AFL Covid news 2021: Follow the latest fixture and club news ahead of Round 16

The AFL has ruled Fremantle’s ‘home’ game will be played at the MCG, but the Dockers boss says the club would have chosen three other venues over the home of footy.

Fremantle admits its “home” game against Carlton at the MCG on Saturday will be at its fourth-choice venue as the Dockers attempt to qualify for their first finals appearance since 2015.

The AFL mandated that Fremantle would play at the MCG as part of a Saturday double-header that will see the stadium cleaned in between the 1.45pm GWS-Melbourne clash.

The league’s desire to have a fallback venue for Adelaide-Brisbane meant it ruled the Dockers played at the MCG.

The 7.40pm clash is the first double-header at the MCG since 1986 when the league played two VFL double-headers across the season.

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The Dockers are feeling Blue over an MCG ‘home’ game with Carlton. Picture: Michael Klein

Adelaide’s improved Covid landscape with no new cases on Thursday means the Crows will be able to fly back to take on Brisbane on Saturday.

The Crows are still hopeful of a crowd at the Adelaide Oval clash, with Port Adelaide to fly home on Sunday after their clash against Hawthorn in Melbourne on Saturday.

Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick accepted the decision with good grace, but admitted the club had no choice after all of their preferences were “completely pulled out from under” the club given the Covid situation.

Fremantle’s clash was initially slated for Optus Stadium before being moved because of COVID issues.

Tasmania then rebuffed the Dockers despite them remaining in lockdown after returning to Perth last weekend, with GMHBA Stadium also considered as a potential home.

But despite only three games at the MCG since 2019 compared to Carlton’s 16, the Dockers are determined to get exposure for their young kids at the home of the Grand Final.

A number of circumstances forced the AFL’s hand on the venue for Blues v Dockers. Picture: Getty Images

The decision was made by the AFL through a combination of circumstances that included broadcasting requirements and the need to keep a venue free should Adelaide relocate its clash against Brisbane.

Planning for an MCG double-header at short notice would have been impossible given logistical challenges.

So ticking off that schedule on Thursday allows the league to quickly slot in a GMHBA game for the Crows on Saturday in the case of a South Australian Covid outbreak.

MCC chief executive Stuart Fox told News Corp on Thursday he was excited for Melbourne football fans.

“It’s obviously a challenging environment across the country at the moment so we’re more than happy to assist the AFL in continuing the 2021 season,” he said.

“Due to the various lockdowns, it’s been a disrupted last 18 months at the MCG where our members and fans have missed attending a lot of live footy.

“While it’s unfortunate what is unfolding in other states, it’s a positive boost for footy-loving Victorians to see additional matches here.”

The AFL is still open to games being played in regional venues across Rounds 17-18, with money available for clubs and the league through the state government’s Regional Events Fund.

But it is understood any funding for games in regional venues like Shepparton and Wangaratta would likely go to infrastructure like added fencing and scaffolding to get those venues to AFL standard.

Fremantle is set to play Hawthorn in Tasmania next week and the Giants could host Gold Coast at Ballarat next week.

Sydney’s clash against West Coast has been funded by the state government as part of its bid to drag Victorians back to the regions after weeks of restrictions.

Originally published as AFL Covid news 2021: Follow the latest fixture and club news ahead of Round 16