Despite reports Fremantle's unique motivator for players and fans would not be permitted when they meet Brisbane at the neutral venue MCG on Saturday, AFL chief Andrew Dillon says a decision has not yet been made.
Appearing on AFL 360 on Tuesday night, Dillon indicated the Dockers' push to have Wharfie Time enacted, if needed, had some merit.
"We've had the clubs in today going through the operational aspects of the game," he said.
"As we've seen during the finals this year, the home side has got the ability to make it like a home final.
"We're just working through the finer details of that with both of the clubs at the moment, because at a grand final we don't have a home team per se, it's a neutral game.
"So how those goal celebrations play out, how a potential for Wharfie Time might be, we've got to dot some Is and cross some Ts there.
"I think there's been some reporting that it has been banned. There hasn't been a decision for or against at the moment. We're working through it."
Dillon experienced Wharfie Time at Fremantle's home semi-final win against Geelong and described it as "amazing".
Asked if he was considering its use at the grand final more favourably than he had been in recent days, Dillon said: "It came to my attention, I didn't think it was as big a deal as what it is.
"But absolutely, it's important for our fans and so that's why we're looking at it through that lens.
"But we've got to make sure it's respectful of the football and everything else as well."
Dillon was reminded Brisbane had goal celebration songs played during their 2025 grand final win over Geelong, such as Charlie Cameron's famous anthem, John Denver's 'Take Me Home, Country Roads'. Songs will again be permitted after goals this Saturday.
"That's what we're working through. If we have that for the Brisbane Lions, which has worked well, then what's the Fremantle equivalent and how that plays out?" Dillon said.
Wharfie Time, highlighted by the ominous tolling of bells, has previously only been used at Perth's Optus Stadium and has been a rare occurrence, with Fremantle keen to maintain a sense of mystique around the motivator.
The button was famously pushed to inspire a come-from-behind win over Hawthorn in May and again in a close finish to the Dockers' semi-final win over Geelong.
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