By Jon Pierik, Sam McClure, Michael Gleeson and Peter Ryan
The floating fixture at the end of the AFL’s home-and-away season shapes as the likely window for the rescheduled Gold Coast versus Essendon clash after both Queensland games in the league’s opening round were rescheduled due to Cyclone Alfred.
Speaking at the AFL’s season launch on Tuesday, CEO Andrew Dillon said neither the Suns v Essendon clash nor the season-opener between the Lions and Geelong could be moved to Melbourne this round because it wouldn’t be feasible for either of the Queensland-based teams.
Waiting game: Lions coach Chris Fagan and co-captain Lachie Neale will have to wait to unfurl their premiership flag.Credit: Eddie Jim
“What we want to do is have the minimum amount of people flying in and out of Queensland at the moment. For the players and the staff at the Suns and the Lions, I think they will want to be at home with their families, looking after their houses and their loved ones.
“Our understanding is with the tidal surges that will be coming ... that once the cyclone passes, there will be continued rain and the forecast rain will make it really difficult.”
While round three shapes as the likely solution for rescheduling what was to be the season-opening game between Geelong and the Lions – given both teams have a bye that round – rescheduling the Gold Coast v Essendon fixture is more problematic.
With the final seven rounds of the home-and-away season serving as a floating fixture, it is highly likely – according to two club sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity – that the Suns’ game with the Bombers will be squeezed into a window in those final seven weeks. The two clubs are already scheduled to face off in round 17, meaning they could play each other again within a matter of weeks.
Dillon wouldn’t commit to a timeline on when the two matches will be rescheduled.
He acknowledged that the experience the AFL gained during the COVID lockdowns helped prepare the league to move games on the run.
Andrew Dillon fronts the media to explain the AFL’s rescheduling of the Queensland games in opening round.Credit: Getty Images
“Yeah, I think it helped our team. But I also think the understanding of the clubs after those two years of COVID has us a little more attuned than we would have been otherwise.”
While unavoidable, the rescheduling is a huge blow to the AFL as it sought to make inroads in the northern markets with its concentrated focus on Queensland and New South Wales for opening round. Last year, the Thursday and Friday night opening round fixture drew a combined average TV audience of close to two-and-a-half million people.
But Dillon said the health and safety of all parties had been the priority.
“As I said yesterday, the priority is that we do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of everyone in and around any potential cyclone zone or community impacted by the forecast heavy rains and storm surges,” Dillon said.
“It is a very uncertain situation that is unfolding, and our thoughts are with everyone in south-east Queensland and northern NSW that may be impacted. Ultimately, we hope this weather event doesn’t eventuate, but we know everyone needs to prepare accordingly, and we don’t want our games to be a distraction to those preparations.
“We want to make the decision now to give clubs and fans certainty in an uncertain environment and allow anyone from Queensland who would normally be involved in this game through coaching, playing, attending or working at the venue time to be home with their families and available in the community if required.
“I want to thank our clubs for their support and patience, our broadcasters for being aligned with our view that the community and public safety must always come first, [and] the venues and venue partners and our fans for their understanding.”
The league’s opening round will now only feature Friday night’s clash between the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn at the SCG and Sunday’s game between Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood at Engie Stadium.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli had earlier detailed the crisis plans he has for his state ahead of the predicted wild and wet weather.
He said had also spoken with AFL and NRL chiefs ahead of the weekend’s games in Brisbane.
Crisafulli said there were three stages expected of the weather event: Big surf, damaging winds, and significant rain, including flooding and dangerous storms.
“This is something we need to take seriously,” Crisafulli said.
“We are prepared. We are asking all Queenslanders to do the same.”
Authorities are expecting heavy rain from Thursday through until Saturday, with isolated areas experiencing up to 700 millimetres of rain, likely leading to flooding.
Ahead of the league’s announcement, Lions coach Chris Fagan called for the game to be postponed.
“It’s just a game of football. The safety of family, friends, staff and fans is the priority, so that’s why common sense has to prevail,” Fagan said.
Cats coach Chris Scott had also called for the game to be shifted.
“Even in principle, the idea of getting on a plane and flying into the eye of a cyclone doesn’t sound like a great idea,” Scott said.
Fagan said the fact both teams had the bye in round three made moving the clash the ideal solution.
The Bureau of Meteorology said Alfred was forecast to cross the south-east Queensland coast at category 2 strength late on Thursday or early Friday.
with Nick Wright
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