The West Australian clubs have put forth an idea to assist in rectifying the league's competitive balance issues.
Travel is seen as the biggest disadvantage for non-Victorian clubs, with Fremantle and West Coast recording the most kilometres zipping around the country to play football.
As the AFL is seeking assistance in the pursuit of greater equity in the game, clubs have proposed ideas to help, with the Eagles and Dockers "suggesting two Victorian teams once every five years play a โhomeโ game at Optus Stadium and therefore one less home game in their home state" according toย SEN'sย Sam Edmund.
The two clubs alluded to the fact that a quartet of Victorian teams play 17 games in their home state, while a further three play 16.
As for the West Australian sides, they only play 12 games in their home state in 2024.
"Fremantle and West Coast aren't whingeing, blaming anyone or even demanding change, but instead are collaboratively enquiring with the league about a simple solution that would give them something back," Edmund said.
"Broadly, the WA clubs believe the fixture is born out of a state-based competition โ the VFL โ where away games meant driving to a neighbouring suburb or Geelong at worst.
"But they point to the fact the competition has now evolved, with two teams on the west coast and 14 others more than 3000km away. Yet the same fixturing philosophy applies."
The proposal made by the Eagles and Dockers comes shortly after Collingwood has reportedly begun talks to move a 2025 home game to the Gold Coast.
The Magpies are keen to host a game in Queensland at People First Stadium against a Victorian rival, whilst also remaining in the northern state the following week to face the Suns in the consecutive round.
It was reported that it wasn't for financial reasons but to "grow the supporter base across the country".
