Cops to join in the footy finals action

Police are moving off the sideline and into the action as they hit Melbourne streets to keep sports fans safe during footy finals.

Officers are ditching their usual finals posts on street corners in favour of joining the crowds moving through the streets from pubs and transport hubs to the MCG this weekend.

Uniformed officers and undercover cops will be on the beat watching for unsavoury behaviour as well as ticket scalpers looking to make a quick buck with high priced match tickets.

"Absolutely barrack hard, barrack strong, really support your team, but do it in a respectful manner," North West Metro commander Tim Hansen said on Thursday.

Sworn officers and PSOs will be highly visible on Thursday and Friday night in particular, when four Victorian teams battle it out.

Fans can expect to see a heightened police presence around the CBD, MCG, Richmond and Collingwood during finals season.