The AFL has confirmed that round one will go ahead as planned this weekend amid the coronavirus crisis.
It was a decision that came after several hours of meetings between the AFL Commission and club executives.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan confirmed the news at a press conference on Wednesday evening.
It was also announced that quarters would be cut from 20 minutes plus time on to 16 minutes plus time on to accomodate for shorter turnarounds if need be.
"We don’t know how many games we will get into this 153 game journey before we have to pause," McLachlan said.
"But what I do know today is I feel comfortable with the government and medical advice, and the support of our Presidents, CEOs, players and coaches.
"Tonight, our industry is unified in making a decision to start.
"The reality is this season will not look like any other."
AFLW will also continue, though the final two roudns will be skipped.
"The NAB AFL Women’s will continue this weekend, however we will forgo the final two weeks of the home and away season and move straight to finals, with the fixture to be announced tomorrow," McLachlan said.
McLachlan had announced on Monday the League would be reducing the home-and-away season from 22 to 17 games in an effort to complete a condensed fixture.
He also flagged the possibility of continuing well beyond the regular conclusion at the end of September.
The League had already announced several changes to the competition in light of the developing global pandemic.
Last week, they made the call to play all games behind closed doors in response to the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing a ban of gatherings of 500 or more people.
The AFL also announced that all state leagues, local and junior competitions would be suspended until the end of May.
On Wednesday, the federal government announced indoor gatherings of 100 or more people would be banned, indicating the ever-changing nature of the situation.
Adding to the League's headaches, via CEO Paul Marsh, the AFLPA reiterated their wish to begin playing as scheduled and to fit in all 22 home-and-away games.
The players face up to a 20 per cent pay cut as the football community, and much of society, tighten their purse strings in the wake of the crisis.
