AFL 2021 COVID: North Melbourne given all clear to take on Melbourne at Blundstone Arena

In a big win for the bottom-of-the-table Kangaroos, who have been given the green light to host their first game in Hobart since 2019.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 24: David Noble, senior coach of the Kangaroos addresses his players during the round six AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

North Melbourne will host its first game in Hobart since the start of the COVID pandemic after Tasmania’s chief health officer formally cleared the path for Sunday’s clash with Melbourne to proceed at Blundstone Arena.

The Kangaroos - and the AFL - were breathing a sigh of relief after being informed of the decision on Wednesday afternoon.

There had been doubt on the Round 7 game scheduled for Hobart after North Melbourne was forced into isolation on its return from Perth last Sunday following that city’s snap three-day lockdown.

The Victorian Government had declared Perth a ‘red zone’, but downgraded it to ‘orange’ when the Western Australian government’s lockdown ended on Tuesday.

That allowed the Kangaroos players and staff to get back into the community after they all received negative COVID tests.

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North Melbourne’s clash with Melbourne will be played in Tassie.

North Melbourne chief executive Ben Amarfio praised the Victorian and Tasmanian governments for their diligence and for allowing the game to go ahead as scheduled.

“The Victorian and Tasmanian Governments have been transparent and vigilant throughout the process,” Amarfio said.

“It was a delicate situation but ultimately we have the best outcome possible and will play in Hobart for the first time this season.”

It’s a big win for the bottom-of-the-ladder Kangaroos, who were desperate to return to Tasmania for the first time since late 2019.

The club is in the final year of its current deal to play four matches per season at Blundstone Arena.

“We have close to six thousand members and lots of supporters in Tasmania who have all been deprived with no football being played in Tassie last season,” Amarfio said.

“Melbourne is a top of the ladder team and we expect a great contest and can’t wait to provide some real entertainment for everyone.

“The boys will be ready to go come Sunday and we’re really looking forward to a strong turnout.”

The Roos are heading back to Tassie. Picture: Getty Images

The AFL said on Tuesday it had been confident the game would go ahead in Hobart, but it had a contingency plan in case.

A Tasmanian police investigation was launched into the Kangaroos’ movements in Perth – as well as that of their opponents Fremantle, whom they played at an empty Perth Stadium last Saturday – with the report being sent to the state’s chief commissioner.

Ultimately the decision rested with Tasmania’s chief health officer, who weighed up risk factors and deemed the game was safe to proceed.

The AFL will use chartered flights at all interstate games from this weekend until at least the end of Round 10.

It is understood the league wants clubs to spend as little time as possible away from their home base.

That means the Kangaroos and the Demons will likely share a flight to and from Hobart this weekend.

Originally published as AFL 2021 COVID: North Melbourne given all clear to take on Melbourne at Blundstone Arena