THE eight non-Victorian clubs are set to have more access to the MCG, including two training sessions in Grand Final week, the ability to train there before regular season games and more home and away fixtures.
The AFL announced on Thursday night that the Grand Final will be played at the MCG until 2057 as part of a $500 million funding package from the Victorian Government to upgrade Etihad Stadium, the MCG and community football.
Adelaide chief executive Andrew Fagan told AFL.com.au that increased access to the MCG was a positive for his club, which currently has zero opportunities to train at the ground during the home and away season.
"We're still waiting on the detail to come in writing, but the understanding that we have is through the home and away season when we play there, we'll have access to the oval and to train, and for the captain's run, should we wish to use it," Fagan said.
"And secondly, in Grand Final week, there will be at least two training sessions that could be held there.
"Ideally, we have an opportunity to play there more often during the course of the season.
"They're all acknowledgements that certainly weren't there previously.
"It's nice they have these things on the table and spoken about and we will continue to push the case to ensure that they're delivered on."
The non-Victorian clubs rarely play at the MCG.
Adelaide, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, Sydney and West Coast have two games each there this year, while Brisbane, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney have one each.
Fagan was disappointed the announcement ended any possibility of the Grand Final being held at Adelaide Oval, or any other non-Victorian venue, for at least 40 years.
"As it relates to the Grand Final, we would obviously prefer that there wasn't a 40-year commitment to playing a Grand Final at the MCG," he said.
"We voiced those concerns to the AFL and those views were shared by the other non-Victorian clubs.
"Ultimately, the AFL Commission are there to make the call they think is in the best interest of the broader industry, and they have done that.
"We're at least pleased to a small extent that the AFL has acknowledged some of the challenges that are presented for the non-Victorian teams and some of the concessions they are talking about in terms of some minimum games at the MCG, some additional opportunities to train there and some logistical support in Grand Final week for the travelling team."
Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said his club was also keen for more access to the MCG.
"Port Adelaide was consulted on the MCG Grand Final agreement extension," Thomas said.
"As a traditionalist, there is great charm playing the Grand Final at the MCG and with an increased capacity, we have no objection with this agreement.
"This is on the proviso that non-Victorian clubs gain greater access to the MCG and we are currently in very positive talks with the AFL about this."
