The AFL Grand Final could turn into a best of three series to even out the advantage Victorian-based teams have, according to renowned AFL journalist Mike Sheahan.
It would be a controversial move from the AFL if they elect to extend the decider to a potential three-game contest.
The reasoning behind the proposed move would be to remove the disadvantage of non-Victorian teams, who have to continually travel to Melbourne for grand final week.
The idea could potentially see see game one played at the MCG and games two and three played at each grand final team's home venue.
MORE: More delays to Harley Bennell comeback has his AFL future looking shaky | Can Jake Stringer find form for Essendon against his former club the Western Bulldogs?
AFL journalist Mike Sheahan told SEN Breakfast there will be a push for a best of three series to narrow the disadvantage of non-Victorian teams.
"I believe that there will be a push soon for a best of three Grand Final series to minimise the disadvantage that the non-Victorian teams suffer," Sheahan said.
"Given the commission has a strong non-Victorian participation, including a WA chairman, I wouldn’t be at all surprised in my limited lifetime that we see a best of three Grand Final.
"There is a high-powered official from a non-Victorian club who believes in it.
"If the non-Victorian clubs work together as a block, that’s six of them. That’s a strong force."
It could be a winning move for the AFL as a best of three series featuring interstate teams would ensure all three matches would be close to sell-outs.
Although, if a grand final features two Melbourne teams, fans from both sides are less likely to fill the MCG three times in three weeks which could take away from the spectacle of the "big dance".
In the last 11 AFL grand finals all played at the MCG, seven interstate teams have featured in the decider, while the crowd has only dipped below 99,000 fans on two occassions.
The proposed move has divided AFL fans on social media.
Masters, comm games, NRL, A league on this weekend and SEN are talking about a hypothetical beat of 3 AFL grand final. Stop. Not going to happen
— Matt (@Mattys123) April 5, 2018
A possible best of 3 @afl Grand Final series? Wow! I can see what @Adamcooney17 and I will get into tonight on the #ArmchairExperts on @7AFL .. Should the AFL consider a drastic change?
— Cameron Luke (@camluke) April 5, 2018
As a compromise to take the AFL grand final to other states? Best of three is crazy. Just take the grand final interstate anyway. https://t.co/lMvMexB3Ls
— The Scoreline Diminishes (@the_scoreline) April 5, 2018
A best of three format could reflect other Australia sports, with the NBL grand final recently played in a best of five series.
It isn't the first time a major code has considered an interstate switch, with many calling for the NRL Grand Final to be moved to Brisbane.
The 2018 AFL Grand Final will be played on September 29 at the MCG.
