Up to 30,000 fans could attend this year’s AFL Grand Final

The grandstands may not be empty this season after all. Bold plans are underway to let fans into the AFL Grand Final but strict measures would be in place.

Fans could be allowed at this year’s Grand Final. Picture: David Caird

Thousands of footy fans may be able to watch the AFL Grand Final live under plans devised by the stadiums.

Those plans involve using careful seat allocation, temperature screening on arrival and staggered entry and exit times.

And in further good news for action-starved fans, the AFL will release its ­revised 2020 fixture later today.

It is hoped crowd numbers could be gradually ramped up from 5000 to 15,000, and as many as 30,000 for the Grand Final on October 24.

The MCG would be best placed to welcome fans at games due to the considerable space in and around the home of football.

While the AFL remains cautious about allowing crowds, venues including the MCG and Marvel Stadium want to have strategies in case authorities give the green light for fans to return for the second half of the season.

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Fans could be allowed at this year’s Grand Final. Picture: David Caird

Fans could be separated using empty seats and rows in ­between and have guidelines on which amenities to use.

As part of the entry requirements, they could be advised specifically on what time they should arrive and find their seats, as well as ­depart the stadium to avoid overcrowding as patrons move through the gates.

Venue staff who work on game days may be subject to stringent twice-weekly testing to help protect against outbreaks and ensure patron safety.

Any move to allow fans at games would also need public transport plans.

Corporate facilities are a consideration but regular fans, and in particular members, are the main focus for venue management.

The state government ­announced that up to 50 people would be ­allowed to gather at stadiums from June 22.

AFL clubs immediately ­realised the potential allowing even a few dozen members at games could have as they attempt to retain members this season.

One club said if allowed to have some fans at games it would consider a lottery system similar to the MCC’s Grand Final ticketing for members.

The AFL has told league members who retain their memberships this year that they will have “access” should crowds be allowed, while Essendon members that stick by the club will receive a 30 per cent credit on general ­admission memberships and 50 per cent discount on reserved seat memberships.

Clubs would also seek to have some of their coterie members allowed into venues given many pay upwards of $25,000 each year.

Before Sunday’s ­announcement the AFL’s ­advice to clubs had been that it was unlikely fans would be allowed in all year.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said in April there might be no fans this year.

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Originally published as Up to 30,000 fans could attend this year’s AFL Grand Final