OUTGOING AFL chief Andrew Demetriou says the price of food at venues is exorbitant and fans should consider bringing their own as a protest.

Demetriou's replacement Gillon McLachlan, who was appointed on Wednesday, has already spoken about the need to address the costs faced by fans.

Melbourne Cricket Club boss Stephen Gough argues it's impossible to drop prices at the MCG without increasing other costs for fans.

Gough says the MCC is dealing with high labour costs and a $270 million redevelopment debt.

Demetriou says the sooner the AFL finalises its ownership of Etihad Stadium the better, as it will give the league greater control of other costs which are passed on to fans.

"I'm interested to read this morning Stephen Gough has already put a knock on doing anything about food prices and justifying it because of the high cost of labour and other things," Demetriou told Radio 3AW on Friday.

"There's no doubt the costs that we control at the football, we've maintained the affordability.

"But it's the external costs that do, from a supporter's and a fan's perspective, have a huge impost.

"The car parking for example even at Etihad Stadium, food and all the beverages, ticketing charges.

"There are some costs that seem exorbitant.

"The sooner we can get hold of Etihad Stadium and own it, it would give us an opportunity to do something about those costs.

"People have got the right, if you really want to make a protest about it, just take your own food to the football.

"That's probably the strongest protest people can make about exorbitant prices."

Gough has told The Herald Sun he's aware the charges associated with food, drinks and finals tickets are causing heartburn. But he says a lot of factors come into play.

Demetriou, who steps down next month, says the code in general is in fantastic health despite recent criticism.

"We can talk ourselves into a lather about how negative the game is, the game's being wrecked by roving mauls ... and the crowds are down," he said.

"By the end of this week's round, the crowds will be up on last year."

Demetriou has also backed Collingwood's decision to recall Marley Williams for Friday night's clash with Carlton.

He said the Magpies had worked closely with their 20-year-old defender, who was found guilty of grievous bodily harm following a four-day trial at Albany District Court in February.



Williams avoided an immediate jail term after being convicted for breaking a man's jaw with a single punch outside a nightclub.



The West Australian was handed a suspended jail term on April 22 and played in the VFL with Collingwood's reserves side last weekend.



"Yes he should (play)," Demetriou said.



"He's been found guilty.



"He's made real efforts to change his life.



"The club has been fantastic in supporting him and helping him develop and he's ready to play football.



"In fact I'd argue that he needs to play football.



"It's part of his changing of his behaviour and his becoming to the best of his ability a model citizen and I wish him well."



With regards to his own future, Demetriou said he was considering corporate offers.

"I don't want to do anything in the public sphere," he said.

"I'm looking forward to retreating back into private life."