The AFL has announced it will no longer use a replay for a drawn grand final.

AFL House announced that a period of extra time, split into two five-minute halves, would be used for all finals in post-season.

The 2010 grand final between Collingwood and St Kilda had to go to a replay the following week after the first decider ended all square, prompting hasty rearrangements for teams and fans alike.

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Instead, in the event of a drawn final, the teams will contest extra time to decide the match on the day.

The AFL said if the scores remain level after the second half of extra time, the siren would not sound, with play continuing until the next score from either team.

AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said the amendment would ensure fairness for all clubs with no team disadvantaged by additional travel.

“The AFL grand final replay has been a unique and historic aspect of the AFL, but ultimately this is the right time to implement a change,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“The AFL is a truly national competition and this change eliminates the possibility of non-Victorian teams being disadvantaged by a significant travel burden if they had been required to return to the MCG for a grand final replay.

“This decision also reflects the majority view of AFL clubs and fans who support playing extra time to determine the grand final instead of a replay the following week.”