Slashed AFL flight costs too late for many

Interstate AFL fans arriving in Melbourne won't be happy to learn airline fares have been cut to a third of what they were earlier in the week.

Virgin has released additional fares between Perth and Melbourne for the AFL grand final for $365 each way, according to Flight Centre.

Many Eagles fans were faced with return airfares of about $2000 to see their team play in this Saturday's game.

West Coast supporter Melanie Marai is travelling between Perth and Melbourne by bus to avoid paying for flights.

She has joined hundreds of other people making the journey across the Nullarbor by bus, joking after the first day that she might have to initiate some yoga sessions because it was so cramped.

The West Coast fan said the bus was making toilet stops about every three hours, which also gave people a chance to grab some food and charge their phones.

As more West Australians flock east, close to 100 went to Perth Airport on Thursday to send off the Eagles.

WA Premier Colin Barnett has backed the Eagles to win against reigning premiers Hawthorn, and challenged the Victorian Premier to a bet.

"We've agreed to have a bet (but) we haven't quite defined what it will be," Mr Barnett said.

"They've (Eagles) just come from nowhere this year, a terrific effort and I just think it's going to be a cracker of a grand final - two sides that play really attractive football, both have got great goal kicking ability."

In 2013, Mr Barnett had to wear Hawthorn colours in the streets of Melbourne after losing a bet with his Victorian counterpart.