A BREAKTHROUGH that will lead to improved match day returns for Adelaide and Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval remains a way off, but the parties are inching closer to a deal.

 

Amid reports that the SANFL will settle its $10 million debt to the AFL with proceeds from the sale of land surrounding AAMI Stadium – an important bargaining tool for the SANFL during the negotiations – AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said talks were continuing.

 

We have had some robust discussions," he said on Wednesday. "We are not there yet but I think everyone understands we need to get this right from the Premier down.

 

"We will get there. I'm just not sure when."

 

Adelaide Oval, which McLachlan labeled "an unbelievable success" has not yet translated into profitable match day returns for the Crows and Power, who are presenting a united approach in their discussions with the SANFL, the AFL, the Stadium Management Authority and the South Australian government.

 

"It is clear in the clubs' view and this is shared by the AFL, that the allocation hasn't been right," he said. 

"We are still in productive discussions with the SANFL and I am confident we will get there."