AFL boss Gillon McLachlan hints at Thursday night final in 2016

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan says the league will look at starting next year’s finals series on a Thursday following the release of the 2016 fixture.

The league has introduced a bye between the last round of the season and first week of finals, in a move to protect the ‘integrity’ of the game.

North Melbourne and Fremantle controversially rested half their side in the final round of last season.

McLachlan told Neil Mitchell the move gave the league ‘a lot of flexibility’ around finals.

He said starting the finals interstate on a Thursday had appeal.

‘It’s possible,’ McLachlan said on 3AW Mornings.

‘In the right market, with the right game.

‘It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a possibility.

‘A Thursday night final to open the finals series in Perth or Adelaide, I think, has got a lot of appeal.’

Click PLAY to hear Gillon McLachlan’s chat with Neil Mitchell.