The AFL grand final is expected to move interstate once again while the MCG undergoes a major redevelopment.
The Melbourne Cricket Club confirmed earlier this week it was looking at a major redevelopment of the famous old ground, with the likely plan being a total rebuild of the Shane Warne Stand.
It is unlikely to commence until after the 2027 and 2029 men's and women's Rugby World Cups respectively, but would leave it virtually imposible to stage major events during the upgrades.
The Gabba staged the 2020 grand final due to the Covid pandemic, with Perth's Optus Stadium then hosting the 2021 edition.
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A budget in the region of $1 billion is considered likely for the reconstructed stand and AFL chief executive is thrilled by the plan.
“We’re really happy the MCC and the Victorian Government have put the money in for the feasibility for the revamp of the Shane Warne Stand,” Dillon told SEN.
“It was built in 1992, it’s served its purpose, but the MCG is such an iconic venue we have to continue to invest in it.
“We will work closely with the MCC on that. We’re really looking forward to how it unfolds.”
The new stand would allow the MCG to increase its current capacity well beyond 100,000 seats.
Dillon also believes a total rebuild, rather than a gradual upgrade, makes sense for the famous stand.
“I want to know more about (a rebuild plan), but I think that makes the most sense," he said.
"I’ve spoken to the MCC about it - do you do it in small increments over time or just pull the pin? And that is what this feasibility report is about.
“Ultimately it’s going to be a stand that will be around for the long-term. I think we have to look at (moving the grand final).
“We did Perth and Brisbane for different reasons during Covid and they worked really well, but there is something special about the ‘G.
"But we have to make sure the ‘G remains the preeminent stadium worldwide. Given the weekend we just had, we could have sold it out a couple of times over.
"If we can get another 5,000 or so in that will be great.”