Retiring MCG Chief Executive calls for another stadium in Melbourne's East

Outgoing Melbourne Cricket Club Chief Executive Stephen Gough believes the city's second main AFL stadium could one day be built in the shadows of the MCG.

Reporting on Gough's preparation to step down in March next year, the AFL.com.au website has reported him urging governments and sporting codes to ensure the MCG and its surrounds remain a priority for rejuvenation.

Seemingly backing a proposal by TV presenter Eddie McGuire earlier this year, Gough told AFL.com.au "there's a hell of a lot that could happen here in this precinct, it is a world class precinct and there is a lot to be done in the next few years.

"(But) we do need two stadiums

"The thing about this neck of the woods ... this is a world class precinct.

"I think the next steps, we need to cover the rail lines, we need to upgrade Richmond (train) station because this precinct has to stay world class.

"We're the sporting capital of the world, you've got to keep investing to make sure that your infrastructure and your transport and all those solutions are world class."

Collingwood President McGuire has proposed a second stadium for the Melbourne and Olympic Park zone, while the AFL has recently lobbied the Victorian Government to assist in upgrading Etihad Stadium when the League eventually takes ownership of that venue.

McGuire's counter-plan is to bulldoze the Docklands stadium, and use a possible $1 billion profit from a sale to developers to secure the long-term future of all clubs.

While careful not to express a view as to which option he thinks is best, Gough believes that the construction of so-called 'sister stadium' to the MCG could work in a logistical sense.

He added "there's no doubt, there's a whole lot that goes with it, I mean transport and the solution of transport is a really critical element to it."

After 17 years at the helm of Australia's sporting mecca Gough will officially retire early next year.

There is currently a search on for his replacement.

Click here to read the the original report by Matt Thompson.

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