The Victorian government has confirmed that approved sporting events will proceed this weekend behind closed doors, with fans banned as COVID-19 cases increase.
Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino announced the move as part of a seven-day statewide lockdown to begin at 11:59pm AEST on Thursday night.
“Approved professional sporting events will proceed but proceed without crowds,” he told a press conference on Thursday morning.
The AFL is expected to make an announcement today about round 11 games.
Already Essendon and Carlton have left early to land in Perth and Sydney respectively for this weekend’s matches against West Coast and the Swans, while the Gold Coast-Hawthorn game will not be played in Darwin as planned.
It is yet to be announced whether the game will be relocated this weekend, or postponed.
Richmond is due to host the Adelaide Crows at the MCG on Sunday, but that match could be relocated to Sydney.
More to come.
