Optus Stadium has been earmarked to launch the AFL finals series with a Thursday night blockbuster on September 6.

It is understood the Burswood venue is the preferred option to kick off the finals with the second qualifying final — as long as West Coast lock down their top-two spot to earn hosting rights.

The Eagles can secure second place with one win from their final two regular season fixtures, against Melbourne at home today or Brisbane at the Gabba next Sunday.

They may not need to win another game if other results fall their way.

West Coast’s first final at Optus Stadium is expected to set a new record for a WA football crowd, eclipsing the turnout of 57,616 for the top-of-the-ladder meeting between the Eagles and Richmond in round nine.

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If second-placed West Coast drop to third or fourth they will travel for an away qualifying final in the first week, before returning for a home semi-final or preliminary final.

Richmond, who secured the minor premiership with an eight-point win over Essendon on Friday night, are likely to host the first qualifying final against the fourth-placed team at the MCG on the Friday night before both elimination finals are played on Saturday, September 8.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said yesterday the league was keen to stage a Thursday night final outside of Melbourne in the opening week but it was still early.

“We haven’t confirmed any week one slot yet as the eight can still change enormously,” he said.

A Thursday night showdown in Perth would begin at about 6.10pm to suit Eastern States television audiences and would mean some public transport services to the game would not operate, because of a clash with peak hour requirements. But disruption would be eased now the Matagarup Bridge across the Swan River is open.

A Thursday night qualifying final would give the Eagles an 11-day break after their round 23 game against the Lions.

If they won they would then have to deal with an awkward 16-day break before hosting a preliminary final, which would likely be staged on Saturday, September 22.

West Coast lost to the Western Bulldogs in a Thursday night elimination final in 2016.