THE NEWLY named Marvel Stadium almost certainly won't host a final, even if four Victorian teams qualify for home games in the first week of September action.
AFL.com.au understands the Docklands venue – which is due to change naming rights sponsors from Etihad to Disney's Marvel brand from September 1 – is not being considered.
It's understood no less than eight possible schedules for the first week of finals are currently being considered by League headquarters, with every scenario hinging on what happens in round 23.
A Thursday night final in the first week can be considered close to a lock, while a Sunday game will be played if needed to allow all four Victorian clubs to host their respective finals at the MCG.
With the teams in the final eight effectively sorted – bar a miracle for Port Adelaide – the League is working on a number of permutations within the eight itself.
Perth's Optus Stadium, Sydney's Spotless Stadium and the SCG could all still host games in the first week of finals depending on results.
Geelong's ladder position takes away any debate about whether it could host a final at GMHBA Stadium at any point.
The AFL's pre-finals bye week has allowed greater flexibility with scheduling in recent years and the Thursday night finals opener has proved to be a ratings bonanza for television rights holders.
A potential match-up between Hawthorn and GWS in an elimination final could have been considered the most likely game to be sent to Docklands, had the AFL wanted to play two games on Saturday September 8.
However, it could be assumed the Hawks – or whichever MCG tenant is involved – would prefer one less day's break than hosting a final at a venue which isn't their home ground.
The fixture for the first week of finals is expected to be confirmed on Sunday night, with the game between Melbourne and GWS at the MCG the last match which will impact the makeup of the top eight.
Six matches that matter
Port Adelaide (9th) V Essendon (11th)
The Power have to win and hope Geelong loses to sneak into eighth
Geelong (eighth) V Gold Coast (17th)
If the Cats lose and the Power win, then Geelong will miss out on the finals
Fremantle (14th) V Collingwood (third)
A Magpies win, combined with an Eagles loss could see the Pies move up to second and host a qualifying final
Sydney (fifth) V Hawthorn (sixth)
The winner will finish top four, while the loser will drop to fifth or sixth and host an elimination final
Brisbane (15th) V West Coast (second)
The Eagles will need a win to lock in second spot if Collingwood or Hawthorn wins. They'll know both results before they take the field on Sunday.
Melbourne (seventh) V Greater Western Sydney (sixth)
Hosting rights for a home elimination final are on the line, and depending on other results these teams could meet again in week one.
MCG finals bonanza?
If Collingwood, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne all win this weekend then the Tigers, Magpies, Demons and Hawks will all host finals in week one.
