Victorian hub edges closer as interstate clubs make exit

A Victorian AFL hub looks all but certain as Western Australia and Queensland clubs depart their respective states for Melbourne.

With Southeast Queensland and Perth and Peel announcing lockdowns this week, the Lions, Suns, Dockers and Eagles will jet to Victoria ahead of Round 16.

The Suns' scheduled match against the Tigers is now set to be moved to either the MCG or Marvel Stadium from Metricon Stadium, while the Lions' clash with the Crows in South Australia remains up in the air.

According to The Age, Brisbane's players and officials could be granted access to Adelaide after arriving in Victoria on Tuesday, with the South Australian Government already closing it's borders to the Sunshine State.

Fremantle's clash against the Blues in Perth is also set to venture to Melbourne, but could hit an obstacle as the MCG and Marvel Stadium already host matches on Saturday.

FIXTURE: Current Round 16 AFL schedule

GMHBA has become a new home for traveling visitors, with the Swans and Eagles playing off at Kardinia Park on Sunday, with the Cattery a potential home for the Blues and Dockers.

The AFL released the following statement on Tuesday afternoon, confirming the Suns, Lions, Docker and Eagles will take chartered flight to Victoria:

THE AFL wishes to advise the Brisbane Lions, Fremantle, Gold Coast SUNS and the West Coast Eagles will travel to Victoria this afternoon via charter flights ahead of Round 16 of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld said the decision to bring clubs to Victoria has been made to best manage the evolving situation across the country.

“We will continue to remain adaptable as the season progresses in a constantly changing environment,” Mr Auld said.

“While COVID-19 continues to impact the community, we will work closely with state governments, health officials, our clubs and our players to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone in the game.

“The four teams travelling today will fly to Victoria via charter flights and will be Covid-tested on arrival and isolate until they each receive a negative result.”

The AFL will provide further updates relating to the fixture for Round 16 once those arrangements are finalised.