AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan concedes a reset on crowd limits in Victoria is looking “likely”.
Round 11 matches in Victoria will now be played without crowds as a result of the latest COVID-19 outbreak with the state going into lockdown for seven days.
McLachlan expects maximum crowd numbers at Victorian venues, previously at 85 per cent capacity, to be adjusted once the seven-day lockdown concludes.
“It's probably likely (a reset on maximum crowds in Victoria). We haven’t had that discussion yet,” McLachlan told reporters on Thursday.
“How we re-open is a decision for health officials for the state government. The crowds will be a consequence of their decision making.”
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McLachlan says hubs aren’t on the AFL's agenda and that the league's COVID protocols will “tighten up”.
“Not yet (no hubs). We've got nine games scheduled this weekend, we're looking ahead to the next two or three rounds, but that will be determined by what happens over the coming week in Victoria,” he said.
“I think the protocols will tighten up. All our clubs and players going interstate are being tested and our protocols have tightened up. Now is the time. Clearly the testing regime will change with that.”
An unnamed Melbourne player will undertake 14 days mandatory isolation after recently attending a Tier One COVID-19 exposure site.
The Demons are also awaiting COVID test results from players and staff ahead of Friday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs.
“I'm hopeful tonight (of knowing the Melbourne testing results),” McLachlan said.
“I think that'd have serious implications for tomorrow (if the Melbourne player is positive).”
See the updated Round 11 fixture below (all times AEST):
Friday May 28
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne, 7:50pm, Marvel Stadium (roof open, no fans)
Saturday May 29
Collingwood vs Geelong, 1:45pm, MCG (no fans)
Brisbane Lions vs GWS Giants, 2:10pm, Gabba
St Kilda vs North Melbourne, 4:35pm, Marvel Stadium (no fans)
Gold Coast Suns vs Hawthorn, 7:40pm, SCG
West Coast Eagles vs Essendon, 7:40pm, Optus Stadium
Sunday May 30
Richmond vs Adelaide Crows, 2:10pm, Giants Stadium
Sydney Swans vs Carlton, 3:20pm, SCG
Port Adelaide vs Fremantle, 5:20pm, Adelaide Oval