Greg Denham | September 22, 2009
VICTORIAN clubs are poised for a huge financial windfall as the long-running standoff between Melbourne's second venue, Etihad Stadium, and the AFL appears headed for a settlement, as early as this week.
A meeting in Melbourne yesterday between the AFL and its clubs was told by the league that the frustrating stadium battle, which has been crippling clubs that play home games at Etihad Stadium, could be drawing to a close.
The AFL is understood to have agreed to a compromise, which has been put to Etihad Stadium's Sydney-based board of owners.
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Next year, should the Etihad Stadium deal be finalised as expected, the biggest financial winners will be the Bulldogs, Kangaroos, Melbourne, Richmond and the Saints. With improved stadium deals, annual special distribution remaining at similar levels as this year, and with discretionary AFL bonuses to enhance equalisation, the Dogs, Kangaroos and Demons are expected to have their revenue increased by up to $3.3m. Richmond and St Kilda are expected to reap almost $2.5m.