NEXT season's VFL Grand Final could be played on the afternoon of the Grand Final eve public holiday if an idea flagged to clubs last week gathers momentum.



VFL club presidents gave cautious support to the initial idea when they gathered at a meeting with AFL Victoria and the pros and cons will be investigated further.



AFL.com.au understands the initial suggestion would see AFL Victoria's showcase game in 2016 start at 3pm at Etihad Stadium on the Friday, immediately after the AFL's Grand Final Parade takes place in the CBD.



Depending on the teams playing, the VFL hopes it might attract 35,000 people as those in town for the AFL Grand Final include the VFL game as part of their plans.



The potential lead-in times for preliminary final victors was also discussed.



This year's VFL Grand Final will still be played on Sunday September 27 at Etihad Stadium, just six days ahead of the AFL Grand Final and on the same weekend as the AFL's preliminary finals.



The Grand Final eve public holiday will occur for the first time in 2015 after the Andrews' State Government kept an election promise to introduce the day off for Victoria.



The decision has been controversial and is not yet guaranteed to occur in 2016, however the VFL is still keen to examine whether an opportunity exists on that day if it does become part of the calendar.



If the VFL did consider the idea had merit after watching how this year's public holiday unfolds, it would need to engage in further research and discuss the prospect with key partners.



Last year's VFL Grand Final, played on the Sunday ahead of the AFL Grand Final, attracted 23,816 people to Etihad Stadium to watch the clash between Footscray's VFL team and the Box Hill Hawks.



Footscray won a memorable victory although Hawthorn superstar Cyril Rioli used the game as a virtual fitness test ahead of the AFL Grand Final the following Saturday.



Rioli sat on the bench for the Box Hill Hawks during the last quarter in 2014 as Footscray kicked six goals to two to win the game by 22 points.



The VFL Grand Final remains a much loved and respected part of the state's football calendar.



The 2008 and 2009 VFL Grand Finals were played the Friday night before the AFL Grand Final at Etihad Stadium.