The mighty cauldron, with a capacity of 100,024, is the biggest and best sporting venue in Australia and considered one of the world's finest.

But the league's deal with the Victorian government, to host the decider at the 'G until at least 2057, has hit a hurdle.

The MCG, through no fault of its own, sits vacant as its home, Melbourne, battles it way through a once-in-a-lifetime worldwide pandemic.

All 10 Victorian teams will finish the home-and-away season interstate, in front of fans in states which are faring better than their south-eastern counterpart in the fight against COVID-19.

It has cast doubt on the viability of the MCG hosting the grand final this year, whenever that might be.

So, if the home of football is ruled out for 2020, which stadium should get the green tick?

Optus Stadium.

Why?

The new Perth facility is second to the 'G in terms of capacity (60,000) and the grand final should be played at a venue which can fit the most fans.

It's also a modern facility with pizzazz, which would look good on a worldwide broadcast, has a similar feel and dimensions to the MCG and is in a football-mad state.

AFL great and Fremantle 350-gamer Matthew Pavlich believes the grand final, if it can't be held at the 'G, should go to an 'AFL state' rather than a 'rugby state'.

He said it would be "a stupid decision" to pick the Gabba.

"A 60,000 seat full capacity stadium here in WA would be brilliant," he told Fox Footy.

But the AFL will weigh up all options before making a decision.

Every man and his dog is throwing his hat into the ring with Wangaratta leaders even calling for the big game to go to the country.

Sydney's ANZ Stadium, which has a capacity of 83,000, has been mentioned in some circles too despite no longer being on the league's venues list.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk believes her state rolling out the welcome mat as an AFL hub puts it in the box seat while Adelaide Oval (53,000) would also love the spotlight.

Queensland has two venues - the 42,000-seat Gabba in Brisbane and Metricon Stadium, which can fit 23,000, on the Gold Coast.

The Premier believes the Sunshine State has been accommodating of the AFL's predicament, allowing clubs to temporarily call Queensland home to ensure games could be played amid virus concerns in Victoria.

She is going into bat for her state, as is her job.

"Western Australia appears upset with the idea of the AFL grand final being played in a so-called NRL state... but if they can host a State of Origin, I think it's only fair we host an AFL grand final," she tweeted.

The AFL is no doubt grateful for Palaszczuk's support and will use this period to boost its profile in the northern market. The long-term benefits, including a bigger fan base, could be the silver lining.

But, at the end of the day, it must choose the biggest and best venue for the grand final.

Right now, with the MCG out of action, all flights lead to Perth.

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