A-League closes in on regular Melbourne Grand Final home

Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief David Gallop moved to avoid confusion on any Melbourne-hosted A-League grand finals beyond this year by opening negotiations over a deal that would see Etihad Stadium host the showpiece game.

A general view of the 2009-2010 A-League Grand Final between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC at Etihad Stadium on 20 March, 2010 (Getty) Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

With the 2015 decider less than a month away and Melbourne Victory in the box seat to host it, there's still no concrete plan on staging the event in the Victorian capital.

Should Victory host the event, it's extremely unlikely to be at Etihad Stadium this year.

Instead, the 30,000-capacity AAMI Park will reportedly host the final due to a clash with a scheduled AFL fixture at Etihad Stadium on 17 May.

It's far from ideal for A-League organisers and prompted Gallop to talk to his opposite number at the AFL, Gillon McLachlan.

The Victorian government, desperate to maximise its appeal as a major sporting events capital, has helped the pair broker a deal.

"I have spoken to Gillon McLachlan and the AFL is broadly supportive of coming to an agreement with FFA to avoid any repeat of the position this year," Gallop said on Tuesday.

"That would see a long-term arrangement to allow Etihad Stadium to be kept free for hosting the A-League grand final.

"This accommodation has the support of the Victorian government as well, so we are in a good position to reach agreement."

Etihad Stadium has hosted Melbourne's three previous A-League deciders but on 17 May 2015 AFL club Western Bulldogs will host Fremantle Dockers - the same date as the A-League grand final.