While the Cats were able to host Saturday's qualifying final against the Dockers, next Friday night's do-or-die semi-final will be held at the MCG.
Saturday's historic final at the Cattery drew 32,815 fans, with the atmosphere electric.
But the AFL gave no consideration to scheduling the Cats-Power clash down there on Friday night.
"We actually explored playing all four games at the MCG (this weekend), but that wasn't practical," AFL media manager Patrick Keane told AFL.com.au.
"Once the MCG's available, we use it."
The AFL world was divided over the decision to play Saturday's qualifying final in Geelong, with the Dockers calling the decision "inconceivable".
Freo was fearful that some of its supporters may miss the opportunity to see their team play, but that did not seem to be the case on Saturday.
Keane said the MCG would always be the preferred venue for finals in Victoria but did not shut the door on playing a future final in Geelong.
"Well now that one's been played, I guess that can be an option in the future," Keane said.
"But the primary venue is the MCG."
Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
