The MCG is expected to host all Victorian-based finals, with the AFL all but ruling out the prospect of a home final for the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
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While there has been speculation about the Bulldogs hosting a home final at Etihad if they finish fifth or sixth, the AFL believes that the small number of finals – and potential match-ups – means it is almost certain that all finals hosted in Melbourne will be at the MCG.
The only game that is considered feasible for Etihad would be a potential Western Bulldogs v Adelaide game – the match that would happen based on current ladder positions – but even then this would seem unlikely because the league believes that Crows fans will travel and this match would still draw more than 50,000.
Due to the ladder positions of West Coast and Fremantle, it is all but certain that four of the nine finals will be in Perth – with the Dockers and Eagles playing twice each – in the first week and either in the second week or preliminary finals. Sydney will host at least one final. The Eagles have to defeat St Kilda to confirm their second place on the ladder and be guaranteed two finals in Perth, win or lose in week one.
