A final decision will be made by the O and M board at its next meeting, which was due to be held on Monday night, but has been pushed back to next Wednesday.

Wangaratta and Albury are the two clubs vying for the grand final due to long-term venue Lavington Sportsground being out of the equation with a $11 million redevelopment which could also rule out the ground for 2019.

The Magpies and Tigers are also shaping to play off in the premiership decider for the second year in a row based on results to date this season.

O and M chairman David Sinclair declined to comment on the choice of grand final venue, but confirmed a decision would be made next week.

Past convention for choosing the grand final venue has been a recommendation from the league’s general manager based on discussions with bidding clubs and venue owners.

Lavington has hosted the grand final every year since 1995 and the league’s major sponsors are all based in Albury-Wodonga.

The Albury Sportsground, where the Tigers have not been beaten since early in the 2012 season, had strong initial support to host its first grand final since the 1990 “Bloodbath” between Wodonga and Lavington.

But Wangaratta is well and truly in the mix due to better changerooms for both competing teams and an ability to create more spectator viewing areas for the four netball grand finals.

Magpies’ president Tony Goodison said the Norrm Minns Oval was difficult to overlook.

“When you compare the two venues, Wangaratta Showgrounds ticks all the boxes with parking, large grandstand,” he said.

“Wangaratta has hosted and is compliant with regional AFL games and Albury hasn’t done that.”

Wangaratta Rovers will also assist if bid is successful.

Albury president Stuart Hodgson couldn’t be contacted for comment.

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