ETIHAD Stadium is launching a 'secret salt' as it promises to offer the cheapest hot chips for Melbourne-based AFL fans in 2017.

Last year, some 200,000 serves of regular chips were sold at the venue, and costing $4 they're now 20 cents cheaper than the MCG.

To add some flavour, the Docklands venue, now owned outright by the AFL, is offering three new types of salt, which you can choose to add to your chips. 

'Chilli, lime and thyme' is the spiciest combination followed by a milder 'lemon, garlic and oregano'.

The exact ingredients within the third 'Etihad Stadium secret salt' option, which will debut at Saturday's St Kilda-Melbourne clash, will remain – well – a secret. 

A source that has tested all three flavours insisted the chilli option "won't blow your mouth off". 

Traditionalists will be happy to know regular salt will still be available. 

Among other changes for fans is a new 'Club Hub' outside gate five where fans get membership information and buy merchandise.

There are new meeting spots in and around the venue including a new garden bar. 

Fans will also notice some other minor upgrades in the first step in taking the stadium forward since the AFL acquired it just under a decade early. 

"We’re looking at ways to improve the access and the atmosphere for supporters," an Etihad Stadium spokesperson told AFL.com.au

"The new club hub outside gate five is a great example of that with clubs able to interact with their fans.

"There will also be improved access to mobile ticketing, new meeting spots within the stadium and minor upgrades in some areas. 

"Importantly, kick-to-kick is scheduled every Sunday and attending matches on Sunday is again free of charge for children under the age of 15."

Etihad Stadium is also promising the cheapest meat pies at the footy, with a regular Four N' Twenty to cost just $3 on Sundays and $5 on other days. 

The venue also has 10 water fountains where fans will be able to fill up drink bottles at no charge. 

There is no restriction on what food and snacks fans can bring into the venue whether it be from home or commercial outlets.