AFLNT keeping an eye on growing Victoria coronavirus situation but expect Gold Coast v Hawks AFL match to go ahead

The boss of AFLNT says he expects the AFL blockbuster between Hawthorn and Gold Coast to go ahead this Sunday but will “keep an eye” on the Covid-19 situation in Melbourne.

Hawthorn will be arriving in Darwin a day early due to the growing Covid-19 situation in Melbourne. Pic: Michael Klein

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham says he expects the AFL blockbuster between Hawthorn and Gold Coast to go ahead this Sunday but will “keep an eye” on the Melbourne coronavirus situation.

The Victorian cluster has swelled to 15 community cases with exposure sites spread across Melbourne and the Bendigo area.

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In response the travelling Hawthorn squad have moved their travel plans to Thursday leaving Melbourne at 8am, a day earlier than they were originally set to arrive in Darwin.

“I think we just have to watch it to see how it goes in the next 24-48 hours and respond to that,” Totham said.

“For us it’s full steam ahead, the change has seen Hawthorn travelling a day early so they’re getting out of Melbourne.

“We’re just keeping an eye on things and let’s hope that they contain the cluster and there’s no more disruption not only to the AFL but the community as a whole.”

Melbourne Demons are another team from the potential hot spot coming to the NT, set to play in Alice Springs against the Brisbane Lions on June 4.

A big part of interstate clubs coming to the Top End is their involvement in schools and communities.

And while there has been no call to cancel those engagements at this stage Totham

“We’re still planning for these events as everyone coming up from Hawthorn is being tested (on Wednesday),” Totham said.

“We will be careful of course and if we receive advice to pull back on those programs we will but for now we’re cracking on as normal.”