AFL shelves plans for minute’s silence to remember Queen Elizabeth II during AFLW’s Indigenous Round

The AFL has made the decision to remove the minute’s silence during the AFLW’s Indigenous Round following consideration of the sensitivities regarding the round.

The AFL has made the decision to remove the minute’s silence for the AFLW’s Indigenous Round. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The AFL has shelved plans for a minute’s silence to be held for the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for the remainder of round three of AFLW.

The decision was made following consideration of sensitivities related to the fact that the round is AFLW Indigenous Round.

A minute’s silence was held before the Western Bulldogs’ win over Fremantle on Friday at Ikon Park but will not be marked for any further games during the round, a change of plans from the AFL’s initial statement released on Friday.

Fremantle (picture) and Western Bulldogs players will be the only AFLW teams to participate in a minute’s silence this weekend. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

A ceremony to mark the monarch’s death, including a minute’s silence, was conducted before the Melbourne-Brisbane men’s semi-final on Friday night. A minute’s silence will again be observed before the Collingwood-Fremantle match at the MCG on Saturday night.

“The AFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said on Friday.

“We extend our sympathies to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this very difficult time.

“Her Majesty was a woman of the people. This was never more evident than when she attended the 1970 season-opening Richmond v Fitzroy game at the MCG, unfurling Richmond’s 1969 Premiership flag, happily meeting players and eagerly learning about our game.

The MCG paused for a minute’s silence during the Demons-Lions semi-final. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Her grit, humility and devotion to the Commonwealth will be remembered by all long after her reign.

“May she rest in peace.”

The AFL will meanwhile consider moving the Brownlow Medal should there be a clash with the queen’s funeral.

Originally published as AFL shelves plans for minute’s silence to remember Queen Elizabeth II during AFLW’s Indigenous Round