Australia

Crowds still banned at Victorian AFL matches despite lockdown end


Hopes of Melbourne being able to host AFL finals and the premiership decider remain in limbo after it was announced fans will be barred from attending matches in Victoria for at least two more weeks.

Victoria premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the easing of lockdown restrictions in the state will begin at 11:59pm on Tuesday, but large gatherings are still barred.

It means round 22 is the earliest that fans can return to matches in Victoria in some capacity.

That is just three weeks from the start of the finals and six weeks from the grand final.

During the last Victorian lockdown, it took seven weeks for crowd limits to be increased to 40 per cent capacity, which at the MCG equates to 40,000.

Perth has emerged as a possible destination to host the entire nine-match finals series this year, with Adelaide and Brisbane also in the mix.

The 60,000-seat Perth Stadium earned positive reviews when it hosted the Richmond versus Essendon Dreamtime clash in round 12, with 55,656 spectators attending.

Mr Andrews said he understood his decision to ban spectators from AFL matches for at least two more weeks would not be popular.

But he said it was necessary to keep Victoria safe.

“I know that’s not necessarily news people want to hear but we have to be cautious,” he said.

“This has not gone away. It’s under control. But it’s in our country.”

Last year’s grand final was moved to the Gabba due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria.

A total of 29,707 spectators attended the match.

The AFL is desperate for the grand final to return to the MCG this year, but the situation is delicate and even a minor setback could ruin those hopes.

This week will mark the third consecutive round that spectators have not been able to attend games in Victoria.

The situation has resulted in two matches being shifted to Tasmania this weekend.

North Melbourne will take on Geelong in Hobart on Saturday, while Hawthorn hosts Brisbane in Launceston on Sunday.

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AAP



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