MELBOURNE’S A-League clubs are free to host the 2016-17 grand final at Etihad Stadium should they earn the right to do so.

The AFL will officially take ownership of Etihad next month after it bought the ground on October 7.

But 17 months after the kerfuffle that led to Melbourne Victory hosting Sydney FC in the 2015 title decider at AAMI Park because footy blocked soccer’s use of Etihad, Docklands has been left free by the AFL should Football Federation Australia need it.

The AFL also made the ground available for the 2016 A-League grand final, but ultimately Adelaide Oval hosted the match.

Melbourne City is the competition favourite, while Victory has hosted the grand final four times.

Although City’s home ground is the 30,000-seat AAMI Park, and that ground has also been booked for grand final day, it would almost certainly play the title decider at the 56,000-capacity Etihad Stadium if it wins hosting rights.

FFA always plumps for bigger venues for grand finals to maximise attendance and revenue.

And because it has fought so hard behind the scenes to ensure Etihad is kept free on grand final day — traditionally now the first Sunday in May — it would be highly unlikely to pass on the pencil booking in favour of AAMI.

media_camera Etihad Stadium will also be free to host Victory elimination or semi finals. Picture: George Salpigtidis

This is despite the fact City could justifiably claim AAMI Park’s capacity would suffice for a grand final — depending on the opponent — given its average attendances year on year are less than half of what the smaller rectangular ground holds.

The AFL released its fixtures yesterday and Adelaide Oval has also been kept free for the A-League grand final should Adelaide again win hosting rights.

Perth’s Subiaco Oval is out of the equation, but it is understood FFA would opt to play any Perth Glory-hosted grand final at the smaller nib Stadium anyway, at least until the city’s new 60,000-seat stadium is completed in early 2018.

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Etihad Stadium will also be free to host Victory elimination or semi finals, with the ground left vacant on the Friday nights of weeks one and two of the finals series.

City would almost certainly host elimination or semi finals at AAMI Park, unless it plays Victory.

Should a dream Melbourne derby grand final eventuate, the MCG is not a possible venue as it will host AFL games on the Saturday and Sunday of that weekend.