UPDATE: MAY 27.
The Victorian government has confirmed that approved sporting events will proceed in Victoria this weekend behind closed doors, with fans banned as COVID-19 cases increase.
Richmond's clash with Adelaide, originally scheduled for Sunday at the MCG, is likely to be moved to Sydney - most likelty Giants Stadium - with Crows players unable to fly in and out of Melbourne.
PREVIOUSLY:
An independent panel has yet to decide if there will be AFL crowds in Victoria this weekend for four round 11 matches after the latest COVID-19 outbreak in the state.
Fifteen coronavirus cases have been detected in a COVID-19 cluster that has developed in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, with acting Premier James Merlino announcing restrictions on Tuesday as part of the developing outbreak.
One of the positive COVID cases attended the Collingwood - Port Adelaide match at the MCG on Sunday, meaning thousands of game attendees have been contacted to take coronavirus test and isolate until they get their results.
In addition to masks being made compulsory for wearing indoors from 6pm, public gatherings have been limited to 30 people, which throws into doubt whether crowds will be allowed at four AFL games this weekend to be hosted in Victoria.
It is understood that at this stage, supporters will be hosted at Victoria-based matches, but there could be crowd caps in place depending on if the COVID outbreak worsens, and Marvel Stadium could have its roof opened to allow for more fans to attend.
Which AFL matches could be affected by the Victorian COVID-19 outbreak?
Sporting News understands the AFL are believed to be still confident of hosting matches with fans this weekend, but the governing body are acutely aware the situation is fluid and can change at any moment.
Ticket sales for all Victorian-based AFL matches have been halted temporarily as more information is sought about whether crowds can be hosted.
Ticket sales for this weekend's matches in Melbourne have been put on hold. https://t.co/xZomiATKxS
— AFL (@AFL) May 25, 2021
Merlino was non-committal when asked about whether sporting crowds would be limited this weekend, revealing that an independent panel would decide the numbers of supporters who can attend public events such as Australian Rules this weekend.
"We have got a critical period in front of us, but right now, engagement between the AFL and public health - games with crowds, subject to restrictions," Merlino said on Wednesday.
The following AFL matches will be hosted in Victoria this weekend:
- Western Bulldogs v Melbourne (Friday May 28, Marvel Stadium)
- Collingwood v Geelong (Saturday May 29, MCG)
- St Kilda v North Melbourne (Saturday May 29, Marvel Stadium)
- Richmond v Adelaide (Sunday May 30, MCG)
The Western Bulldogs tweeted a message that on-sale ticket times to Friday night's blockbuster against Melbourne had been postponed as they await to hear more information.
UPDATE: The AFL have advised that the AFL Member on-sale for Round 11 & 12 will be delayed this morning, with an updated on-sale time to be advised later today. https://t.co/cWQuNlYg8w
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) May 25, 2021
Following the news ticket sales had been postponed, the Bulldogs players and staff were forced to take a coronavirus test and self isolate after it emerged a staff member had been to a COVID hotspot.
All Bulldogs players and staff have reportedly tested negative to the virus and can now return to training and their normal lives.
Adelaide is the only interstate team due to fly into Victoria from interstate for a match this weekend.
Essendon and Carlton both left Melbourne earlier than usual to fly interstate to their respective matches against West Coast and Sydney.
Are Victorians being restricted from travelling to other states in Australia?
Queensland and South Australia have closed their borders to Melbourne residents who live in the City of Whittlesea, and residents from other areas of Melbourne have to take multiple coronavirus tests and self quarantine.
NSW and ACT are requiring Victorians to fill out a border declaration form and people who have visited hotspots are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
All Victorian arrivals into Western Australia will be required to take a coronavirus test and need to self quarantine while not being allowed to travel on public transport until they recieve a negative test.
How has the AFL dealt with past COVID-19 outbreaks?
The AFL has dealt with numerous COVID-19 outbreaks including the first wave in March last year, which eventually halted the 2020 season after the first round.
After having crowds in the 2020 pre-season, the AFL hosted matches without fans for round 1 of last season as the global pandemic started to menace Australia.
While round 1 was completed, the AFL competition was halted at its conclusion and did not resume until June, with teams competing in hubs across the country with a fluid fixture.
There has also been COVID challenges during the current season, with outbreaks in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth affecting the travel by AFL clubs and its supporters.
Only one match - the Western derby between West Coast and Fremantle on May 2 - has been played behind closed doors so far this season.
There was also a venue change for the Brisbane and Collingwood fixture earlier this season, with the game switched from the GABBA to Marvel Stadium because if a COVID outbreak in Queensland's capital.
