Harris' offer was also rejected by the AFL's Gillon McLachlan and Simon Lethlean, who told the Dockers the scheduling change would have unfairly benefitted Fremantle and therefore further compromised the draw for other clubs.

Harris remained unapologetic on Monday night, telling Fairfax Media: "We're not in the business of dying wondering. When it became clear there was a potential issue with the game and the A-League grand final, we offered to underwrite a move to the tune of $1 million and would have paid the Bulldogs up to $750,000 to move the game.

"I get on very well with Peter (Gordon) and it would be fair to say his response was to laugh at me. I don't think he had any intention of accepting the offer but the AFL knocked it on the head."

Now looming as a top-four battle, the Fremantle move was made in early March, at a time when most commentators were tipping the Bulldogs to finish in the bottom four.

"To be honest, we don't see any game as an easy game," said Harris.