THE OPENING weekend of the AFL finals has set record television ratings. 

Almost six million viewers across the country caught some of the action, according to figures released by the League.   

The four matches drew a total viewership of 5,952,049 eclipsing the previous record for week one of finals set in 2012 by more than 3000 viewers.

"The four matches to open the finals series last weekend were each tremendous contests and we were delighted that has been reflected in record television audiences across the Seven Network, Fox Sports and our regional broadcast partners," AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said in a statement on Tuesday. 

"More than 200,000 fans witnessed the action in person across the four finals in Perth and Melbourne and our broadcast partners continue to provide wonderful coverage of the game to those following it from elsewhere," he said.

"The finals series is shaping as one of the closest in recent years and fans have an even greater reason to turn out in force and experience the games."   

Friday night's West Coast-Hawthorn clash drew the biggest audience with more than 1.7 million viewers.

The numbers will quell fears of dwindling interest in the finals due to the lack of Victorian-based teams.

There are only two more finals scheduled for Melbourne, with Hawthorn hosting Adelaide at the MCG this Friday night and the Grand Final on Saturday 3 October, which could be an all-interstate affair. 

The League remains focused on maximising crowds having frozen ticket prices again.

Airline partner Virgin Australia has been working closely with AFL officials to provide flight options for teams and fans travelling across the continent. 

2015 week one finals – total television audience of 5,952,049
West Coast v Hawthorn: 1,711,676
Fremantle v Sydney Swans: 1,376,271
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows: 1,503,840
Richmond v North Melbourne: 1,360,262