EXCLUSIVE: ROCKERS AC/DC could be forced to find a new venue for their Melbourne shows because of an AFL claim on Etihad Stadium.
AC/DC's three Black Ice gigs at the Docklands next year - on February 11, 13 and 15 - clash with the AFL's pre-season.
The AFL is adamant its contract with the venue gives it priority on all bookings at that time of year.
The Herald Sun has learned the AFL has written to Etihad Stadium boss Ian Collins about the scheduling clash.
AFL chief broadcasting and commercial officer Gillon McLachlan last night said:

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"Our window of scheduling is very clear."
Mr McLachlan said the AFL had few scheduling options for next year's NAB Cup, making the league more determined to use Etihad Stadium.
"Skilled Stadium (in Geelong) is being redeveloped and the MCG is unavailable (because of cricket wickets) . . . this has nothing to do with AC/DC," he said.
"It is about having a sensible discussion on how we are going to run our competition.
"I've got AC/DC tickets and I will be happy to go wherever the concert is."
Etihad Stadium can hold up to 60,000 fans for concerts, with the first two AC/DC gigs declared a sell-out. Tickets for the first concert sold out in 10 minutes.
The third concert is also selling solidly and there has been talk of a possible fourth event.

The MCG appears the only viable alternative for the AC/DC shows, should Etihad Stadium management be forced to ACT on its AFL contract.

The AFL's NAB Cup competition next year had two matches to be played at Etihad Stadium around February 11, February 13 and February 15.

Etihad Stadium communications manager Bill Lane said: "Our contractual arrangements and matters of commercial business are not subjects we discuss in the public domain."

The AFL has taken legal Action against Etihad Stadium management as part of an escalating stand-off related to financial returns for its clubs, which use the venue for home matches.