand Final would have to move in order to keep the MCG a global icon.
“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 tout a couple of times over. If we can get another 5,000 or so in that will be great.”
Immediately after the Grand Final this weekend, the AFL world is preparing itself for what could prove to be the most active and brazen trade period in recent memory.
Plenty of players and clubs have made headlines through the season for apparent secret meetings despite being in contract, a notion Dillon wants to end.
“I think it’s probably gone about as far as we would like,” he said. “We want to work with clubs and players on it; player movement is important but with the clubs committing to these players, we have to get the balance right.
“I don’t think anyone wants to go down the path of players announcing intentions in the middle of season. It’s not there yet but I don’t want it to get there.
“Speaking with the team yesterday, it’s conversations at this stage, clubs will be comfortable with rules – whatever they are – as long as everyone sticks to them.
“We had a conversation about it (trade without consent) it didn’t get too far. I think as value and length of contract goes up there’s a potential for that. We’re a different comp. 10 teams in one state, we should continue the conversation.”
