Police praise A-League grand final crowd

Police have praised fans attending the A-League grand final after there were only seven arrests, 21 ejections and no flares inside Melbourne's AAMI Park.

Commander Brett Guerin said there was no repeat of events at the semi-final, where there was deliberate damage and flares inside Etihad Stadium.

Sunday's arrests were for offences including possessing a flare, interfering with police, possession of drugs, being drunk in public and assault.

"Not a single flare was ignited inside the venue and no deliberate damage," Cmdr Guerin said.

"The behaviour of fans today proves that football doesn't need flares and other illegal behaviour to make it a unique experience.

"All in all, fans today did their sport and cities proud."

There were a number of flares set off outside the stadium, and fans walking to the game also temporarily blocked traffic on Punt Road.