THE MCG will be fenced off and all patrons will have to undergo bag checks and metal detection under new security measures to be trialled this summer.
No decision has been made on whether the same security measures will be implemented for next year's AFL season but fans are likely to take longer to enter the ground for this summer's cricket matches.
A 1.8m high fence set about 25m back from the stadium will circle the MCG, with patrons entering at security points corresponding to each entry gate.
Each security point will feature a marquee with a minimum of four entry lanes, including an "express lane" for those who don't attend with bags and a private area for those who don't want to be screened in view of others.
Patrons will be subject to individual "wanding" with handheld metal detectors before being allowed to proceed to the stadium's entry gates.
Car parking will also be pushed at least 25m back from the perimeter fencing, reducing Yarra Park's capacity by about 15 per cent with people being urged to consider public transport.
Patrons with passes to park beneath the stadium will have their cars searched away from the stadium in Brunton Avenue, which could also be closed to through traffic for up to two-and-a-half hours before the start of an event.
Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stephen Gough said the new measures would be in place for the summer of cricket at the MCG, including the Boxing Day Test and the Big Bash League fixtures.
Gough said the measures would be reviewed throughout the summer and adjusted as necessary.
The MCC is in discussions with the AFL about security arrangements for the 2016 season, he added.
"We're talking to the AFL and have informed them of what we're doing," Gough said.
"They're aware and will observe over summer and make a decision with us following that."
The AFL had no comment, other than to confirm it would monitor the new arrangements this summer before considering any changes to security procedures for its games at the venue.
New fence @MCG with marquees for bag checks for cricket matches. No decision on how it will impact @AFL season. pic.twitter.com/4Zgb2DcLPt
— Jen Phelan (Witham) (@AFL_JenPhelan) December 16, 2015
Gough said it was the "ideal time" to look at increasing the security measures at the ground.
"There is no heightened alert from the authorities but we certainly are aware of our responsibilities," he said.
Gough said the MCC would focus on keeping entry "as efficient as possible" with the extra measures but believed patrons would be understanding of the need to trial the new procedure.
"The Commonwealth Games gave us a really good feel for how people were understanding and accepting of the need to do things and it was in their interest," he said.
"We're acting on behalf of their interests.
"There was one known [terrorism] plot that was foiled where we were a potential target back in '05, and we are iconic in Australia and a mass gathering place.
"If you look at the culture of Australia, we are a significant part of that so we'd always say the MCG is an obvious place."
The fencing will be largely removed between cricket events but some elements of the structure will remain in place throughout summer.
Gough said part of the trial would be to look at ways permanent fixtures could potentially be installed without detracting from the stadium's surroundings.
Etihad Stadium spokesman Bill Lane said the venue was constantly monitoring developments when it comes to security, but had no plans for a fence.
"We will continue to take a measured approach, but we don't telegraph what we're doing," he told AFL.com.au.
"We had a very high-profile event, UFC, the event ran smoothly."
"It's business as usual. Certainly at this stage we won't be installing a cyclone fence."
The MCG's security upgrade comes after terror attacks in Paris last months that included the detonation of a bomb outside a France v Germany international soccer match at Stade de France.