GEELONG would be the biggest winner from the AFL's desire to schedule four games at the MCG in the first week of the finals.

The Herald Sun understands fixturing boss Simon Lethlean met MCG ground managers on Friday to ask if the 'G could host two games on Saturday, September 7 - federal election day.



The AFL received a positive hearing from Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stephen Gough, who yesterday said logistical obstacles could be overcome.



The league would need to schedule the games early and late - potentially 1pm and 8pm - to deal with issues including catering, ticketing and the availability of changerooms.



If Round 23 matches go to form, Geelong would host Fremantle and Hawthorn would take on Sydney at the MCG on Saturday week, with Collingwood and Richmond also hosting finals there that weekend.



It is understood Geelong would be the club most likely to play at Etihad Stadium if a Week 1 final was scheduled at Docklands.



Cats chief executive Brian Cook said last night it was the club's strong wish to play at the MCG if it finished in the top two.



"To be honest our preference would be to play at the MCG. I think that's where we should play if we finish top two," he said.



"But at the end of the day you play anyone, anywhere.



"The best team still wins the premiership. It's going to be a tough one for the AFL to work on, but if we finish in the top two we believe we should get the 'G."



Fremantle has not lost at Etihad Stadium in five games under Ross Lyon, while Geelong has won 26 of its past 31 games there.



The Cats' last two attendance figures in finals against Fremantle at the MCG would put them at threat of having a game scheduled at the Docklands.



Geelong lost to Fremantle in last year's elimination final in a game that drew 44,460 spectators.



In 2010, the teams played a semi-final in front of 45,056 fans - and the Cats won by 69 points.



Etihad Stadium is contractually entitled to a final if there are two or more Victorian games in the first week of September.



Etihad Stadium spokesman Bill Lane said yesterday: "We are waiting on the AFL to inform us one way or the other.



"If we don't happen to get a final, there is a mechanism in place for us to negotiate two more games (the next season)."



The MCC's events team has made it known that having hosted day-and-night sessions of the Commonwealth Games in 2006 it could do the same for two Saturday finals.



If Brisbane Lions upset Geelong this weekend, Fremantle would leap into second spot, removing the need for an extra MCG game.



Although the AFL last week said the MCG could not host two games in one day, it has continued investigations behind the scenes.



The MCG would need a two to three-hour changeover period.