The AFL is pushing for 75 per cent crowd capacity to start the AFL season.
Clubs had been expecting crowd numbers to be capped at 50 per cent when Richmond and Carlton open the season at the MCG on March 18.
But it can be revealed that the AFL and the Melbourne Cricket Club, as ground manager for the MCG, have formulated a state government proposal for crowds of up to 75,000 in Victoria to kick-off the new AFL season.
If successful, the bold plan would be an enormous boost to clubs, the league and the home of football after a 2020 season that saw no crowds possible in Victoria.
The MCG has not heard a roar at an AFL game since the 2019 Grand Final.
But all parties are also fully aware that any crowd plan hinges on Covid case numbers.
The MCG had approval for 50 per cent capacity at BBL games before being slashed to 15,000 after a fan who attended the Boxing Day Test later tested positive for the virus.
And the industry feeling is 50 per cent crowds in Victoria to open the AFL season would be a terrific outcome given the environment.
A half-full MCG for the Tigers-Blues Round 1 showdown still appears the more likely outcome for a Victorian Government that is understandably nervous about the potential for community transmission.
But talks are ongoing, with the Australian Open the obvious test case for AFL executives, who have seen the assertive approach taken by Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.
Regardless, Victorian footy fans flocking back to the game in 2021 will be segregated into as many as six zones.
Games will be fully ticketed for some time, while staggered entry plans will also be put in place for crowds.
A series of practice matches will take place later this month behind closed doors, but it is hoped fans will be able to attend official pre-season games in early March.