A security breakdown that allowed the alleged smuggling of firearms into a packed stadium is an opportunity to improve screening measures, says an expert warning it is likely to happen again.
More than 82,000 fans were watching an AFL match between traditional rivals Carlton and Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when two men were allegedly caught with guns.
The weapons were discovered after the pair, who were on bail, refused a security request to leave the venue due to their behaviour.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has promised an "end to end" review into the breach and lifetime football bans for the two men.
The incident is not all that surprising to Matryx security consultant Luke Percy-Dove, who said there is a prevalence of weapons in the community.
"If you think about a crowd of 80,000, it probably shouldn't be that unexpected," he told AAP.
The situation offering authorities an opportunity to improve security measures following the investigation, says Mr Percy-Dove who believes it will happen again.
"There's almost an assumption that when we go to major events ... there will be members of the community who have weapons on them, and that will be the same everywhere," he said.
"I don't see a practical way at the moment of how it can be stopped."
The MCG underwent a major security upgrade in 2024, including the rollout of sensors with artificial intelligence that can differentiate between weapons and common metals people carry.
Fans should expect delays at upcoming events after the stadium blamed the incident on issues with a manual security screening.
"Security has to be cohesive, and if you've got technology in place to detect things, it has to be reliably supported by people, processes and training to ensure security works effectively," Mr Percy-Dove said.
"The vulnerability in our industry, unfortunately, is not the technology, but the staff."
AAP understands additional measures will be implemented at the ground, including increased security staff and more wanding.
Hawthorn captain James Sicily, who has played at the venue twice this season, understood why the incident would shock people.
"I'm just worried about getting a kick when you're on the field," he said.
"But definitely as a patron, that's very worrying and I'd assume there would be some higher security checks being taken."
Sydney midfielder James Rowbottom said the incident was a weird one, but he has always felt safe on game day.
"I'm glad nothing happened, but it's obviously a pretty terrible position for someone to put the crowd and the players in as well," he told AAP.
