OUTGOING MCC chief executive Stephen Gough believes the city's second main AFL stadium could one day be built in the shadows of the MCG.
As Gough prepares to step down in March next year, he's urged governments and sporting codes to ensure the MCG and its surrounds remain a priority for rejuvenation.
"There's a hell of a lot that could happen here in this precinct, it is a world class precinct and there is a lot to be done in the next few years," Gough told AFL.com.au.
"We do need two stadiums," he said.
"The thing about this neck of the woods ... this is a world class precinct.
"I think the next steps, we need to cover the rail lines, we need to upgrade Richmond (train) station because this precinct has to stay world class.
"We're the sporting capital of the world, you've got to keep investing to make sure that your infrastructure and your transport and all those solutions are world class," Gough said.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has proposed a second stadium for the Melbourne and Olympic Park zone, while the AFL has recently lobbied the Victorian government to assist in upgrading Etihad Stadium when the League eventually takes ownership of that venue.
McGuire's counter-plan is to bulldoze the Docklands stadium, and use a possible $1billion profit from a sale to developers to secure the long-term future of all clubs.
While careful not to express a view as to which option he thinks is best, Gough believes that the construction of so-called 'sister stadium' to the MCG could work in a logistical sense.
"There's no doubt, there's a whole lot that goes with it, I mean transport and the solution of transport is a really critical element to it.
After 17 years at the helm of Australia's sporting mecca Gough will officially retire early next year.
There is currently a search on for his replacement.
But Gough may not disappear completely from Victoria's sporting landscape.
"I just don't want to be full time, but I'd love to keep my hand in something, when we get round to March next year, I'll have a fair idea whether I've got other opportunities or not," he said.
