The COVID scares in Perth have forced two AFL fixture changes and Fremantle on the road

Two games have been moved and one team forced to leave home as the AFL keeps a close eye on the precarious COVID situation in Western Australia.

Fremantle Dockers have been forced out of Perth and on the road (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Fremantle have been forced to hit the road as COVID concerns in Perth play havoc with the AFL fixture.

The league confirmed on Tuesday that a Round 8 clash against the Brisbane Lions scheduled for Optus Stadium will be relocated to the Gabba in Brisbane.

As a trade-off, their Round 21 match-up in Brisbane will switched to Optus Stadium.

The Dockers will travel to Queensland on Wednesday, May 5 and be based on the Gold Coast before travelling to Melbourne for their Round Nine match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, May 16.

That puts them on the road for two full weeks amid ongoing concerns with the situation in WA.

West Coast are still scheduled to play Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday, with no changes yet to their Round 9 clash against Adelaide, which is due to be played in Perth.

The AFL said it is “working closely with both Western Australian-based teams” and any decision made would be in consultation with respective State Governments to”minimise any potential disruption and risk for both the clubs and the broader competition”.

Fremantle played West Coast in an empty stadium last Sunday and Dockers CEO Simon Garlick said the decision was the right outcome.

“The current COVID-19 situation in WA doesn’t yet allow for the certainty of crowds in attendance at Optus Stadium this weekend,” Garlick said.

“For two consecutive weeks we have played with no supporters in the stands and this fixture swap gives us the best chance to play in front of our faithful members and fans in full voice later in the season.

“There is the risk that more community cases occur in the coming days, which could impact Brisbane entering or leaving WA, along with our ability to travel interstate

“Today’s decision minimises the risk of potential disruption in coming weeks.”

The AFL has confirmed our round eight fixture against Brisbane this Sunday will move from Optus Stadium to the Gabba ✈️ #foreverfreo

— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) May 4, 2021

AFL Football Operations boss Steve Hocking said the health and safety of everyone remains paramount and the league would continue to take the advice of governments and health officials.

“The health and safety of everyone in the game and the wider community remains the priority as we continue to navigate the pandemic,” Mr Hocking said.

“Our competition will continue to remain adaptable as we navigate the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and the AFL thanks both clubs, players and the AFLPA, venues, governments, and supporters for their understanding.”

AFL ROUND EIGHT

Friday, May 7

Richmond vs. Geelong Cats MCG 7:50pm 7:50pm

Saturday, May 8

GWS GIANTS vs. Essendon GIANTS Stadium 1:45pm

Gold Coast SUNS vs. St Kilda Metricon Stadium 2:10pm

North Melbourne vs. Collingwood Marvel Stadium 4:35pm

Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans MCG 7:25pm

Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide Crows Adelaide Oval 7:10pm

Sunday, May 9

Hawthorn vs. West Coast Eagles MCG 1:10pm

Western Bulldogs vs. Carlton Marvel Stadium 3:20pm

Brisbane Lions vs. Fremantle The Gabba 4:40pm