AFL fans can expect delays getting into the MCG when the Tigers host the Lions on Saturday due to ramped-up security after two men were allegedly caught with firearms at a packed match in a major breach.

Officials are blaming Thursday night’s incident at the MCG on a “breakdown” in screening measures, while the AFL is promising a security review after what the players’ union labelled as an unacceptable incident.

Victoria Police allegedly found weapons on the men - both of whom were on bail - inside the stadium during a search at the blockbuster AFL clash between Collingwood and Carlton in front of more than 82,000 fans.

The two men have appeared in court as the the Melbourne Cricket Club scrambles to explain how the massive breach of security unfolded.

Officers were asked to get involved at 8.30pm when the pair refused a request from security to leave the venue over their behaviour, the force said.

The weapons were detected by a security screening system but security staff failed to stop them, the MCG and AFL say.

Roxburgh Park man Omar Salma, 21, faced court on Friday morning.

He wore a white T-shirt with a black Nike logo and listened closely to Magistrate Timothy Bourke during his brief court appearance.

He was charged with being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, possessing ammunition without licence and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

The court heard it was his first time in custody.

Broadmeadows man Mohamad Noori, 27, was charged with possessing an unregistered handgun, possessing ammunition without licence, altering the serial number of a firearm, possessing a loaded firearm, possessing a prohibited item and failing to appear on bail.

The court heard he had four arrest warrants and had 11 ongoing court matters.

Both men were on bail at the time of their arrest and were refused bail to re-appear on April 16.

They will also be issued with lifetime bans from AFL matches.

Counter terrorism police were called to assess the incident but will have no further involvement, with the probe now in the hands of the crime investigation team.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the officers involved in the search and described the incident as “pretty shocking”.

“Frankly, I hope that they get the book thrown at them for this and I do want to thank Victoria Police for their work in keeping people safe,” he told ABC Radio Sydney.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said someone needed to take responsibility for the shocking security breach.

“It’s concerning for all Victorians, that people would enter the heart of the sporting precinct at the MCG with firearms and that’s not acceptable,” he said.

Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox said the incident was “extremely disappointing and upsetting”.

“Our security screening units identified items of concern and further investigation was required,” he said in a statement.

“Our initial internal investigation identified a breakdown in the thoroughness of the secondary and manual screening process.”

He said the “extensiveness” of manual security at the stadium will be increased, so fans can expect delays at upcoming events.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said there would be an “end to end” security review.

“The MCG worked to identify how the two men were able to enter the venue, which concluded that security personnel failed to do a thorough follow up search of the patrons after an alert from the entry point screening system,” he said.

“Both patrons who were arrested last night will be issued lifetime banning notices from the AFL for attending any match.”

AFL Player Association chief executive Paul Marsh said the incident was worrying.

“Every person who attends an AFL match, including the players, staff, and fans, deserve to do so knowing there are effective measures in place to protect their health and safety,” he said.

“What occurred at the MCG last night is extremely concerning and frankly unacceptable.”

AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko was also shocked and said nothing like this had ever happened before.

He said fans were subjected to several security measures including walking past detector pillars and individual security checks.

“If they have to make some changes this weekend to security, fans will accommodate,” Mr Issko told AAP.

“I’ll be going to the footy this weekend and I’ve got all the confidence in the security and the police at the footy.”

He said any security upgrades must be done urgently.

“Ninety-nine per cent of fans are great. If we’ve got some ratbags let’s get rid of them,” he said.

The MCG underwent a security upgrade in 2024 including the roll out of artificial intelligence sensors, called Evolv Express.

“Evolv Express uses sensors combined with AI to differentiate between weapons and common metals people carry,” according to the company’s website.