Sports > List > AFL > Grounds > Grand Final Venues > Rotation

The AFL Grand Final is one of the biggest events in Australian sports, and for many years, it’s been held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The MCG, commonly called “the ‘G,” is the largest stadium in Australia, with a capacity of over 100,000 people. It has been the home of the AFL Grand Final for most of the league's history. In fact, the MCG has hosted the final game almost every year since 1902, making it a central part of AFL history.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grand Final was moved for the first time in decades. It was played at the Gabba in Brisbane, and in 2021, it was held at Optus Stadium in Perth. These changes advanced the discussion whether the Grand Final should continue being held only at the MCG, or if it should rotate to other venues across Australia.

There are good arguments for and against moving the Grand Final away from the MCG.

Arguments for Moving the Grand Final Elsewhere

First of all, moving the Grand Final to other venues is a fairer system. AFL is a national sport, with teams from all over the country, not just Victoria. Teams from Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales compete in the league. Supporters of these teams argue that it’s only fair to give every state a chance to host the biggest game of the year.

When the Grand Final was played in Brisbane and Perth, it gave fans from those regions a chance to experience the excitement firsthand. It’s not always easy or affordable for people from other states to fly to Melbourne and buy tickets to the game. By rotating the Grand Final location, more people across Australia can have their chance to enjoy the event.

While the MCG is the largest stadium in Australia, other cities have newer stadiums with excellent facilities. For example, Optus Stadium in Perth is one of the most modern stadiums in Australia, with state-of-the-art technology and comfortable seating. Some fans argue that these new stadiums could offer a better experience for both the players and the crowd.

Also, playing the Grand Final in different locations could add variety and excitement to the event. Each city has its unique atmosphere, and rotating the venue could make each year’s game feel special and new.

Many of the AFL teams aren’t from Victoria, but Victorian teams get to play the Grand Final in Victoria, and often it is their home ground. This gives them a huge advantage. If the Grand Final were played in other cities, it could level the playing field for non-Victorian teams. It would feel fairer if teams like the West Coast Eagles or Sydney Swans got to play at their home ground occasionally for the most important match of the year.

---

---

Arguments Against Moving the Grand Final

Proponents for leaving the Grand FInal at the MCG will mostly argue that it is all about tradition. Many fans feel that moving the game to different stadiums would ruin the history and atmosphere of the event. The MCG is known as the "home of football" in Australia, and its large size makes it perfect for hosting such a huge event.

Fans in Victoria are passionate about AFL, and the MCG has been the site of so many historic moments. Moving the Grand Final could take away from that sense of history and tradition. There’s something special about walking into the MCG on Grand Final day, knowing that legends of the game have played there for over 100 years.

One of the main reasons the MCG is ideal for the Grand Final is its massive size. It can hold more than 100,000 people. Other stadiums in Australia are smaller. Optus Stadium in Perth can hold around 60,000 people, and the Gabba in Brisbane holds about 42,000. That’s a big difference, and fewer people would be able to attend the game if it were moved to a smaller venue.

For such a popular event, reducing the number of seats would disappoint many fans who miss out on tickets. The MCG gives the highest number of people the chance to watch the game live.

Melbourne is the heart of Australian Rules football. The city lives and breathes footy, and there’s no bigger event than the AFL Grand Final. For many people in Victoria, attending the game at the MCG is a dream come true. The entire city comes alive during Grand Final week, with parades, events, and a buzzing atmosphere. If the Grand Final were moved to other cities, it might not have the same level of excitement. Melbourne’s connection to the game is deep, and many believe that the MCG is the rightful home for the biggest game of the year.

Conclusion

The debate about whether to move the AFL Grand Final from the MCG is not an easy one. On one side, people argue for fairness, modern facilities, and a more national feel to the game. On the other, the MCG holds a special place in the heart of AFL fans, offering unmatched history, capacity, and atmosphere.

Both sides have valid points, and the decision will come down to what the AFL sees as the future of the sport. Should the Grand Final continue to honor its roots in Melbourne, or is it time for other cities to share in the excitement of hosting Australia’s biggest sporting event? Only time will tell, but for now, the MCG remains the Grand Final’s home.

---

---

Related Pages

• Grand Final Venues List
• About the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• AFL Grand Final Winners
• Australian Stadiums
• About the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• Other Football Grounds